Kitchen Manager

Kitchen Manager

Location: London (Arcade Arena London and The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience). Job Type: Full time, 40 hour week. Salary: Competitive + service charge. Start Date: August 2026.

About Little Lion Entertainment

Little Lion Entertainment is a pioneering force in immersive entertainment, creating standout attractions that redefine how audiences play and engage. At Arcade Arena London, that innovation is brought together in one electrifying destination, combining the high speed competition of Chaos Karts, the nostalgic maze running excitement of PAC-MAN LIVE EXPERIENCE, and the action packed spectacle of the brand new Alien Invasion. Alongside this, the iconic The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience continues to thrive as an attraction, showcasing Little Lion Entertainment's broader expertise in delivering unforgettable, large scale immersive adventures.

About the Role

We’re launching a brand new immersive entertainment attraction in London this September, bringing cutting edge technology, interactive experiences and high energy fun together under one roof. We're looking for a hands on, organised and commercially minded Kitchen Manager to lead the food operation across Arcade Arena London and The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience. This is a key launch role within Little Lion Entertainment’s growing food and beverage operation. You’ll work directly with the Head of F&B to deliver new menus, build strong kitchen systems, train junior kitchen leads and make sure food quality, consistency, safety and speed are delivered every day. The menus have been developed, but this is not a just follow the book role. We’re looking for someone who can help bring them to life, refine prep and service flow, improve kitchen standards and contribute ideas as the food offer evolves. This role will initially be split across our two London venues while Arcade Arena London launches and the food operation beds in. This is not a traditional late night restaurant kitchen role. Our venues are experience led, fast paced and fun, with no typical late night restaurant finishes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day to day kitchen operation across Arcade Arena London and The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience.
• Work directly with the Head of F&B to deliver menus, specs, builds, prep systems and service standards.
• Train, coach and develop junior kitchen team members and future site kitchen leads.
• Ensure all dishes are prepared and presented consistently to agreed specifications.
• Manage prep, ordering, stock control, wastage and kitchen organisation.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, allergen control, hygiene and health & safety.
• Lead from the front during busy periods and support the team on the kitchen floor.
• Work closely with venue managers and the wider operations team to deliver a smooth guest experience.
• Support corporate and group food delivery, ensuring food is served on time and to standard.
• Keep kitchen records, checklists and compliance documents accurate and up to date.

What We're Looking For

• Experience as a Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef, Senior Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous ready to step up.
• A hands on leader who enjoys being on the kitchen floor, not managing from a distance.
• Strong understanding of food safety, allergens, hygiene and kitchen compliance.
• Calm, organised and consistent under pressure.
• Able to manage prep, stock, ordering, waste and kitchen standards.
• Comfortable working across more than one site, especially during a launch period.
• Positive leadership style with the ability to train and motivate junior chefs.
• Commercial awareness around food cost, labour, wastage and consistency.
• Level 3 Food Safety preferred.

What You'll Get

• Competitive salary, plus service charge.
• Service charge is paid in addition to the salary and is not included in the figure above.
• A key role in the opening of one of London’s newest immersive attractions.
• Direct working relationship with the Head of F&B.
• Genuine room to contribute to menu development, specs and operational improvements.
• No typical late night restaurant finishes.
• Complimentary tickets to all Little Lion attractions, including The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience after 6 months.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Ongoing training, development and progression opportunities.
• A fun, energetic and supportive working environment.

We kindly ask that applicants only apply if they can commit to the following key dates: interviews and assessment centres from 20th July 2026, and training from 10th August 2026. Successful applicants will then be required to attend training from 10th August 2026, as we prepare the team for our official opening. This training period is an essential part of the role, ensuring every team member is fully equipped to deliver the exceptional guest experience that Little Lion Entertainment is known for.

Experience and Employment

Experience: Required
Employment: Full-time

About The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience

The Crystal Maze is an iconic, high energy attraction where no two days are the same. You’ll join a fun, supportive team, help create unforgettable guest experiences and have opportunities to learn, develop and grow with the business.