At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen operation and create exciting food experiences for guests.
- Company: Join Little Lion Entertainment, a leader in immersive entertainment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, service charge, complimentary attraction tickets, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Enjoy a fun, energetic environment with no late-night shifts.
- Why this job: Be part of launching a thrilling new attraction and make your mark on the menu.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management and a passion for food safety and quality.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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.
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Kitchen Manager in London employer: The Crystal Maze Live Experience
Little Lion Entertainment is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and dynamic work culture that thrives on creativity and innovation. As a Kitchen Manager in London, you'll enjoy competitive pay, a supportive environment, and the chance to shape exciting new menus while working at one of the city's most thrilling immersive attractions. With opportunities for ongoing training and development, plus unique perks like complimentary tickets to all attractions, this role promises a rewarding career in a fun and energetic setting.
Contact Details:
The Crystal Maze Live Experience Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Manager in London
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like The Crystal Maze Live Experience. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to The Crystal Maze Live Experience
Don't be shy about reaching out to The Crystal Maze Live Experience directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about The Crystal Maze Live Experience and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Crystal Maze Live Experience
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
