At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our kitchen, create seasonal menus, and inspire a passionate team.
- Company: The Orangery, a vibrant restaurant with a unique farm-to-table concept.
- Benefits: 33 days annual leave, great meals, gym access, and career progression.
- Other info: Join a pioneering hospitality business committed to sustainability and community.
- Why this job: Shape innovative dining experiences while promoting sustainability in the heart of London.
- Qualifications: Proven Head Chef experience and a passion for seasonal cooking.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
We are looking for an experienced, visionary, and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen at The Orangery, our innovative restaurant in the heart of Tottenham Court Road's vibrant culinary scene. This is a unique opportunity to shape a bold farm-to-table concept, driving culinary creativity, kitchen excellence, and showcasing the very best of our on-site vertical farm.
About The Orangery
Located near Tottenham Court Road Station, The Orangery is a bold new take on urban dining. At its heart is a vertical farm, seamlessly integrated into the space and supplying ultra-fresh, pesticide-free produce for our ever-changing menu. The Orangery offers an immersive dining experience surrounded by the very produce that feeds into your menu. From breakfast through to dinner, we transform seasonal, farm-fresh ingredients into refined dishes that showcase the day's harvest. Our commitment to sustainable cuisine comes to life through our on-site vertical farming, creating a truly unique farm-to-table experience in the heart of London.
About the Role
- Location: The Orangery at Tottenham Court Road
- Hours: 40 hours/week plus overtime - 5 days out of 7
- Flexibility: Must be available for shifts within opening hours:
- Weekdays: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Sundays: Opening soon!
As Head Chef, you will take ownership of kitchen leadership and menu delivery at The Orangery, reporting into our Executive Chefs ensuring The Orangery delivers consistently exceptional dining experiences.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and inspire the kitchen team, setting the tone for creativity, discipline, and teamwork.
- Report into the Executive Chefs, collaborating on strategy, standards, and menu development.
- Create and deliver seasonal, produce-led menus showcasing our vertical farm.
- Manage all aspects of kitchen operations: service, scheduling, training, development, and performance.
- Drive menu innovation in line with our farm-to-table ethos and sustainability values.
- Oversee stock management, ordering, and cost control with a focus on efficiency and waste reduction.
- Uphold the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and compliance.
- Partner with the front-of-house team to deliver seamless and memorable guest experiences.
What You'll Bring
- Proven experience as a Head Chef in a high-quality restaurant environment.
- Leadership skills with the ability to mentor, motivate, and inspire a brigade.
- Creativity and flair, with a deep passion for seasonal and sustainable cooking.
- Organisational strength and composure in high-pressure environments.
- Meticulous attention to detail in execution and presentation.
- Collaborative mindset, with the ability to work closely with the Executive Chefs and wider leadership team.
- Alignment with The Orangery's and The Good Eating Company's values.
Why Work With Us?
- 33 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays
- Great coffee & delicious meals on shift
- Access to great onsite gym
- CODE app membership for hospitality perks
- Employee Assistance program to support mental and physical health
- Training opportunities via our bespoke Learning Management System
- Real career progression in a growing business
- Cycle to Work & Referral Schemes
- A workplace where innovation and sustainability are part of the culture
About The Good Eating Company
The Orangery at Tottenham Court Road is operated by The Good Eating Company, a pioneering hospitality business that has been setting new standards in dining experiences since 1999. Founded in London around a kitchen table with a passion for exceptional food, The Good Eating Company has grown to operate over 30 successful hospitality units across the UK, Ireland, USA, and Canada.
We believe that fabulous, fresh food is the secret to a happy and dedicated workforce, and this philosophy extends beyond workplace dining to all our restaurant ventures. Our commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through our officially recognised carbon-neutral status and ISO 14001 environmental standard accreditation. We use locally-sourced and seasonal produce wherever possible, believing it's better for both our taste buds and our planet.
We strive to elevate the ordinary and delight our guests with dishes that have a refined twist in the recipe. From Restaurant, to Grab & Go, from starter to dessert, each dish has its own character. The Good Eating Company is both a community and a destination for inspiration, where food is the universal language that brings joy and spontaneity into the everyday.
Each team member is valued and supported with competitive pay, comprehensive training and development schemes, and plenty of social activities. We're committed to creating engaging spaces that deliver relaxed and stylish dining environments, making The Orangery the heart of London's innovative dining scene.
Head Chef employer: The Orangery
The Orangery at Tottenham Court Road, operated by The Good Eating Company, is an exceptional employer that champions creativity and sustainability in a vibrant culinary setting. With 33 days of annual leave, access to wellness programmes, and real career progression opportunities, employees are supported in both their professional and personal growth. Join a team where innovation thrives, and enjoy the unique advantage of working in a restaurant that integrates a vertical farm, providing ultra-fresh produce for a truly immersive dining experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with fellow chefs, foodies, and industry insiders. Attend culinary events or workshops to meet people who can help you land that Head Chef role at The Orangery.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your ideas for seasonal menus or innovative dishes. Let them see your passion for farm-to-table cooking and how you can elevate their dining experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for a practical test! Many restaurants, including The Orangery, might ask you to whip up a dish or two during the interview process. Brush up on your skills and be ready to showcase your culinary flair under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of The Orangery team and our commitment to sustainability and innovation.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you dive into your application, take a good look at the job description. We want to see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for, so make sure you understand the key responsibilities and requirements.
Showcase Your Passion for Culinary Creativity:As a Head Chef, we’re all about innovation and sustainability. Make sure your application reflects your passion for seasonal cooking and your vision for a farm-to-table concept. Let us know how you can bring that creativity to The Orangery!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match our ethos. Use specific examples of your leadership and culinary achievements to really stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at The Orangery. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Orangery
✨Know Your Ingredients
As a Head Chef, you need to showcase your passion for seasonal and sustainable cooking. Research the types of produce that will be available from the vertical farm at The Orangery and think about how you can incorporate them into innovative dishes. This will demonstrate your commitment to the farm-to-table ethos.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
During the interview, be prepared to discuss your leadership approach. Share examples of how you've inspired and mentored kitchen teams in the past. Highlight your ability to create a collaborative environment, as this aligns with the values of The Good Eating Company.
✨Bring Your Menu Ideas
Come to the interview with a few menu ideas that reflect the seasonal produce and sustainability focus of The Orangery. This not only shows your creativity but also your understanding of the restaurant's vision. Be ready to explain your thought process behind each dish.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with The Good Eating Company's philosophy and their commitment to sustainability. Knowing their history and values will help you align your answers with what they are looking for in a candidate. It shows that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
