At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to prepare and cook high-quality food in a historic setting.
- Company: Be part of the House of Lords, a prestigious UK institution.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, a generous pension, and health programmes.
- Why this job: Kickstart your culinary career while witnessing history in the making.
- Qualifications: Basic culinary skills or qualifications, and a passion for teamwork.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for growth.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
We are looking for Commis Chefs to join our Catering and Retail Services Office at the House of Lords. This is a position where you will have the opportunity to begin or develop your culinary career within one of the UK’s most historic institutions, supporting the delivery of high‑quality food across a range of outlets including staff dining, banqueting, fine dining, and brasserie‑style services.
You’ll Be Accountable To:
- Assist in the preparation and cooking of food across various sections of the kitchen, ensuring consistency and quality.
- Follow recipes and instructions provided by senior chefs, contributing to the smooth running of service.
- Maintain high standards of hygiene and cleanliness in all food preparation areas.
- Correctly use and understand computerised food safety systems, including digital temperature probes for checking cooked and chilled food, monitoring fridge and freezer temperatures using automated systems, logging and recording food safety data in line with HACCP procedures, and ensuring compliance with food safety, health and safety, and allergen regulations.
- Assist with stock rotation and basic inventory tasks.
What We’re Looking For:
- Understanding of a kitchen operation.
- Understanding of food hygiene and safety practices.
- Familiarity with HACCP procedures and allergen awareness.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Good communication skills within a kitchen.
- Any previous experience in a professional kitchen.
- Basic culinary qualification or working towards (e.g. NVQ Level 1 or 2 in Professional Cookery).
It Would Be Even Better If You Had or Are Willing to Learn:
- Experience using digital temperature probes and kitchen monitoring systems.
- Competent to use computerised food safety systems.
What You’ll Get In Return:
- 30 days annual leave (increasing to 35 after one year’s service).
- Generous pension scheme.
- Parliamentary health and wellbeing programme.
- The opportunity to witness history in the making.
The Work We Do Is Vital To House Of Lords, And You Will Be a Pivotal Member In The Team Strengthening The Work Of The House. The House Of Lords Is The Second Chamber Of The UK Parliament. It Is Independent From And Complements The Work Of The House Of Commons To Make laws, Check and challenge the actions of the government through questions and debates, Investigate public policy and provide a forum of independent expertise.
Please complete your online application by 23:55 on Thursday 29th January 2026. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application process, please contact HL Recruitment. Job offers are standardly offered at the minimum of the salary range. The House of Lords Administration is committed to increasing diversity and maintaining an inclusive workplace culture. We welcome applications from all candidates with diverse characteristics, including different ages, caring responsibilities, disability, gender/sex, gender reassignment/trans, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race/ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation and socio-economic status. We welcome discussions about flexible working arrangements and reasonable adjustments.
Commis Chef employer: UK House of Lords
Contact Detail:
UK House of Lords Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commis Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the kitchen! Before your interview, try to familiarise yourself with the House of Lords and its culinary offerings. This shows genuine interest and helps you stand out as someone who’s ready to dive into the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Being part of a kitchen team means working closely with others. Brush up on how to express your ideas clearly and listen actively – it’ll make a big difference during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for food safety! Since the role involves understanding HACCP procedures and food hygiene, be prepared to discuss any relevant experiences or knowledge you have. It’ll demonstrate that you take these responsibilities seriously.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application directly, so make sure you submit it online. This way, we can keep track of your progress and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
We think you need these skills to ace Commis Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking: When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share any experiences or moments that sparked your interest in the culinary world. We want to see your enthusiasm for food and how it drives you to be a part of our team.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Even if you’re just starting out, mention any previous kitchen experience you have, no matter how small. Whether it's a part-time job, an internship, or even helping out at home, we want to know how you've been involved in food preparation and what you've learned along the way.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the Commis Chef position.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised and efficient!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK House of Lords
✨Know Your Kitchen Basics
Before heading into the interview, brush up on your understanding of kitchen operations and food hygiene practices. Familiarise yourself with HACCP procedures and allergen awareness, as these are crucial for the role. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about your culinary career.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
The role requires you to work effectively as part of a team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've collaborated in previous kitchen experiences. Highlight any instances where you supported your colleagues or contributed to a successful service. This will demonstrate your ability to fit into their team dynamic.
✨Get Hands-On with Technology
If you have experience using digital temperature probes or kitchen monitoring systems, make sure to mention it. If not, express your willingness to learn. Showing enthusiasm for technology in the kitchen can set you apart from other candidates and align with their focus on food safety systems.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the types of dishes you'll be working on or how the team maintains high standards of hygiene. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.