Chef

Royal Hospital Chelsea; Greater London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave entitlement

Pension scheme – Enhanced and +

Wellbeing support

Enhanced sick leave

Social events throughout the year

Birthday day off

Discounts at onsite cafes

Cycle to work scheme (post probation)

Season Loan Ticket (post probation)

Free onsite Parking

Free onsite gym

Prestigious organisation to work for

Job summary

The Royal Hospital Chelsea invites an experienced Chef to join our busy Catering Team. You will prepare, cook and serve high quality meals across the Great Hall and the Margaret Thatcher Infirmary, working in Kitchen, Larder and Pastry sections to support daily dining and special events.

This hands-on role involves maintaining high standards of hygiene and food quality, collaborating with senior chefs, and flexing shifts across early and late patterns, including weekends.

Qualifications

• Experience in a professional kitchen environment.
• Pride in high-quality food and presentation.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to high standards.
• Thrives in a collaborative, team-focused environment.
• Brings energy, enthusiasm and a positive approach to work.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and serve high-quality meals across the Great Hall and the Margaret Thatcher Infirmary.
• Work within Kitchen, Larder and Pastry sections.
• Support day-to-day dining services and special events.
• Maintain high standards of hygiene, health and safety, and food quality.
• Occasional later finishes to support events and functions.

Skills

Professional kitchen experience

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Energy and enthusiasm

Food presentation

Job description

The Royal Hospital Chelsea is an historic institution and home to the iconic Chelsea Pensioners. Since 1692, we have provided care, comradeship, and support to veterans of the British Army. Today, we are a unique community where heritage, innovation, and excellence come together to make a meaningful difference to the lives of our Pensioners, staff, volunteers, and visitors.

The RHC Way

The RHC Way is at the heart of everything we do. Developed by colleagues from across the Hospital, it brings our values to life through the behaviours that shape our culture and strengthen our community. Guided by Compassionate Approach, Community Spirit, and Courageous Engagement, we foster an inclusive environment where people are treated with dignity and respect, work collaboratively, and are empowered to make a positive difference every day.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Chef to join our talented Catering Team. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in the unique and historic surroundings of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, helping to create exceptional dining experiences for our Chelsea Pensioners and guests.

As a Chef, you will prepare, cook and serve high quality meals across both the Great Hall and the Margaret Thatcher Infirmary. Working within our Kitchen, Larder and Pastry sections, you will gain exposure to a variety of catering operations while supporting both day-to-day dining services and special events.

This is a hands-on role where no two days are the same. You will work closely with senior chefs to deliver outstanding food, contribute to memorable functions and events, and help maintain the high standards for which our Catering Team is known. You will also play an important role in ensuring excellent food hygiene, health and safety, and food quality standards are consistently achieved.

This is a full-time position working any five days from seven, including weekends. Shift patterns are:

• 06:00 to 14:00
• 11:00 to 19:00

Occasional later finishes may be required to support events and functions.

About you

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience working in a professional kitchen environment.
• Takes pride in producing high quality food and presentation.
• Has excellent attention to detail and a commitment to high standards.
• Thrives in a collaborative, team-focused environment.
• Brings energy, enthusiasm and a positive approach to their work.

What We Offer

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Pension scheme – Enhanced and competitive pension scheme
• Access to wellbeing support – Access to EAP including confidential counselling and wellbeing support
• Enhanced sick leave
• Several social events throughout the year
• Birthday day off
• Discounts at onsite cafes
• Cycle to work scheme (post probation)
• Season Loan Ticket (post probation)
• Free onsite Parking
• Free onsite gym
• Opportunity to work for a prestigious organisation in a unique and historic environment

Using AI in Your Application

We know that AI tools can be a helpful way to get started or organise your thoughts when preparing an application. If you choose to use them, we simply ask that your application stays true to you and reflects your own voice, experience, and reasons for wanting to join us. We are looking forward to hearing your story and learning more about what you could bring to the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At the Royal Hospital Chelsea, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives and believe that a diverse workforce strengthens our community and enhances the service we provide.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and are committed to ensuring all applicants are treated fairly, with dignity and respect throughout the recruitment process.

Reasonable Adjustments

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, including support with completing your application or attending an interview, please let us know. We will work with you to ensure appropriate arrangements are made and that any barriers to participation are removed wherever possible.

Recruitment Process

The Royal Hospital Chelsea is committed to safer recruitment practices. Offers of employment are subject to references, right to work checks, DBS clearance, and any other relevant pre-employment checks required for the role.