Chef

The Big Table Group; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hourly pay with Tronc

Flexible contracts

Discounts on food and drink

Wellbeing & support

Job summary

Chiquito in Portsmouth is looking for a passionate Chef to join our fast-paced kitchen and deliver bold Tex-Mex flavours every service. You’ll work with a close-knit team, bringing energy, pride, and a commitment to great food.

We welcome cooks who love cooking, thrive under pressure, and enjoy learning new skills. This role offers a supportive environment, flexible contracts, and real opportunities to grow with The Big Table Group.

Qualifications

• Proven love for creating flavorful dishes.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen and maintain quality.
• Good teamwork and positive attitude.

Responsibilities

• Cook Tex-Mex dishes to specification, hot and fresh.
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness and safety.
• Collaborate with the team to deliver a memorable guest experience.
• Bring energy and pride to every shift.
• Support the kitchen and adapt quickly in a busy service.

Skills

Passion for food

Teamwork

Fast-paced environment

Job description

Bring the Heat – Join Chiquito as a Chef!

At Chiquito , we’re all about bold flavours, sizzling dishes, and unforgettable experiences. If you’re passionate about cooking, thrive in a fast-paced kitchen, and love being part of a fun, supportive team, we’d love to welcome you as a Chef !

We know that great food starts with great people, so we offer:

• Hourly pay and opportunity to earn Tronc
• A Place for Everyone– We celebrate individuality and welcome anyone who brings passion, energy, and a love for food.
• Flexible Working – Contracts that fit your lifestyle.
• Awesome Discounts – 50% off food and drink across all Big Table Group brands, plus 25% off for friends & family.
• Wellbeing & Support – Our Employee Assistance Program includes a 24/ 7 virtual GP, mental health support, second medical opinion service, and more.
• Career Growth – Fully funded apprenticeships and development opportunities (Hospitality Team Member Level 2 and beyond).
• Perks & Rewards – Free meals on shift, early access to wages, discounted gym memberships, and exclusive savings on theme parks, shopping, and more!
• Team Celebrations – Competitions, team parties, and chances to win e-points to spend on your favourite retailers.

What You’ll Do as a Chef:

• Cook delicious Tex-Mex dishes to spec—hot, fresh, and full of flavour.
• Keep the kitchen clean, safe, and running smoothly.
• Work as part of a close‑knit team that supports each other and has fun doing it.
• Help deliver an unforgettable experience for every guest.
• Bring energy, pride, and passion to every shift.

Who We’re Looking For:

If you love food, enjoy working as part of a close‑knit team, and thrive in a fast‑paced kitchen environment, you could be exactly who we’re looking for.

At Chiquito our kitchens are the heartbeat of the restaurant. From prepping fresh ingredients to cooking dishes our guests love, you’ll play a key role in delivering great food, every time. You’ll be part of a supportive, friendly team where you can learn new skills, build confidence, and take pride in what you do.

We’re proud to be an inclusive workplace where everyone belongs. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the hiring process, just let us know – we’re always happy to help.

Thinking about using AI tools for your application? They can help you get started, but what really stands out to us is you – your enthusiasm, teamwork, and willingness to get stuck in.

What’s the process?

Application → CV review → interview → offer and onboarding

You don’t need loads of experience – just a genuine love for food, a positive attitude, and a great team mindset. If you enjoy working behind the scenes to create something special on the plate, we’d love to welcome you into the Chiquito kitchen.