Commis Chef

UK House of Lords; Greater London; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious UK institution is seeking Commis Chefs to join their Catering and Retail Services Office. This opportunity allows you to develop your culinary career while working under the guidance of senior chefs. You will assist in food preparation, maintain hygiene standards, and gain experience with food safety systems. Ideal candidates will have a basic culinary qualification or be working towards it. Enjoy benefits including generous annual leave, a pension scheme, and a chance to witness history.

Benefits

30 days annual leave (increasing to 35 after one year’s service)

Generous pension scheme

Health and wellbeing programme

Qualifications

• Understanding of a kitchen operation.
• Experience in a professional kitchen is beneficial.
• Familiarity with HACCP procedures and allergen awareness.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing and cooking food across kitchen sections.
• Follow recipes and instructions provided by senior chefs.
• Maintain hygiene and cleanliness in food preparation areas.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication skills

Understanding of food hygiene

Education

Basic culinary qualification (e.g. NVQ Level 1 or 2 in Professional Cookery)

Tools

Digital temperature probes

Computerised food safety systems

Job description

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.

As a Commis Chef, you will work under the guidance of senior chefs to prepare ingredients, assist in cooking and plating, and maintain high standards of cleanliness and food safety. You will also be expected to understand and correctly use computerised food safety systems, including digital temperature probes and monitoring equipment.

Youll 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.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, health and safety, and allergen regulations.
• Assist with stock rotation and basic inventory tasks.

If this sounds like something you would like to hear more about, please apply below.

What Were 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 if you’re willing to learn

• Experience using digital temperature probes and kitchen monitoring systems.
• Competent to use computerised food safety systems.

What Youll 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.