Head Chef

Smyth & Co; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious London restaurant is seeking a Head Chef to lead a high-performing kitchen. The successful candidate will have a passion for culinary excellence and modern cooking techniques. This role involves mentoring the kitchen brigade, designing innovative menus, and ensuring top-quality standards. Competitive salary of £60,000–£65,000, alongside unique perks such as annual dining vouchers and exclusive trips. Apply through the agency to elevate your culinary career to new heights.

Benefits

Referral scheme of up to £700

Exclusive supplier trips

Extra holiday day on your birthday

£150 annual dining voucher

35% staff discount after probation

Counselling services & 24/7 support

Family care assistance

24/7 GP surgery web app access

Legal advice helpline

Seasonal staff parties

Employee of the Month rewards

Qualifications

• Demonstrated success in a Head Chef role within a high-end or high-volume environment.
• Experience in French fine dining is highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Leading, mentoring, and motivating the kitchen brigade.
• Designing innovative, seasonal menus.
• Managing food costs, inventory, and supplier relationships.
• Ensuring the highest health, safety, and hygiene standards.

Skills

Leadership and communication skills

Mastery of modern cooking techniques

Strong cost-control and budgeting knowledge

Education

Culinary qualifications or equivalent professional experience

Job description

Head chef required for one of London’s most famous restaurants. £60,000-65,000.

Head Chef – January / February Start

Location: London

Employment Type: Full-time, 45-hour contract with paid overtime

Salary: £60,000–£65,000

Represented by Smyth & Co

Smyth & Co is delighted to partner with a prestigious, high-end London restaurant to recruit an exceptional Head Chef . This is an outstanding opportunity for a creative and ambitious culinary leader to shape the kitchen of one of the city’s most vibrant and stylish dining destinations.

Our client blends modern innovation with timeless hospitality, offering a fast-paced, sensory environment where craftsmanship, energy, and excellence are at the heart of every service.

What Our Client Offers

• £60,000–£65,000 salary
• Referral scheme – up to £700 per successful hire
• Exclusive supplier trips to farms, producers, and vineyards
• Extra holiday day on your birthday after 2 years of service
• £150 annual dining voucher
• 35% staff discount after probation
• Counselling services & 24 / 7 support
• Family care assistance (childcare, eldercare, pet care)
• 24 / 7 GP surgery web app access
• Legal advice helpline
• Seasonal staff parties featuring excellent food, drinks, and entertainment
• Employee of the Month rewards

The Role

Smyth & Co is seeking a Head Chef who can confidently take full ownership of a high-performing kitchen. You will lead with vision, drive standards, and bring creative flair to a restaurant celebrated for its craft and atmosphere.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading, mentoring, and motivating the kitchen brigade
• Designing innovative, seasonal menus
• Managing food costs, inventory, and supplier relationships
• Ensuring the highest health, safety, and hygiene standards
• Working closely with senior management to enhance guest experience and profitability
• Delivering consistent excellence in flavour, presentation, and technique

About You

Our client is seeking a proven Head Chef with the experience, authority, and creativity needed to lead a high-calibre kitchen.

You will have

• Demonstrated success in a Head Chef role within a high-end or high-volume environment
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Mastery of modern cooking techniques and global culinary trends
• A passion for delivering unforgettable dining experiences
• Strong cost-control and budgeting knowledge
• Culinary qualifications or equivalent professional experience
• Experience in French fine dining is highly desired

About Our Client

This is a restaurant where the kitchen comes alive from morning to night. Think ovens roaring, pastry chefs creating intricate delicacies, fresh produce arriving throughout the day, chefs searing and plating with precision, and guests filling the dining room in a theatre of movement, energy, and flavour.

It’s a modern culinary space influenced by classic traditions — elegant, lively, and committed to excellence.

Apply Through Smyth & Co

If you are a visionary Head Chef seeking your next challenge at a high-end London restaurant, Smyth & Co would love to hear from you.

Apply today and take the next step in your culinary career.