Head Chef

The Barbary; England; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned dining establishment in London's Neal’s Yard is seeking an exceptional Head Chef to lead a vibrant kitchen. This role involves managing a diverse team, innovative menu design, and ensuring operational excellence in a high-paced environment. The ideal candidate will bring a passion for open-fire cooking and strong leadership skills, contributing to a high-energy dining experience that celebrates the flavours of the Barbary Coast. An attractive compensation package is provided, including a competitive salary and various benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Visa sponsorship

Employee Referral Scheme

Paid development courses

Generous staff discount

Cost price wine and supplier discounts

Enhanced parental leave

Emergency cash and weekly wage advances

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Proven track record as a Head Chef or exceptional Sous Chef in a high-calibre kitchen.
• Strong technical ability with a flair for innovative, flavour-driven menu design.
• Experience with costing and GP management, health and safety compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a diverse kitchen team of 13.
• Contribute to menu development and execution.
• Ensure kitchen operations run smoothly while maintaining high standards.

Skills

Leadership

Menu Design

Operational Management

Open-fire Cooking

Team Collaboration

Job description

The Barbary is looking for a exceptional Head Chef to lead the kitchen team at our Neal’s Yard venue and bring passion, creativity and precision to a fast-paced, high energy open kitchen.

This is an opportunity to lead one of London’s most iconic kitchens, where fire-led cooking, bold flavours and immersive storytelling come together at the counter.

Tucked away in Neal’s Yard, these two restaurants tell a story of fire, flavour and culture inspired by the trade routes of the Barbary Coast. Each space has its own unique personality and pulse.

The Barbary is bold and high energy – centred around a 24-seat horseshoe kitchen counter, with open-fire cooking and warm hospitality.

You’ll be :

• A vibrant and energetic presence who thrives in the heart of a buzzing, guest-facing kitchen. You’re confident under pressure, with a proven track record as a Head Chef or exceptional Sous Chef in a high-calibre, high-volume kitchen.
• A creative force . You bring an innovative, flavour-driven approach to menu design and are eager to contribute to the ever-evolving menus at both The Barbary.
• Collaborative and team-focused . You’ll work closely with our Development Chef Aika Levins, and the wider senior leadership to bring ideas to life and maintain consistency across the brigade.
• A natural leader . You’re able to develop, motivate and guide a 13-strong team, ensuring excellence through clear communication, high standards and supportive coaching.
• Passionate about open-fire cooking and the flavours of the Barbary Coast . Previous experience with North African or Middle Eastern cuisine is a bonus, but what matters most is strong technical ability and a curiosity to explore bold flavour.
• Operationally strong and commercially aware . You understand the business side of running a successful kitchen, from costing and GP management to health and safety compliance and stock control. Previous evidence of achieved targets and informed decision-making is highly desirable.
• Ambitious and forward-thinking , eager to shape the future of The Barbary and contribute to the wider success of the Studio Paskin group.

Our benefits :

• Competitive salary : £65,000-70,000 / annum plus bonus.
• Visa sponsorship
• Up to £2,000 Employee Referral Scheme available to all.
• Paid development courses – WSET, Watershed and more.
• Generous staff discount of up to 50% across all our Studio Paskin venues.
• Cost price wine and supplier discounts.
• Enhanced parental leave package.
• Emergency cash and weekly wage advances with PayCaptain.
• Partnership with Kelly's Cause and automatic enrolment onto Hospitality Action’s Employee Assistance Programme – access to counselling, remote GP / physio services, legal advice, and more.

We believe that taking care of our team isn’t an extra perk – it’s our responsibility. At work, you will always have access to free staff meals, proper breaks, and Mental Health First Aid-trained managers to support you..

About us

We are committed to creating spaces where everyone feels comfortable and valued for who they are. We celebrate diversity and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.

Our success at The Barbary Neal’s Yard and its sister venues at Studio Paskin – The Palomar, The Blue Posts, Evelyn’s Table*, The Mulwray and The Barbary Notting Hill – is underpinned by an open-minded, compassionate and enthusiastic belief in the power of heartfelt hospitality.

We create places where we want to go, combining elegance, professionalism, and style, and earning us critical acclaim and multiple awards.

We want you to be a part of it.