Head Chef

Spread; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected local café in Greater London is seeking an experienced Head Chef to oversee their brunch kitchen. The ideal candidate will lead menu development, manage a small kitchen team, and maintain high standards during busy services. Strong leadership and a passion for seasonal cooking are essential, along with the ability to manage food costs effectively. This full-time role offers daytime hours only and the chance to grow with an independent business.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous ready to step up.
• Brunch/café/bistro background preferred.
• Organised, calm, and hands-on leadership style.
• Passion for seasonal, produce-led cooking.
• Strong understanding of food costs and kitchen efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead the brunch menu from development to daily execution.
• Run service confidently during busy weekend brunches.
• Manage and mentor a small kitchen team.
• Set systems for prep, ordering, stock, and food cost control.
• Maintain excellent hygiene, consistency, and standards.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Food cost management

Seasonal cooking

Job description

Overview

We’re looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead our brunch kitchen and help shape a focused, high-quality daytime menu. This role is for someone who loves simple food done properly—seasonal ingredients, strong flavours, clean presentation—and who enjoys building calm, organised kitchens that run smoothly during busy services. You’ll have creative input on menu development, ownership over kitchen standards, and the chance to grow with an independent café that cares deeply about food, people, and community.

Responsibilities

• Lead the brunch menu from development to daily execution.


• Run service confidently during busy weekend brunches.


• Manage and mentor a small kitchen team.


• Set systems for prep, ordering, stock, and food cost control.


• Maintain excellent hygiene, consistency, and standards.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous ready to step up.


• Brunch / café / bistro background preferred.


• Organised, calm, and hands‑on leadership style.


• Passion for seasonal, produce‑led cooking.


• Strong understanding of food costs and kitchen efficiency.

Why this role

• Daytime hours only.


• Creative freedom within a clear, focused concept.


• Small team, high standards, no ego kitchens.


• Opportunity to grow with a respected independent business.

Job Details

• Experience: Required


• Employment: Full‑time


• Salary: from £35,000 yearly


• Starting time: Immediate start!

About Spread: Spread is a respected local coffee shop with a strong following. We’re entering our next phase by expanding into a sharp brunch and sandwich offering, designed to match our coffee standards and grow the business.