Head Chef - New Opening - London

Legado; London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading London restaurant is seeking an experienced Head Chef to oversee the kitchen operations of a new Spanish venture. The chef will be responsible for menu development and maintaining high culinary standards while being part of a talented team. This role offers opportunities for creativity and leadership within an acclaimed restaurant group recognized for its commitment to quality dining.

Benefits

Up to 50% off dining across JKS Restaurants

Discounted Gym Membership

Wagestream – stream your pay earlier

Access to Financial Advice

Career progression opportunities

Long service awards and staff parties

Qualifications

• Previous experience as Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a quality restaurant.
• Strong awareness of trends and seasonality of produce.
• Proven ability to manage, train, and motivate kitchen staff.

Responsibilities

• Ensure delivery of consistent, high-quality, and innovative dishes.
• Manage overall kitchen operations including prep schedules and stock control.
• Develop menus in collaboration with directors.

Skills

Creativity

Management

Attention to Detail

Financial Awareness

Health and Safety Knowledge

Job description

Head Chef - New Opening - London

Legado - Head Chef - New Opening

Salary - Dependant on experience

Schedule - Full Time

Experience - Previous experience in a quality restaurant

From the founders of the Michelin-starred Sabor, Chef Nieves Barragán Mohacho, in partnership with JKS Restaurants, is seeking a passionate and talented Head Chef to be part of Legado—a brand-new Spanish restaurant opening this summer in Shoreditch.

If you're ready to be part of an exciting new chapter in London's culinary scene and work with a talented team delivering exceptional food and hospitality, we want to hear from you! We’re looking for an experienced Head Chef who shares the same enthusiasm, dedication, and passion for food, vibrant hospitality, and a unique culinary experience.

New Opening

Legado, meaning ‘legacy’ in Spanish, will showcase the depth and diversity of Spanish food. With over two decades of experience leading Spanish cuisine in London, Chef Nieves is bringing her vision to life at Legado, a celebration of Spain’s regional culinary heritage.

Legado will open summer 2025 in Montacute Yards, just off Shoreditch High Street.

The Position

As Head Chef, you will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of consistent, high-quality, and innovative dishes and specials; you will play a key role in menu development, working closely with the Directors. You will manage the overall kitchen operation, including prep schedules, stock control, budgeting, and maintenance, as well as the day-to-day management of the kitchen team.

If you have the following, then we want to hear from you:

• Previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-quality restaurant;
• Strong awareness of trends and seasonality of produce;
• A highly creative approach to your work with excellent attention to detail;
• Proven ability to manage, train, and motivate a kitchen brigade;
• Experience in managing staff costs, scheduling, and reviewing staff rotas;
• Strengths in finances, purchasing, and menu costing;
• A working knowledge of health and safety, compliance, and procedures;

This is a very exciting opportunity not to be missed for a talented Head Chef eager to join a restaurant group with ambitious plans.

Benefits & Culture

Our team is the most important part of our business, translating our passion for genuine hospitality to our guests every day. We are proud to work with industry-leading talent and recognize the importance of offering our teams the tools, guidance, and experience necessary to build confidence and grow.

We encourage you to bring your whole self to work and celebrate the skills and characteristics that make you unique. Your commitment to be kind and work hard comes with a range of benefits such as:

Treat Yourself

• Up to 50% off dining across JKS Restaurants
• Retail & Takeaway Discounts
• Code App Membership

Look After Yourself

• Discounted Gym Membership
• Wagestream – stream your pay earlier
• Company Donations for your involvement with Charities
• Employee Assistance Program
• Access to Financial Advice
• Wedding Gift & New-born Care Package - Celebrating your big occasions
• Season Ticket Loan

Progress Yourself

• Access to our fantastic L&D Calendar
• A personalised learning & development plan to develop your skills and knowledge
• Career progression with a fast-growing, critically acclaimed restaurant group.

Be Yourself

• Additional holiday for every year with us (rising to 30 days)
• Employee referral scheme - paying up to £600 per referral
• Staff parties & long service awards

The Group

JKS Restaurants was founded by siblings Jyotin, Karam, and Sunaina Sethi in November 2008. Since its inception, the group has received critical acclaim and industry recognition, including 7 Michelin stars, 4 Michelin Bib Gourmands, a restaurant ranked among the World’s 100 Best Restaurants, and a spot in the Sunday Times Best 100 Places to Work 2024.

The JKS portfolio currently features Michelin-starred restaurants such as Trishna, Gymkhana, Kitchen Table, Sabor, and Lyle’s, along with cult favourites Hoppers, BAO, Brigadiers, Berenjak, Plaza Khao Gaeng, Speedboat Bar, Bibi, and Ambassadors Clubhouse. Pubs include The Cadogan Arms, The George, and The Hound.

JKS Restaurants offers a unique opportunity to pursue a career in fine dining or to develop within trend-focused casual cuisine, with opportunities across all disciplines for those looking to advance their careers within a people-focused, collaborative hospitality group.