Executive chef - Restaurant

I am seeking an exceptional Executive Chef to lead the culinary operation of a unique and highly regarded seasonal British restaurant in the heart of Central London.

This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished Executive Chef who thrives in a premium hospitality environment, combining outstanding à la carte dining with an impressive Private Dining Room operation that consistently delivers memorable guest experiences. Alongside the restaurant, the business hosts a variety of bespoke events and hospitality functions, requiring an Executive Chef who can confidently oversee multiple catering offers while maintaining exceptional standards throughout.

Working alongside an established Head Chef, a strong kitchen brigade, and a highly supportive senior management team, you will have the platform to focus on creativity, leadership, and culinary excellence. The restaurant is passionate about seasonal British produce, with herbs and leaves grown on-site, giving you the opportunity to create innovative menus that truly reflect the seasons.

This role requires an Executive Chef who can inspire teams, develop talent, and work collaboratively across the business to ensure the restaurant continues to deliver at the highest level.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all culinary operations across the restaurant, private dining, and events business.
• Create and develop seasonal British menus showcasing the very best ingredients.
• Design bespoke menus for private dining and exclusive client events.
• Work closely with senior management to drive standards, creativity, and guest satisfaction.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the kitchen brigade.
• Maintain strong control of food costs, labour, and kitchen profitability.
• Ensure the highest standards of food safety, compliance, and kitchen operations.
• Oversee multiple catering offers while maintaining consistency and quality.

The Ideal Candidate

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef or Senior Head Chef within a quality-led hospitality business.
• Exceptional craft skills and a genuine passion for seasonal British cuisine.
• Creative and innovative approach to menu development.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing large teams.
• Commercially aware with a solid understanding of cost control and budgeting.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety and compliance.
• Experience delivering restaurant dining alongside events and private dining operations.

The Offer

• 5-day operation across a 6-day trading week (closed Sundays).
• Some evening work required.
• Excellent support structure with an established management and kitchen team.
• High-quality ingredients, including produce grown on-site.
• Opportunity to shape menus and influence the culinary direction of the business.
• A genuine chance to achieve a better work-life balance than many Executive Chef roles while working in a premium food-led environment.

If you're currently working long hours and looking for a role that offers a healthier balance without compromising on quality, creativity, or ambition, this could be the perfect opportunity for an ambitious Executive Chef seeking their next challenge.

Great ingredients. Great people. Great food.