Chef Jobs in London | Expert Recruitment

By Seniority

• Head Chef Jobs (150+)
• Executive Chef Positions (45+)
• Sous Chef Vacancies (200+)
• Chef de Partie Roles (180+)
• Commis Chef Opportunities (120+)

By Specialty

• Pastry Chef Jobs (60+)
• Sushi Chef Positions (35+)
• Private Chef Roles (40+)
• Development Chef Jobs (25+)
• Banqueting Chef Vacancies (55+)

By Establishment

• Michelin Star Restaurants (70+)
• 5-Star Hotels (85+)
• Fine Dining (140+)
• Casual Dining Groups (110+)
• Contract Catering (95+)

By Contract Type

• Permanent Positions (380+)
• Temporary Roles (90+)
• Contract Work (30+)
• Part-Time (45+)
• Live-In Positions (20+)

Highest Paying Areas

• Mayfair & Belgravia
• Knightsbridge & Chelsea
• Covent Garden & Soho
• City of London
• Kensington

Above Average Salaries

• Shoreditch & Hoxton
• Marylebone
• Notting Hill
• Canary Wharf
• Richmond

Competitive Salaries

• Camden & King's Cross
• Clapham & Battersea
• Islington
• Greenwich
• Hammersmith

Entry-Level Friendly

• Outer London Boroughs
• Contract Catering Sites
• Suburban High Streets
• Casual Dining Chains
• Pub Groups

👨‍🍳 Head Chef

Responsibilities: Overall kitchen leadership, menu development, cost control, staff management, quality assurance, supplier relationships, compliance oversight.

Salary Range: £45,000-£100,000+

Experience Required: 5-10+ years, proven leadership track record, P&L management experience. View Head Chef positions →

🥘 Sous Chef

Responsibilities: Second-in-command, deputizing for Head Chef, section management, quality control, training junior chefs, service leadership, menu input.

Salary Range: £32,000-£58,000

Experience Required: 3-6 years, leadership potential, strong technical skills across multiple sections.

🍳 Chef de Partie

Responsibilities: Running a specific section (e.g., grill, sauté, pastry), supervising commis chefs, maintaining standards, stock control, preparation lists.

Salary Range: £26,000-£40,000

Experience Required: 2-4 years, mastery of specific section, ability to work under pressure.

🧁 Pastry Chef

Responsibilities: All pastry operations including desserts, breads, petit fours, afternoon tea, viennoiserie, chocolate work, specialized techniques.

Salary Range: £28,000-£65,000

Experience Required: Specialized pastry training, 2-5 years experience. View Pastry Chef roles →

📚 Commis Chef

Responsibilities: Supporting Chef de Partie, learning all sections, basic preparation, maintaining cleanliness, following recipes, developing fundamental skills.

Salary Range: £22,000-£32,000

Experience Required: Entry-level to 2 years, culinary qualifications beneficial but not essential with strong enthusiasm.

💼 Executive Chef

Responsibilities: Multi-site oversight, concept development, brand standards, strategic planning, senior team recruitment, financial management, stakeholder relationships.

Salary Range: £65,000-£150,000+

Experience Required: 10+ years, proven multi-site or large operation experience, strong commercial acumen.

70+

Michelin-Starred Restaurants

18,000+

Total Dining Establishments

200+

Cuisines Represented

50,000+

Professional Chefs

£12bn+

Annual Restaurant Revenue

What qualifications do I need to work as a chef in London?

Essential: Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene certificate (mandatory). Highly beneficial: NVQ Levels 2/3 in Professional Cookery, City & Guilds 706/1/2, or culinary degree. However, practical experience often outweighs formal qualifications - many successful London chefs are self-taught with strong work histories. Senior positions increasingly require business/management training alongside culinary expertise.

How much do chefs earn in London compared to other UK cities?

London chef salaries typically exceed UK averages by 15-30%. A Head Chef in London earns £45k-£75k+ versus £35k-£60k nationally. Sous Chefs command £32k-£48k in London versus £26k-£38k elsewhere. Entry-level positions also pay more: London Commis Chefs earn £22k-£28k compared to £18k-£23k in regional cities. However, London's higher cost of living partially offsets this premium.

Are there opportunities for chefs without UK experience to work in London?

Yes, London welcomes international chef talent. Requirements: valid UK work visa, demonstrable culinary skills, UK-equivalent food safety certification (can be obtained quickly), and strong English communication. Many establishments value international experience and authentic cuisine expertise. We help overseas chefs navigate UK employment requirements and connect with establishments appreciating diverse culinary backgrounds.

What are typical working hours for London chefs?

Standard: 45-55 hours weekly, typically split shifts (10am-3pm, 5pm-11pm). Fine dining often requires 10-14 hour days during service. Weekend/evening work is standard. However, London increasingly offers better work-life balance with some establishments implementing 4-day weeks, eliminating split shifts, or operating 5-day operations. Contract catering roles (schools, corporate) offer more regular 8am-5pm schedules.

Do London chefs get accommodation provided?

Approximately 10-15% of London chef positions include accommodation, typically in hotels, private households (private chefs), or establishments in expensive areas like Mayfair. Live-in arrangements save £800-£1,500+ monthly on rent but may reduce work-life separation. Most positions don't include housing, requiring chefs to arrange their own accommodation in London's competitive rental market.

How competitive is the London chef job market?

Highly competitive for prestigious establishments (Michelin-starred, celebrity chef restaurants) where hundreds apply for each position. However, acute chef shortages across mid-tier restaurants, hotels, and contract catering create excellent opportunities for competent professionals. Currently 500+ active vacancies with demand exceeding supply at Chef de Partie and Sous Chef levels. Quality candidates secure multiple offers quickly.

What's the best area of London to work as a chef?

Depends on career goals: Mayfair/Knightsbridge for luxury fine dining and top salaries; Soho/Covent Garden for diverse cuisines and vibrant scenes; Shoreditch/Hoxton for innovative, trend-setting restaurants; City of London for contract catering with regular hours; Outer boroughs for lower cost of living and emerging culinary scenes. Consider commute times, establishment type, and salary versus living costs when choosing.

Can I work as a temporary or freelance chef in London?

Absolutely. London has thriving temporary/freelance chef markets. Temporary chef work includes event catering, holiday cover, maternity leave replacements, and short-term contracts. Rates: £12-£20/hour depending on position/establishment. Flexibility appeals to many, though permanent roles offer greater stability and benefits. We place both temporary and permanent chefs.

How quickly can I progress from Commis to Head Chef in London?

Typical timeline: 5-8 years for talented, ambitious chefs. London's vast opportunities accelerate progression versus regional markets (typically 10-15 years). Strategy: master each level thoroughly, work under respected chefs, gain diverse experience across establishment types, develop leadership skills early, and strategically move between kitchens for advancement. Some reach Head Chef in 4 years; others take 12+ depending on ability, opportunity, and ambition.

What benefits do London chefs typically receive beyond salary?

Common benefits: staff meals (£150-£300 monthly value), service charge distribution (£2k-£8k annually), uniform provision, training budget (£500-£2k/year), discounted dining at sister restaurants, performance bonuses (10-25% in premium establishments), pension contributions, private healthcare (senior roles), accommodation (select positions), and travel season ticket loans. Benefits packages vary significantly by establishment quality.

Do I need to bring my own knives to London chef jobs?

Yes, professional chefs are expected to provide their own knife kit. Investment: £300-£2,000 depending on quality. Essential knives: chef's knife (8-10"), paring knife, serrated knife, boning knife, palette knife, and steel/honing rod. Some establishments provide house knives for junior positions. Quality knife sets are professional investments lasting 10-20+ years with proper maintenance. Consider insurance for expensive sets.

Are trial shifts paid in London chef recruitment?

Legally, trial shifts exceeding 2-3 hours must be paid at minimum wage (£11.44/hour as of 2025). Most reputable London establishments pay trial shifts (4-8 hours typical) at full rate (£12-£18/hour). Be wary of anywhere requesting unpaid extended trials - this violates employment law. Trial shifts demonstrate your skills while experiencing the kitchen environment, team, and standards. They're mutual assessment opportunities.

What's the difference between working in a hotel versus restaurant kitchen in London?

Hotels offer: more predictable hours, larger teams, diverse outlets (breakfast, banqueting, fine dining), better benefits/stability, potentially less creative freedom. Restaurants provide: closer-knit teams, more creative input, faster progression, higher intensity, potentially irregular hours. Hotels suit chefs valuing stability; restaurants appeal to those prioritizing creativity and dynamic environments. Both offer excellent London career paths.

Can Catering.jobs help with visa sponsorship for international chefs?

While we don't directly sponsor visas, we connect international chefs with London establishments holding sponsor licenses. UK Skilled Worker visa requirements: job offer from licensed sponsor, salary minimum £26,200+ (£38,700+ for experienced roles), relevant qualifications/experience. Many premium restaurants and hotel groups sponsor exceptional talent. We advise on process and match international chefs with visa-sponsoring employers.

What's the job security like for chefs in London?

Generally strong due to persistent chef shortages. Competent chefs rarely struggle finding work - London has 500+ open positions at any time. However, restaurant industry volatility (closures, restructures) exists. Strategy: maintain updated CV, network extensively, work with specialist recruiters like Catering.jobs, and develop diverse skills increasing employability. Senior chefs with proven track records enjoy excellent job security.

Are there part-time chef opportunities in London?

Yes, though less common than full-time roles. Part-time chef positions exist in contract catering (schools, corporate), smaller restaurants, private chef work, and consultancy. Typical: 20-30 hours weekly, ideal for work-life balance or supplementing income. Pay: hourly rates (£12-£20) rather than salaries. Some chefs combine multiple part-time roles for flexibility and variety.

How important is Michelin-star experience for chef careers in London?

Highly valuable but not essential. Michelin experience demonstrates exceptional standards, discipline, and technical proficiency. It significantly enhances CV and opens doors to premium establishments. However, strong experience in quality non-Michelin kitchens (reputable restaurants, luxury hotels) is equally respected for many positions. Focus on consistently good establishments over chasing stars unless aspiring to work in haute cuisine.

What should I look for in a London chef employment contract?

Key elements: guaranteed hours/salary, overtime rates, holiday entitlement (minimum 28 days including bank holidays), notice periods (both directions), job description/responsibilities, uniform/equipment provisions, training opportunities, probation length (typically 3-6 months), and bonus/service charge structures. Review carefully before signing. Our consultants help candidates understand and negotiate contract terms to ensure fair agreements.

Can I change careers to become a chef in London without professional experience?

Challenging but possible with determination. Pathway: enroll in short intensive culinary course (3-6 months), start as Kitchen Porter or Commis Chef accepting lower initial salary (£22k-£24k), work exceptionally hard demonstrating passion and reliability, and progress rapidly through dedication. London's chef shortage means establishments will train motivated individuals. Age and background matter less than attitude and work ethic in kitchens.

How do I stand out in London's competitive chef job market?

Differentiation strategies: develop specialist skills (pastry, butchery, specific cuisine), build strong CV with reputable establishments, create professional food portfolio/Instagram, network actively, pursue additional certifications (wine, cheese, specific techniques), demonstrate business understanding, and showcase leadership potential. Professional presentation, enthusiasm, and reliability also differentiate. Work with specialist recruiters accessing hidden opportunities.

Does Catering.jobs charge chefs for recruitment services?

No, our services are completely free for job seekers. We're paid by employers to find them excellent chefs. You receive: free CV review, expert career advice, exclusive job opportunities, interview preparation, salary negotiation support, and ongoing career guidance - all at zero cost. We succeed when you succeed, aligning our interests with yours. Never pay recruitment agencies for job placement.