Head Chef – High-End Spanish Tapas Bar | London
Full-Time | Permanent
Competitive Salary + Performance Bonus + Career Progression
We are seeking an exceptional Head Chef to lead the kitchen of an exciting new high-end Spanish tapas bar in London.
Our concept celebrates the rich flavours and traditions of Spain, combining authentic recipes with premium British produce and modern presentation. The menu will feature refined tapas, seasonal specials and carefully crafted dishes designed to deliver an outstanding dining experience.
We are looking for a chef with a genuine passion for Spanish cuisine, exceptional leadership skills and a commitment to quality. This is a fantastic opportunity to help shape a new restaurant from the beginning and play a key role in its success.
About the Role
As Head Chef, you will have full responsibility for the kitchen, leading the team to deliver exceptional food while maintaining the highest standards of consistency, hygiene and efficiency.
You will work closely with the owners to develop seasonal menus, source high-quality ingredients and create an authentic yet contemporary Spanish dining experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, inspire and develop the kitchen team.
- Design and execute high-quality Spanish tapas menus using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- Develop seasonal specials and new menu items while maintaining the restaurant's culinary identity.
- Ensure exceptional food quality, presentation and consistency across every service.
- Manage stock ordering, supplier relationships and inventory control.
- Monitor food costs, GP margins and labour costs to achieve financial targets.
- Maintain full compliance with HACCP, food safety and health & safety regulations.
- Recruit, train and mentor kitchen staff.
- Work closely with the management team to continually improve the guest experience and kitchen operations.
About You
We're looking for someone who:
- Has proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-quality Spanish restaurant, tapas restaurant. A strong understanding of regional Spanish cuisine, particularly Catalan or Andalusian cuisine, would be highly desirable
- Has strong knowledge of traditional and modern Spanish cuisine.
- Is passionate about authentic cooking techniques and premium ingredients.
- Has experience creating seasonal menus and developing new dishes.
- Is an inspiring leader with excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Understands kitchen financials, including food cost control, labour management and stock management.
- Thrives in a busy, quality-driven restaurant environment.
- Holds a Food Hygiene Certificate and has excellent knowledge of HACCP procedures.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Performance-related bonus.
- The opportunity to lead the kitchen of an exciting new restaurant from launch.
- Creative input into menu development and seasonal dishes.
- Staff meals while on duty.
- Paid holiday.
- Ongoing training and opportunities for career progression as the business grows.
- A supportive and ambitious management team committed to excellence.
Join Our Team
If you are passionate about Spanish cuisine and are ready to lead a kitchen dedicated to delivering exceptional food and memorable dining experiences, we'd love to hear from you.
Please send your CV together with a brief cover letter outlining your experience with Spanish cuisine and why you would be the ideal candidate for this role.
Pay: £45,000.00-£50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
