Take Archie’s Herne Hill to its next level.
Two years in, Archie’s Herne Hill is an established neighbourhood restaurant, bar and event space with a loyal local following — and we’re ready for its next chapter.
We’re looking for an ambitious, experienced Head Chef to take ownership of the kitchen and help us raise the bar.
This isn’t a role where you’ll be walking into a blank canvas. The restaurant is busy, the team is established and the foundations are there. What we’re looking for is someone who can build on that foundation.
You’ll have the opportunity to elevate and evolve the menu, tighten up kitchen systems and standards, develop the team and bring greater consistency, creativity and structure to the operation.
Working closely with the owners and management team, you’ll have genuine influence over the direction of the food and the way the kitchen operates.
About Archie’s
Archie’s is a neighbourhood restaurant, bar and event space in the heart of Herne Hill, built around great food, good people and a brilliant atmosphere.
We serve seasonal, quality-led food throughout the day, from brunch and lunch through to dinner, alongside drinks, music and regular events.
Our open-plan kitchen sits at the heart of the restaurant, while colourful, plant-filled interiors and carefully curated playlists create the relaxed, energetic atmosphere Archie’s is known for.
We’re independent, growing and ambitious — and we’re looking for someone who wants to be part of that journey.
The role
As Head Chef, you’ll take overall responsibility for the kitchen, leading the team and working alongside the owners to continually improve what we do.
A key focus of the role will be raising standards and creating consistency while bringing fresh thinking and creativity to the food.
You’ll be responsible for:
- Elevating the existing menu and developing a clear, exciting seasonal food offering.
- Introducing new ideas while retaining the dishes and approach our customers love.
- Improving consistency, presentation and execution across every service.
- Reviewing and strengthening kitchen systems, processes and ways of working.
- Taking ownership of prep, ordering, stock, waste and food cost.
- Establishing clear kitchen standards and ensuring they are consistently maintained.
- Leading, motivating and developing the existing kitchen team.
- Identifying training needs and creating a culture of accountability, pride and continuous improvement.
- Recruiting and developing new talent as the team evolves.
- Running smooth, organised services across brunch, lunch, dinner and events.
- Working closely with the owners on menu development, events and the wider evolution of the business.
- Maintaining excellent food safety, hygiene and H&S standards.
- Keeping the kitchen calm, positive and collaborative — especially when the pressure is on.
We’re looking for a chef who...
Has high standards and the experience to bring people with them.
You might already be a Head Chef, or be an accomplished Sous Chef ready to take the step into full ownership of a kitchen.
You’ll ideally have:
- Proven experience leading a busy professional kitchen.
- Strong culinary skills and a genuine passion for excellent food.
- Experience developing and evolving menus.
- A strong understanding of food cost, GP, stock control and kitchen processes.
- Experience managing, training and developing a kitchen team.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills.
- A naturally organised approach and strong attention to detail.
- The confidence to identify what isn’t working and make it better.
- The ability to balance creativity with commercial reality.
- A calm, positive approach to busy services.
- A genuine interest in creating a great working environment for your team.
We’re particularly interested in chefs who see opportunity where others see problems.
If you can walk into an established kitchen, understand what works, identify what could be better and then bring the team with you on that journey, we’d love to meet you.
Our current trading hours are:
Monday - Tuesday: 9am–5pm
Wednesday–Thursday: 9am–10:00pm
Friday–Saturday: 9am–11:00pm
Sunday: 9am–5pm
The kitchen operates all day, with approximately 1–4 events per month.
What we offer
£40,000 – £45,000 salary, depending on experience, plus performance bonuses.
You'll also receive:
- Share of service charge and tips
- Quarterly bonuses
- Regular team incentives and rewards
- Real opportunity for career progression as the business grows
- Direct access to and influence with the company owners
- Staff outings and parties
- Free staff meals on shifts longer than 6 hours
- Staff discount when dining at Archie’s
Why join us now?
Because Archie’s is established — but we’re not standing still.
You’ll be joining at a point where there is a real opportunity to make your mark.
The restaurant has its identity, its customers and its team. Now we want to take the food up a level, sharpen the operation and create an even stronger kitchen culture.
You’ll have the autonomy to make meaningful changes, the support of the owners and the opportunity to see your ideas directly influence the restaurant.
If you’re a chef who wants creative input, genuine ownership, a strong work-life balance and the opportunity to make a tangible difference, we’d love to hear from you.
Archie’s Herne Hill — established, ambitious and ready for its next chapter.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £40,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Store discount
Experience:
- South American cuisine: 1 year (preferred)
- Kitchen management: 3 years (required)
- Food safety: 3 years (required)
Language:
Licence/Certification:
- Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
