Head Chef – The Tea House, Bishop’s Park
Job Overview
Roots & Berries is a family-run café group located in some of London’s most beautiful parks and heritage locations, creating welcoming spaces where the community can enjoy freshly prepared food, great coffee, and relaxed hospitality.
We are looking for an experienced, passionate, and highly organised Head Chef to lead the kitchen team at The Tea House in Bishop’s Park. This is an exciting opportunity for a chef who enjoys working with fresh, seasonal ingredients, thrives in a busy café environment, and takes pride in delivering consistently high standards of food and service.
The successful candidate will take full responsibility for the day-to-day kitchen operation, working closely with the Café Manager and Operations Team to ensure exceptional food quality, strong financial performance, and an engaged, motivated kitchen team.
Key Responsibilities
Kitchen Leadership & Operations
- Lead and manage all day-to-day kitchen operations
- Ensure smooth and efficient service during breakfast, brunch, lunch, and event periods
- Organise and oversee kitchen rotas, staffing levels, and labour costs
- Maintain high standards of food quality, consistency, and presentation
- Work closely with the Café Manager to drive operational excellence
- Support the wider business by implementing company procedures and standards
Food Preparation & Service
- Prepare and oversee the production of all menu items to Roots & Berries standards
- Ensure efficient mise en place and service preparation
- Manage busy service periods while maintaining quality and consistency
- Develop and contribute to seasonal menus, specials, and new product launches
- Ensure all dishes are delivered to specification and presentation standards
Stock Management & Cost Control
- Manage ordering and supplier relationships in line with company procedures
- Maintain accurate stock control and inventory management
- Monitor food costs, waste levels, and gross profit performance
- Ensure effective stock rotation and minimise wastage
- Receive and manage deliveries, ensuring quality and accuracy
Quality, Compliance & Food Safety
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, and HACCP procedures
- Maintain a clean, organised, and safe working environment
- Ensure all equipment is correctly maintained and reported when necessary
- Conduct regular food safety checks and maintain accurate records
- Ensure compliance with health and safety legislation and company policies
Team Management & Development
- Recruit, train, and develop kitchen team members
- Lead by example and create a positive, professional kitchen culture
- Conduct training, coaching, and performance management where required
- Support the development of junior chefs and kitchen assistants
- Foster strong communication between kitchen and front-of-house teams
Business Performance
- Support the achievement of labour, food cost, and profitability targets
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and operational performance
- Contribute ideas for menu development and business growth
- Ensure company standards are consistently delivered across all areas of the kitchen
Requirements
Experience
- Previous experience as a Head Chef, Senior Sous Chef, or Kitchen Manager
- Experience in high-volume cafés, brunch venues, or casual dining environments
- Proven track record of managing kitchen teams and operations
- Experience with stock control, ordering, and food cost management
- Strong understanding of kitchen financial performance and GP targets
Skills
- Excellent leadership and people management skills
- Strong organisational and planning abilities
- Ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent knowledge of food safety and HACCP procedures
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills
- Good understanding of stock control and labour management
Personal Qualities
- Passionate about fresh, seasonal food and quality-driven hospitality
- Positive, hands-on leadership style
- Reliable, proactive, and highly organised
- Strong attention to detail
- Commercially aware with a focus on business performance
- Friendly, supportive, and committed to developing others
- Flexible approach with a willingness to support the wider business when required
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- Daytime-focused operation with a healthy work-life balance
- Opportunities for career progression within a growing hospitality group
- Staff food and drinks while on shift
- Training and development opportunities
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
- The opportunity to lead a kitchen in one of London’s most beautiful park locations
Join Roots & Berries and play a key role in delivering exceptional food and hospitality at The Tea House, Bishop’s Park.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £15.00-£16.30 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
