COMMIS CHEF
About Us
Lady of the Grapes just opened a new restaurant near Borough Market. We are seeking a motivated and passionate Commis Chef to join our founding kitchen team.
The first Lady of the Grapes, a wine bar and restaurant in Covent Garden, was founded in 2018 by Carole Bryon, owner, sommelier, and occasional chef. Our new branch at Borough Market will feature a 70-seat restaurant and a separate 50-seat wine bar.
Lady of the Grapes is a French, ingredient-led restaurant that showcases classic techniques and seasonal produce, with an open kitchen featuring a live barbecue. All our wines are organic, biodynamic, or natural, made exclusively by female winemakers, with an extensive and carefully curated wine list.
We are looking for a Commis Chef to join our women-friendly, collaborative team and grow within our company. Recipes are created by Matyas Plzak, our Head Chef, who has two years’ experience at Lady of the Grapes in Covent Garden and a strong Michelin restaurant background. Under his leadership, our Covent Garden branch earned 2 AA Rosettes.
If you are passionate about quality ingredients, eager to learn, and committed to developing your skills, you may be the person we are looking for.
We welcome applications from women as we are committed to equal opportunities and diversity.
Role Overview
As a Commis Chef, you will support the kitchen team in preparing and delivering high-quality dishes. You will work closely with the Chef de Partie, Sous Chef, and Head Chef to learn, develop your skills, and contribute to a smooth and efficient service. This is an excellent opportunity to grow within a high-level kitchen and be part of an exciting new opening.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in the preparation and cooking of dishes under supervision.
- Support Chef de Partie and senior chefs during service.
- Ensure mise en place is prepared, organised, and ready for service.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness and organisation in your section.
- Follow recipes and instructions accurately.
- Help ensure consistency in presentation and portioning.
- Maintain food safety and hygiene standards (HACCP).
- Assist with stock rotation and basic stock management.
- Work efficiently as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
Person Specification
- Previous kitchen experience is desirable (Commis Chef, kitchen assistant, or culinary training).
- A genuine passion for food and desire to learn.
- Interest in French cuisine is a plus.
- Positive attitude and willingness to take direction.
- Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced kitchen.
- Good attention to detail.
- Basic understanding of food safety and hygiene standards.
- Organised, reliable, and punctual.
- Good spoken and written English.
- A strong team player eager to grow and develop.
- MUST HAVE THE RIGHT TO WORK IN UK
What We Offer
- The chance to be part of the opening team of an exciting new restaurant.
- A fun, passionate, energetic, and supportive management team.
- Competitive salary
- Referral scheme (£300 per successful hire).
- Pension scheme.
- Flexible rota to support work–life balance.
- Contract of 45 hours per week (evening and weekend availability required).
- 50% staff discount on dining in (up to 4 guests).
- Cost price on wines to take home.
- Free fresh meals on duty.
- 28 days’ holiday.
If you’re up for the challenge of this role, we’d love to hear from you! Get in touch.
We’re excited to meet you and welcome you to the Lady of the Grapes family.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £14.00-£15.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
