Chef – Buona Bottega
Job Overview
Buona Bottega is an independent Sicilian café, deli and wine bar on Brentwood High Street. We are looking for a reliable, passionate and experienced Chef to join our team and help deliver fresh, consistent and high-quality food throughout the day.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working in a small, hands-on kitchen environment and takes real pride in food quality, preparation, cleanliness and presentation. You will be responsible for preparing and cooking our daily food offer, including fresh panini, pasta dishes, pizzas, deli items, small plates and evening sharing boards.
We are looking for someone who can work calmly under pressure, maintain high standards, and support the smooth running of the kitchen as the business continues to grow.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare, cook and present food to a consistently high standard
- Support the delivery of our daytime café/deli menu and evening wine bar food offer
- Prepare fresh ingredients, fillings, sauces, toppings and deli items ready for service
- Cook and plate dishes including pasta, pizza, focaccia, small plates and sharing boards
- Maintain excellent food hygiene, cleanliness and food safety standards at all times
- Follow opening, closing, cleaning and prep procedures properly
- Ensure food is served in a timely manner while maintaining quality and presentation
- Monitor stock levels and communicate when ingredients need ordering
- Help reduce waste through good preparation, portion control and stock rotation
- Keep the kitchen, equipment, fridges and storage areas clean, organised and safe
- Work closely with the front-of-house team to support smooth service
- Follow company recipes, standards and presentation guidelines
- Contribute ideas for specials, seasonal dishes and menu improvements where appropriate
- Support and guide junior team members when required
Experience & Skills Required
- Previous experience working as a Chef, Cook, Chef de Partie or similar kitchen role
- Knowledge of Italian cuisine
- Confident with food preparation, cooking and working in a busy service environment
- Good understanding of food hygiene, allergens and kitchen safety standards
- Ability to work independently and as part of a small team
- Strong attention to detail and pride in presentation
- Reliable, punctual and professional
- Able to stay calm and organised during busy periods
- Experience with Italian food, pizza, pasta, deli-style food or small plates is desirable
- A Food Hygiene certificate is desirable, but training can be provided for the right person
About You
You will work well as part of a small team and have a genuine passion for Italian cooking.
We are looking for someone with a positive attitude, good communication, and the confidence to support a busy kitchen calmly and professionally. You should enjoy being part of an independent business and care about helping us create a warm, authentic Italian food experience.
What We Offer
- A friendly, independent working environment
- The opportunity to be part of a growing Italian café, deli and wine bar
- Varied work across breakfast, lunch, deli, pizza, pasta and evening service
- Supportive owners and a small team environment
- Opportunities to contribute ideas as the food offer develops
Job Type: Full-time
Location: Buona Bottega, Brentwood High Street
Pay: Competitive, depending on experience
Hours: Daytime, evening and weekend availability required
Pay: £14.00-£18.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
