Location: Shoreditch, London E2
Hours: 47 hours per week, flexible shift patterns
Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 pa based on experience
About the Role
This is an extraordinary opportunity to lead the kitchen of Bistro Freddie, a 45-cover restaurant in the heart of Shoreditch's vibrant dining scene. As part of HAM Restaurants group, we've established ourselves as one of East London's most beloved dining destinations, showcasing the best of British produce through a French lens.
Our buzzy open kitchen sits at the center of our intimate, characterful space, where every chef performs on stage to a full house of appreciative diners. This is no ordinary kitchen, it's compact, visible to all guests, and the absolute heartbeat of our restaurant.
As Head Chef, you will oversee all kitchen operations, creating innovative menus that celebrate British-French bistro classics with contemporary twists. The role offers immense creative freedom, backed by an environment where quality, seasonality, community, and hospitality are central to our values.
Responsibilities
- Menu Development: Design, develop, and execute innovative menus that reflect British-French bistro classics with contemporary flair while incorporating seasonal ingredients.
- Kitchen Operations: Lead and manage a kitchen team in a compact, high-visibility environment, ensuring seamless service across all shifts.
- Team Leadership: Train, mentor, and inspire a close-knit brigade, fostering a positive, collaborative, and respectful kitchen culture.
- Communication Excellence: Foster transparent, effective communication between kitchen, front-of-house, and management while working seamlessly with directors and support teams.
- Operational Excellence: Manage stock control, ordering, and kitchen budgets effectively in a space-constrained environment.
- Guest Experience: Engage with diners at the counter, creating memorable, theatrical moments that enhance the dining experience.
- Compliance: Maintain high standards of health, safety, and food hygiene in line with company and legal requirements.
- Community and Sustainability: Support sustainable practices in sourcing and operations to align with our community-focused values.
What We're Looking For
- Substantial experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef in busy, high-quality restaurants.
- Superior communication skills that bridge the gap between kitchen and front-of-house, with the ability to work independently while maintaining strong collaborative relationships with all teams.
- Strong leadership qualities with a focus on positivity, inclusivity, and empathy, staying cool under pressure and rallying the team during busy service.
- A passion for quality, creativity, and innovation in food, with strong understanding of seasonal British produce and French culinary techniques.
- Experience managing kitchen operations in space-constrained environments with the ability to thrive in high-visibility settings.
- Exceptional organisational skills and the ability to maintain standards in a compact, open kitchen environment.
- A natural performer who genuinely enjoys the buzz of a packed service and creates memorable experiences for guests.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary plus bonus structure.
- Complementary induction meal for 2 when you join.
- 50% off dining and drinks across all group venues for you and up to three guests.
- 20% off retail wine and other perks.
- Celebratory rewards like anniversary dinners.
- Tailored personal development plans.
- Refer a friend scheme.
- Increased holiday allowance with length of service.
- Supplier trips and learning opportunities.
About Us
At HAM Restaurants, we believe in:
- Quality: We prioritise exceptional ingredients to let the produce sing and create memorable dining experiences.
- Community: We support local farmers, producers, and businesses, creating strong ties within our community.
- Seasonality: We are committed to seasonal sourcing and cooking to be part of a responsible food system.
- Hospitality: We create a warm, inclusive atmosphere where every guest feels valued and cared for.
Bistro Freddie celebrates familiar classics, executed with precision and flair. Our menu draws inspiration from classic British and French gastronomy, featuring seasonal starters, bold mains, and dishes designed for sharing. The restaurant blends nostalgic charm with a contemporary edge, with its iconic open kitchen creating a vibrant, theatrical dining experience.
If you are a passionate and dynamic chef ready to take on this exciting challenge, we'd love to hear from you. Join a team that celebrates quality, values people, and creates memorable experiences.