We’re looking for an outstanding Executive Chef to lead the food vision across The Blues Kitchen, Old Queens Head, and Jazz Cafe — six of London’s most loved destinations for food, drinks, and live music. As Executive Chef, you’ll set the standard for creativity, consistency, and quality across all venues. You’ll lead on menu innovation, build and develop high-performing kitchen teams, and ensure every guest experience is exceptional.
What you’ll do:
Culinary Leadership
Lead menu development and new dish creation through R&D and test kitchens
Keep recipes, specs, and Food Bibles up to date
Focus on seasonality, guest feedback, and cost control
Supplier & Procurement
Build strong supplier relationships and lead price negotiations
Manage orders and supplier comms via Rekki
Food Safety & Compliance
Oversee food safety using Alert 65
Maintain up-to-date documentation and train teams on compliance
Operations & Standards
Approve kitchen rotas, oversee stock takes, and reduce waste
Develop tailored progression and improvement plans for each site
Conduct regular food audits and quality checks
Team Leadership & Development
Lead recruitment, trials, and hiring decisions
Work with the Head of People on culture and performance
Design training and individual development plans
Coach Head Chefs and kitchen leaders through regular reviews
Menu & Costing
Ensure accurate dish costings and allergen information
Check and sign off all menu changes
Carry out spot checks on presentation and portioning
Additional
Support kitchens when needed
Represent kitchen teams in group projects
Promote a strong, accountable, and growth-focused culture
Experienced in leading multi-site kitchen teams at a senior level
Passionate about food innovation and team development
Strong people leader, commercially minded, and hands-on when needed
Thrive in a fast-paced, creative environment
What we offer
Salary £70,000 – £95,000 depending on experience
Opportunity to shape and develop some of London’s most exciting hospitality brands
A supportive, people-focused culture
Discounts across The Columbo Group venues
We’re looking for an outstanding Executive Chef to lead the food vision across The Blues Kitchen, Old Queens Head, and Jazz Cafe — six of London’s most loved destinations for food, drinks, and live music. As Executive Chef, you’ll set the standard for creativity, consistency, and quality across all venues. You’ll lead on menu innovation, build and develop high-performing kitchen teams, and ensure every guest experience is exceptional.
What you’ll do:
Culinary Leadership
Lead menu development and new dish creation through R&D and test kitchens
Keep recipes, specs, and Food Bibles up to date
Focus on seasonality, guest feedback, and cost control
Supplier & Procurement
Build strong supplier relationships and lead price negotiations
Manage orders and supplier comms via Rekki
Food Safety & Compliance
Oversee food safety using Alert 65
Maintain up-to-date documentation and train teams on compliance
Operations & Standards
Approve kitchen rotas, oversee stock takes, and reduce waste
Develop tailored progression and improvement plans for each site
Conduct regular food audits and quality checks
Team Leadership & Development
Lead recruitment, trials, and hiring decisions
Work with the Head of People on culture and performance
Design training and individual development plans
Coach Head Chefs and kitchen leaders through regular reviews
Menu & Costing
Ensure accurate dish costings and allergen information
Check and sign off all menu changes
Carry out spot checks on presentation and portioning
Additional
Support kitchens when needed
Represent kitchen teams in group projects
Promote a strong, accountable, and growth-focused culture
Experienced in leading multi-site kitchen teams at a senior level
Passionate about food innovation and team development
Strong people leader, commercially minded, and hands-on when needed
Thrive in a fast-paced, creative environment
What we offer
Salary £70,000 – £95,000 depending on experience
Opportunity to shape and develop some of London’s most exciting hospitality brands
A supportive, people-focused culture
Discounts across The Columbo Group venues