Head Chef

We are working on behalf of a well-established, independent smokehouse restaurant in North London to recruit an experienced Head Chef to lead their kitchen operation.

Our client is a busy, quality-driven restaurant with a strong local following, known for bold flavours, live-fire cooking, and a menu built around expertly smoked meats and vibrant accompaniments. This is an exciting opportunity for a Head Chef who thrives in hands-on environments and takes real pride in consistency, flavour, and team leadership.

As Head Chef, you will have full responsibility for the kitchen, overseeing everything from food quality and menu execution to team development and stock control. You will be expected to lead from the front, maintain high standards under pressure, and help evolve the menu while respecting the restaurants core identity.

• Full day-to-day management of the kitchen

• Leading, training, and motivating the kitchen team

• Ensuring consistent food quality and presentation

• Menu development and seasonal specials

• Managing food costs, GP, ordering, and stock control

• Maintaining all health, safety, and hygiene standards

• Working closely with ownership to support the growth of the business

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous Chef ready to step up

• Background in high-volume, fresh-food kitchens

• Experience with BBQ, smokehouse, grill, or live-fire cooking is highly desirable

• Strong leadership and organisational skills

• Calm, focused, and hands-on approach

• Passion for bold flavours and well-executed comfort food

• Competitive salary package

• A stable, established business with a loyal customer base

• Creative input and genuine autonomy in the kitchen

• Supportive ownership and long-term career potential