Job Title: Cook / Commis Chef / CDP
Reporting to: Sous Chef
Location: Central London (Mayfair)
Contract Type: Permanent- Fulltime
Salary: £15 - £16 per hour + bonus
Note: We are looking for candidates with a minimum of 1 year’s experience working within restaurant operations.
About the Client
- Our client is reopening a long-established, family-run restaurant in the heart of Mayfair after nearly two decades under the same ownership.
- The relaunch introduces a refreshed vision, a brand-new kitchen team, and a strong focus on food quality, presentation, and calm, professional service.
- The restaurant offers Lebanese-inspired tapas in a relaxed, café-style setting with a Parisian-style terrace and a high-profile international guest base.
- While the location is prestigious, the working environment is structured, supportive, and quality-driven rather than rushed or chaotic.
Job Specification
- As a Cook, you will be an integral part of the reopening kitchen team, supporting the running of your section efficiently and to a high standard.
- You will help establish kitchen routines from day one and work collaboratively with the wider team to deliver consistently well-presented food.
- The role involves one main busy period each day, with an emphasis on organisation, consistency, and professionalism rather than speed for its own sake.
Key Responsibilities
- Support and manage your section during service, ensuring consistency and quality
- Assist in the reopening of the kitchen and help establish daily routines and standards
- Maintain excellent food hygiene, cleanliness, and safety standards at all times
- Work closely with the Sous Chef and Head Chef to deliver smooth, controlled service
- Communicate effectively with front-of-house teams to support a positive guest experience
- Contribute to a calm, professional, and supportive kitchen environment
- Be open to feedback and actively contribute to continuous improvement
Person Specification
Essential
- Previous experience working as a Cook / Commis Chef
- Ability to work calmly and reliably during service
- Strong attention to food quality, presentation, and consistency
- Good understanding of food safety and hygiene standards
- Professional attitude and appearance
- Willingness to learn, take feedback, and develop within the role
Desirable
- Experience with tapas, small plates, or Mediterranean / Middle Eastern cuisine
- Experience working in busy or tourist-focused hospitality environments
Qualifications
- Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene (or willingness to obtain)
- Relevant culinary training or professional kitchen experience
Training, Bonus & Progression
- Full training provided as part of the reopening phase
- Performance-related bonus linked to service quality and customer satisfaction
- Clear progression opportunities, with strong performers able to progress within the kitchen team as the business grows
Working Pattern
Operating hours: 09:00am – 11:00pm
Typical shifts:
- Opening: 08:30am – 5:00pm
- Closing: 4:30pm – 11:30pm
Double shifts may be available
Step Ahead is acting as an Employment Agency. Step Ahead is committed to preventing discrimination in its recruitment practices by stimulating genuine equality of opportunity.
This means that everyone is treated solely on the basis of competence and merit, regardless of age, gender, marital status, sexuality, ethnicity, racial, religious or disability considerations, and we welcome applications from all sectors of the community.