Location: Independent restaurant, London
Rate: £20.73 per hour
Hours: Temporary; shifts and days vary
Contract: Short-term temporary assignment

Temporary Head Chef – Independent Restaurant, Central London

Chefs for Chefs is recruiting an experienced Temporary Head Chef to lead kitchen operations at a busy independent restaurant in London. This is an excellent short-term opportunity for a confident, creative leader who can maintain high culinary standards, motivate a small brigade, and deliver excellent guest experiences in a fast-paced, independent setting.

Role Overview

As Temporary Head Chef, you will run service and production on shift, manage a small team, ensure consistent dish quality, and maintain food safety and cost controls. You will work closely with the restaurant owner/management to uphold the venue’s style and standards while adapting quickly to their menus and systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen team during your shift, ensuring clear communication and smooth service.

• Prepare, cook, and plate high-quality dishes to the restaurant’s recipes and presentation standards.

• Manage mise en place, service prep, and end-of-service routines to maintain efficiency.

• Oversee stock control, ordering support, and minimisation of food waste.

• Maintain high standards of food hygiene, health & safety, and allergen management (HACCP compliant).

• Coach and support junior staff, delivering practical training on-the-job where needed.

• Adapt to menu changes, daily specials, and variable covers with composure and professionalism.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience as a Head Chef, Sous Chef, or Senior Chef in a restaurant environment.

• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to manage a compact team.

• Good knowledge of food cost control, stock management, and portion consistency.

• Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate (or equivalent) and solid allergen awareness.

• Ability to work under pressure in a busy service environment and to maintain calm, professional standards.

• Flexible, reliable, and available for short-notice temporary assignments in London.

Working Details & Pay

• Location: Independent restaurant, London (central)

• Contract: Temporary assignment (length varies; immediate starts available)

• Rate: £20.73 per hour (London rate; includes holiday pay where applicable)

• Meals on duty: Typically provided

Why Work With Us

Chefs for Chefs specialise in hospitality placements and support chefs throughout their careers. We offer:

• Competitive hourly pay with timely weekly payments.

• Flexible temporary assignments to suit your availability.

• Variety of independent venues that allow culinary creativity.

• Chef-led office team who understand kitchen life and support placements.

How to Apply

If you’re an experienced, reliable chef ready to take a temporary Head Chef role in a London independent restaurant, please contact Chefs for Chefs with an up-to-date CV and your availability. Suitable applicants will be contacted for an initial phone call and may be asked to attend a short interview or trial shift.

Chefs for Chefs is committed to equal opportunities. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified applicants regardless of age, gender, religion, belief, race, sexual orientation, or disability. We operate as both an employment agency and an employment business.