Position: Head Chef for 2 venues
Company: Polo Bar & Platter Up
Location: Polo Bar, 176 Bishopsgate and Platter Up, 70 Dunbridge Steet
Salary: £45,000 per year - £55,000
Job Type: Full-time (position requires a driving licence and doesn't offer working from home)
Hours: 45-50 hours per week (including weekends/evenings as required)
Start time: 5am on some days
Reports To: Philip Inzani (owner)
About Us:
Polo Bar is a dynamic 24 hour cafe bar, offering delicious cafe food 24/7. All day breakfast, burgers, snacks, pancakes and food challenges. Big emphasis on corporate breakfast and lunch orders.
Platter Up is a premium, creative kitchen focused on crafting beautiful, high-end platters, lunch tables, brunch tables, and grazing tables as well as themed events for corporate clients, VIPs, celebrities, etc. Our offerings range from artisanal cheese boards to grazing tables, all designed to impress. We specialise in the presentation, style, and delivery that make an impact, rather than traditional 'cooking'.
Role Overview:
As Head Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing two venues. One is Polo Bar, and the other is Platter Up (our events company). We are seeking an experienced Head Chef (with events experience) to train staff, update menu specs, bring along new, exciting ideas for new menu items, etc. You may occasionaly be out on events with Platter Up - customer-facing.
Key Responsibilities:
* Leadership: Lead, manage, and inspire a dedicated kitchen team, ensuring high standards of quality and consistency.
* Kitchen Operations: Oversee the efficient running of the kitchens, ensuring timely production and delivery of the food and service.
* Managing: Hold weekly team meetings with both venues, prepare meeting notes, and ensure everything is actioned and followed up in writing. Prepare rotas and time sheets weekly.
* Attend events: Hands-on setting up grazing tables, lunch tables, bespoke events, etc including floral displays. Ensure all food displays are on-brand and reflect the premium image of Platter Up.
* Driving: Hands-on driving to clients.
* Quality Control: Create and update menu specs for all items to maintain a high level of quality in all items produced.
* Costings: Responsible for dish costing and controlling food and labour costs to maintain profitability and be competitive to competitors.
* Allergen Management: Maintain a detailed correct spreadsheet of allergens, as well as ensure consistency on all platforms, as well as on labels.
* Ordering, Inventory & Stock Control: Manage stock levels, stock take and ordering, ensuring the kitchen has everything needed to deliver consistently high-quality products.
* Collaboration with Food Development: Work closely with the Food Development team to test, refine, and innovate new products and menu ideas, keeping our offerings fresh and aligned with client trends and demands.
* Health & Safety: Ensure that all kitchen operations comply with health, safety, and hygiene regulations.
What we are looking for:
* Creative Mindset: You should have an eye for detail and a passion for creating stunning, stylish platters, grazing tables etc. Presentation is key in our business, and you will need to bring an artistic touch.
* Organised & Efficient: You thrive in an early-start, fast-paced environment and can manage multiple orders with precision and care.
* Leadership: You are a natural leader with experience in team management and the ability to motivate and train others.
* Flexibility: You are willing to work early mornings and weekends.
* Driving: This position requires a person who can drive and our insurance for the vehicle requires a person who is over 25 years of age.
Why work with us?
· Creative Environment: You will have the freedom to showcase your creativity and create works of art
· Unique Concept: Join a fast-growing company with a truly unique offering that blends food, art, and hospitality.
· Vibrant & Fun Culture: Be part of an incredibly fun, energetic, and welcoming team where your contributions will be valued, and your impact will be felt across the company.
· Staff Perks: Stay fuelled with free coffee and snacks throughout the day, plus regular staff socials to keep the team connected and energised.
· Holidays: 28 days holiday (including Bank Holidays).
· Pension: Workplace pension scheme.
If you are passionate about food styling, have a keen eye for detail, and enjoy working in a dynamic environment, we would love to hear from you
How to Apply: submit your CV by email
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £45,000.00-£55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Discounted or free food
Experience:
* Supervising experience: 1 year (preferred)
* Hospitality: 1 year (preferred)
* Customer service: 1 year (preferred)
* Management: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
* Driving Licence (required)
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person