Head Chef – New Opening, French Brasserie – Chelsea, London
A leading French hospitality group is bringing its first London outpost to Chelsea in 2026, a high-end, quirky brasserie with serious personality and big plans for the capital.
About the role
You’ll be the creative and operational leader of a 160+ cover kitchen, driving a £6m+ operation and leading a 30-strong brigade. Reporting directly to the Founder and COO, you’ll shape the menu, culture and performance of the kitchen, setting the standard for future London openings.
Your responsibilities
* Lead, train and inspire a brigade of 30 chefs
* Develop and execute a French-inspired menu with flair and consistency
* Manage kitchen labour costs, GP margins and overall profitability
* Maintain the highest standards of hygiene and food safety
* Collaborate with the GM to drive customer satisfaction and Google reviews
* Build a strong team culture and focus on QWL (Quality of Work Life)
* Oversee all kitchen operations from prep to service with precision and pride
Who we’re looking for
* A proven Head with experience in high-volume, quality-led restaurants
* A strong leader with a passion for people and product
* Fluent in kitchen management, numbers, labour, and margins
* Creative, detail-driven, and calm under pressure
* Ideally speaks some French and understands brasserie-style dining
* Excited by the challenge of building a flagship kitchen and scaling success across multiple London sites
The brand
Already a major name across France, this group is known for its energy, design and distinctive take on modern French dining. Chelsea will mark its first UK opening, with more London sites lined up, including a second location set to launch later in 2026.
Timeline
* Start: Early 2026
* Opening: Mid-2026