Cafe Chef / Kitchen Leader - Hampstead Heath

Cyan Digital; City of London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A dedicated café in the City of London is looking for a full-time Café Chef/Kitchen Leader to manage the Hampstead kitchen. You will lead weekend brunch service, preparing high-quality dishes and managing kitchen operations. The ideal candidate has experience in a café environment, possesses strong organisational skills, and thrives in a mission-driven team. Competitive pay of £13.50-£15.00 per hour plus tips is offered.

Benefits

Staff meals

Unlimited specialty coffee

Development and progression support

Qualifications

• Experience in a specialty café, bistro, or all-day dining environment.
• Weekend availability (Fri, Sat, Sun) – mandatory.
• Detail-oriented with a passion for quality and presentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead brunch service with confidence and organisation.
• Prepare, cook, and plate dishes to specification.
• Manage stock, ordering, and prep planning efficiently.

Skills

Experience as a café chef

Strong organisation and prep skills

Food safety knowledge

Written and verbal communication skills

Job description

Do you love cooking great food and enjoy running a small, fast‑paced café kitchen on your own? At Redemption Roasters, we believe great coffee (and food!) can change lives. Our mission is to reduce reoffending by training people in prison and supporting them into employment on release – often in our own cafés. We're looking for a full‑time Café Chef / Kitchen Leader to take ownership of our small Hampstead kitchen and deliver fantastic, delicious brunch plates, toasted sandwiches, soups, and counter food.

You Will

• Lead brunch service (Fri-Sun) with confidence, organisation and pace.
• Prepare, cook and plate dishes to spec with care and precision.
• Batch‑prep sandwich fillings, soups and counter dishes during the week.
• Maintain excellent cleanliness, food safety and overall kitchen organisation.
• Create simple specials and contribute to menu development.
• Manage stock, ordering and prep planning efficiently.
• Communicate clearly with your Coffee Shop Manager and FOH team verbally and in writing – to keep service smooth, ensure nothing is missed, and get the support you need.
• Support our mission and work respectfully alongside programme participants.

You Have

• Experience as a café chef, brunch chef or similar role in a specialty café, bistro or all‑day dining environment.
• Weekend availability (Fri, Sat, Sun) – mandatory.
• Strong organisation and prep skills, with confidence running a kitchen solo.
• A passion for quality, consistency and plating.
• Solid food safety knowledge, including allergen management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills – from clear handovers to accurate prep lists, order notes and kitchen updates.
• Right to work in the UK.

You Are

• Calm, focused and reliable in a small‑kitchen setting.
• Detail‑oriented – you want every plate to look and taste great.
• A clear, proactive communicator with the FOH team and your manager.
• Positive, collaborative and supportive of others.
• Comfortable working independently and taking ownership.
• Someone who thrives in a purpose‑led, values‑driven organisation.

We Will

• Pay £13.50‑£15.00 per hour (plus tips), depending on experience.
• Provide tips, staff meals and unlimited specialty coffee.
• Support your development and progression.
• Welcome you into a mission‑led, supportive team.