London
Head Chef – Authentic Italian Fresh Pasta & Pizza | Pentole & Padelle | Bloomsbury, London Pentole & Padelle is one of London's most exciting independent Italian restaurants, specialising in fresh handmade pasta, authentic Italian pizza and traditional regional Italian cuisine. Although we launched only three years ago, we have already established ourselves as one of London's leading fresh pasta restaurants, recognised by customers and food critics alike for our commitment to authenticity, quality and genuine Italian hospitality. Our beautiful restaurant is located in the heart of Bloomsbury, one of London's most elegant and historic neighbourhoods, surrounded by universities, theatres, museums and an exceptional clientele that truly appreciates authentic Italian food. We are incredibly proud to continue the history of this remarkable site, believed to have been home to the first Italian restaurant ever opened in the United Kingdom in 1934. We don't simply serve Italian food—we honour nearly a century of Italian culinary tradition. As we continue to grow, we are looking for an exceptional Head Chef who shares our passion for authentic Italian cuisine and wants to become part of an ambitious company with exciting plans for expansion. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE APPLYING We are looking for a chef who genuinely understands Italian cuisine, Italian culture and Italian traditions. If you believe that cooking Italian food means adding cream to Carbonara, using dried pasta because it's easier, or buying ready-made pizza dough, then this role is not for you. We are searching for someone who understands that authentic Italian cooking is built on respect for ingredients, simplicity, consistency and technique. WHAT MAKES PENTOLE & PADELLE DIFFERENT Everything we serve is prepared fresh in-house, every single day. Our fresh pasta is handmade daily. Our pizza dough is prepared in-house using traditional methods and carefully controlled fermentation. Our sauces, stocks, desserts and preparations are made from scratch. We do not believe in shortcuts. We source the finest ingredients directly from Italy, working with carefully selected Italian suppliers to ensure authenticity and exceptional quality. We expect our Head Chef to respect these outstanding ingredients and transform them into dishes that our guests will remember. ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS Please only apply if you meet ALL of the following requirements: • Minimum 5 years' experience as Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-quality authentic Italian restaurant., • Extensive experience producing fresh handmade pasta., • Extensive knowledge of traditional Italian pizza and dough fermentation., • Strong understanding of regional Italian cuisine., • Excellent knowledge of Italian ingredients and traditional cooking techniques., • Experience managing food cost, stock control and kitchen GP., • Excellent leadership and team management skills., • Strong HACCP and food safety knowledge., • Calm under pressure with exceptional organisational skills., • A genuine passion for training, mentoring and developing young chefs. Italian chefs are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications are also welcomed from chefs of any nationality who have a genuine and proven understanding of authentic Italian cuisine, language and culture. YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES • Lead and inspire the entire kitchen team., • Produce exceptional fresh handmade pasta every day., • Oversee pizza production and dough management., • Maintain the highest standards of food quality and consistency., • Manage ordering, stock control and food costs., • Ensure impeccable kitchen organisation and cleanliness., • Develop and train the kitchen team., • Work closely with the Directors to continue growing one of London's most respected Italian restaurants. WHAT WE OFFER We believe that talented chefs deserve excellent working conditions and a healthy work-life balance. Unlike many restaurants, we operate with exceptionally sensible opening hours. Opening Hours Monday-Friday 10:00am start Last kitchen order: 9:30pm Saturday 11:00am start Last kitchen order: 9:30pm Sunday 11:00am start Last kitchen order: 9:00pm No late-night finishes. No 1:00am closes. No unnecessary exhaustion. BENEFITS ✔ Full-time permanent position ✔ 48-hour contract ✔ Competitive salary based on experience ✔ 5 working days per week ✔ 2 days off every week ✔ 28 days paid holiday ✔ Company pension ✔ Staff meals provided on duty ✔ 20% discount for family and friends ✔ Genuine opportunities for career progression as our company continues to expand ✔ Work in a supportive environment with Directors who are passionate about authentic Italian food and who value their team THE PERSON WE ARE LOOKING FOR We are looking for someone who is proud of their profession. Someone who leads with respect, professionalism and humility. Someone who understands that consistency is just as important as creativity. Someone who enjoys teaching others and creating a positive kitchen culture. Someone who treats the business as if it were their own. UN MESSAGGIO AGLI CHEF La cucina italiana non è una moda. È cultura. È tradizione. È passione. È rispetto. Cerchiamo uno chef che abbia davvero l'Italia nel cuore. Uno chef che sappia fare una sfoglia perfetta, una pizza autentica e che conosca il valore dei migliori ingredienti italiani. Se per te la qualità viene sempre prima della quantità, se ami lavorare con prodotti eccellenti e vuoi entrare a far parte di un progetto serio, ambizioso e in continua crescita, saremo felici di conoscerti. Pentole & Padelle is not simply looking for a Head Chef. We are looking for a custodian of authentic Italian cuisine and someone who wants to help shape the future of one of London's fastest-growing independent Italian restaurant groups. If that sounds like you, we'd love to receive your application.
178 Upper Street, N1 1RG, London
