Chef De Partie - Banqueting
9 days ago
Westminster Abbey
We are seeking skilled and motivated Chef de Parties to join the Banqueting team within Catering and Retail Services at the House of Lords. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a high-end banqueting operation, delivering exceptional food for Peers, distinguished guests, and third-party clients within one of the most prestigious institutions in the UK. As a Chef de Partie - Banqueting, you will play a key role in the preparation and delivery of high-profile events, ensuring dishes are produced to the highest standards of quality, consistency, and presentation. You will uphold excellent food safety and hygiene practices, support kitchen organisation and stock control, and demonstrate confidence using computerised food safety and stock management systems. High-End Banqueting in an Iconic Venue Based on-site at Parliament, the banqueting operation at the House of Lords delivers refined, large-scale hospitality, including formal dinners, receptions, conferences, and bespoke events. This is a fast-paced and demanding environment where precision, organisation, and teamwork are essential. You'll be part of a professional brigade delivering outstanding dining experiences in a setting unlike any other. What you'll be accountable to: Support the Sous Chef in the day-to-day running of a banqueting kitchen section. Deliver consistently high-quality food for Peers, official functions, private events, and third-party clients. Prepare, cook, and present banqueting dishes to specification across multiple covers. Assist with large-scale mise en place, service execution, and event breakdowns. Maintain a clean, safe, and well-organised working environment in line with food hygiene and health & safety regulations. Monitor food safety procedures, including digital temperature probing and fridge/freezer logging. Support stock control, inventory management, and event-specific ordering. Assist with stock rotation and minimise waste in line with sustainability goals. If this sounds like something you would like to hear more about, please apply. What we're looking for: Previous experience in a professional kitchen, ideally within high-end banqueting, events, hotels, or large-scale hospitality. Strong understanding of food hygiene, HACCP, and allergen awareness. Ability to remain calm, organised, and effective under pressure. A recognised culinary qualification (e.g. NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery or equivalent). Working knowledge of computerised food safety and stock systems. Good communication skills and a positive, professional attitude. Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, and double shifts, in line with event and service requirements. They are occasional Saturday functions they are to be covered on a rota basis. It would be even better if you had: Experience working in a heritage, institutional, or government catering environment. Exposure to VIP, protocol-led, or high-profile events. Familiarity with British and international banqueting menus. An interest in sustainable, seasonal, and ethical food practices. The job description provides full details about the role and what we are looking for. What you'll get in return: 30 days' annual leave, increasing to 35 days after one year's service. A generous pension scheme. Access to the Parliamentary health and wellbeing programme. A truly unique working environment - the opportunity to witness history in the making. The work we do is vital to the House of Lords, and you will be a pivotal member of a team delivering hospitality that supports its parliamentary, ceremonial, and commercial functions. The House of Lords is the second chamber of the UK Parliament and complements the work of the House of Commons to: Make laws. Check and challenge the actions of the Government through questions and debates. Investigate public policy and provide a forum of independent expertise. Please complete your online application by 23:59 on Friday 22nd May 2026 . If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application process, please contact: HL Recruitment. The House of Lords Administration is committed to increasing diversity and maintaining an inclusive workplace culture. We welcome applications from all candidates with diverse characteristics, including different ages, caring responsibilities, disability, sex, gender reassignment/trans, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race/ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation and socio-economic status. We welcome discussions about flexible working arrangements and reasonable adjustments. TPBN1_UKCT
