94 Best japanese kitchen Jobs in London (April 2026)

£30000–£32000 yearly

THE ROLE This is a hands-on operations role for someone who does not need to be told what needs doing — they have already done it. You will be the backbone of the floor: making sure service runs tightly, guests feel genuinely welcomed, and every inch of the venue is something we are proud of. On the nights Nico (GM/Owner) is not there, you are the one holding it together — including leading the kitchen pass when needed. You will work directly with Nico on the stuff that makes a business actually function: compliance, ordering, rotas, paperwork. The unglamorous bits. The bits that matter. If you want to manage from a distance, this is not your role. If you want to actually run a venue, it probably is. WHAT YOU WILL ACTUALLY DO Hosting & the guest experience – Set the tone from the moment someone walks in — because the first 30 seconds is everything – Hold the room together during busy service, managing covers, pacing and the energy of the floor – Handle complaints the right way: calm, quick, with genuine care — and escalate when it actually warrants it – Manage reservations and walk-ins with SevenRooms and whoever comes through the door Service & operations – Open and close to standard, every time – Keep the team briefed, in position, and performing to what Kuhaku is — not just what any bar is – Step in where needed during service, bar or floor, without being asked – Lead the kitchen pass in Nico's absence — keeping communication tight between kitchen and floor and making sure every dish lands right Venue standards & cleanliness – Maintain a high cleanliness standard across front of house, bar, toilets and back of house at all times – Run daily checks, own the standards, and hold the team to them — without being a jobsworth about it – Flag maintenance issues early and coordinate fixes before they become a problem Consumables & ordering – Manage and order all consumables — cleaning supplies, packaging, sundries, small kit — so we never run out of anything embarrassing – Keep storage organised, maintain par levels, and track spend – Flag any discrepancies or odd costs to Nico without being chased Compliance & paperwork – Hold a valid personal licence — or be actively working towards one (essential within six months) – Ensure we operate within our premises licence at all times: challenge policies, age verification, hours – Maintain food safety records, temperature logs, cleaning schedules and COSHH documentation – Support DPS compliance and handle any council or local authority communications with appropriate seriousness – Assist with rota collation, payroll admin and basic HR paperwork as needed WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR You do not have to love Japanese culture or cocktails (although it helps). You do have to love running a room well. Experience – At least one year in a supervisory or management role in hospitality — floor, not desk – Comfortable hosting, directing a team, and dealing with difficult moments without losing your cool – Experience with compliance, licensing and the paperwork that comes with running a licensed venue The person – Organised. You do not let things slip through the cracks and you do not need reminding twice – A natural host — you genuinely enjoy people, and it shows – Calm under pressure. Saturday at 9pm should make you sharper, not slower – Proactive. If something needs doing, you do it. If something is wrong, you say so – Honest and reliable. Small team, high trust. That is the deal. – Comfortable with admin and paperwork — it is not glamorous, but neither is a compliance fail Useful but not required – Personal Licence holder – Experience with SevenRooms, TheFork/EatClub or Square POS – Any genuine interest in Japanese food and drink culture – Food Safety Level 2 or above WHAT WE OFFER A real leadership role in a venue with a real identity. You will have a direct relationship with the owner, genuine input into how the venue runs, and room to grow as the business does. – £30,000+ per annum, dependent on experience – Plus tronc – Direct access to Nico — decisions get made, not deferred – A team with more personality than most bars in London have combined – A venue with an identity worth protecting — and a community growing around it – Room to develop as we do

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Osteria Angelina

Waiter/Waitress at Osteria Angelina Location: Spitalfields, City of London Position: Waiter/Waitress Employment Type: Full-time About Us: Osteria Angelina brings together the rich culinary traditions of Italy and Japan to create an extraordinary dining experience. Nestled in the heart of London, our restaurant is dedicated to high-quality ingredients, innovative flavors, and exceptional service. We aim to provide an unforgettable experience where creativity meets authenticity. Osteria is the second restaurant in our small family business, with Angelina in Dalston having opened 6 years ago, we’re excited to be able to open new doors. Job Summary: We are seeking an energetic and passionate Waiter/Waitress to join our vibrant front-of-house team. The ideal candidate will have a love for innovative cuisine, a keen sense of hospitality, and a drive to create memorable dining experiences for our discerning guests. Key Responsibilities: Warmly greet and welcome guests, ensuring they feel appreciated from the moment they arrive. Present our unique menu, offering insights and recommendations on dishes and drink pairings that showcase our fusion concept. Take accurate orders and communicate effectively with the kitchen team to ensure timely and high-quality service. Serve food and beverages with attention to detail, adhering to our restaurant's standards of presentation and quality. Anticipate guest needs, addressing any requests or concerns with professionalism and care. Collaborate with your team to ensure smooth and efficient service throughout the dining experience. Uphold cleanliness and organization of the dining area, following all health and safety regulations. Build positive relationships with guests, creating a welcoming atmosphere that encourages repeat visits. What We Offer: A dynamic and creative work environment focused on unique culinary experiences. Competitive salary and tips. Opportunities for professional development and training in fusion cuisine. Generous employee discounts on meals and beverages. A supportive and inclusive team culture. Requirements: Previous experience in a waitstaff role, ideally in a fusion, fine dining, or upscale restaurant setting. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a passion for engaging with guests. A positive attitude, strong work ethic, and commitment to teamwork and quality service. Knowledge of both Italian and Japanese cuisines is a plus, but a willingness to learn and adapt is essential. Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. We hope to meet you soon!

Reports to: Head Chef (Shankar Gurumurthy) Department: Operations Location: Wood Green, London N22 Schedule: Tuesday to Saturday (full-time) Type: Permanent About Eat Píng Eat Píng is a fast-growing, London-based meal subscription business delivering balanced and nutritious Asian food at scale. We combine authentic flavours with healthier ingredient substitutions and no trade-off between taste and health. We’ve scaled from zero to over 5,500 meals per week within our first year and are building the operational foundations to triple that. This is not a live-service kitchen. We are a food production operation built with systematic, military-grade operational discipline. Every dish follows a standardised recipe bible and plating bible, batch cooked and blast chilled to exacting food safety standards. The Role We’re hiring a Sous Chef to work alongside our Head Chef and be a hands-on leader in the kitchen. You’ll play a central role in production execution, quality assurance, team supervision, and food safety compliance as we scale. This is a role for someone who thrives in a high-intensity, process-driven environment and takes personal ownership of output quality. Key Responsibilities Production & Execution • Lead and execute batch cooking across a weekly production cycle: sauce prep (Tuesday), main prep (Wednesday), production (Thursday), portioning and sealing (Friday–Saturday), • Operate and oversee use of commercial kitchen equipment including Rational Bratt Pans, convection ovens, blast chillers, Robocoupes, and heat sealers, • Ensure all food is blast chilled to below 2°C within protocol timeframes and correctly stored in cold rooms, • Prepare dishes to exact specifications set out in the recipe consistency is a non-negotiable, • Conduct taste tests on every production batch and escalate quality concerns to the Head Chef for sign-off, • Uphold a zero-tolerance food safety culture; ensure all team members are HS2 certified and wearing full PPE (hair nets, gloves, white overalls, safety shoes) at all times, • Supervise and direct kitchen assistants and picker/packers during production and portioning shifts, • Act as second-in-command to the Head Chef; take full ownership of the kitchen in their absence, • Train new team members on SOPs, equipment handling, food safety procedures, and production workflows Essential • Proven experience as a Sous Chef or Senior CDP in a high-volume food production or commercial kitchen environment, • Strong knowledge of batch cooking techniques, blast chilling protocols, and cold chain management, • Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene certification (HS2) — or willingness to obtain before start date, • Demonstrable understanding of HACCP principles and food safety record-keeping, • Experience operating commercial kitchen equipment (Bratt pans, convection ovens, blast chillers, Robocoupes), • Ability to lead a team under pressure while maintaining quality and safety standards, • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, scaling startup environment with high expectations for output and discipline, • Right to work in the UK Desirable • Experience with Asian cuisine — particularly South East Asian, Chinese, Korean, or Japanese cooking techniques and flavour profiles, • Background in meal prep, subscription food, or FMCG food production, • Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene certification, • Experience with recipe scaling and cost-aware production planning Our Culture Eat Píng operates by four core standards. These aren’t aspirational — they’re how we work every day: • Aggressive Intensity — We are here to win. We expect high performers who consistently bring their A-game., • Ruthless Efficiency — Every effort must drive meaningful results. We focus on what matters most and execute relentlessly., • Cross Collaboration — No role operates in isolation. Kitchen, operations, growth, and tech work together with shared responsibility., • Creative Discipline — Punctuality, professionalism, and respect are mandatory. At the same time, if you believe a process can be improved, we want to hear it.

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Fundamental Hospitality

Sushi Demi Chef de Partie

Sushi Demi Chef de Partie – Shanghai-Me, London Shanghai-Me is seeking a passionate and skilled Sushi Demi Chef de Partie to join our exceptional kitchen team. This is a rare opportunity for a Sushi Demi Chef de Partie who wants to develop their craft in a fast-paced, high-profile restaurant delivering refined Japanese cuisine with international flair. As a Sushi Demi Chef de Partie, you will work with premium ingredients, maintain the highest standards of preparation and presentation, and play a key role in supporting the sushi section within a dynamic brigade. The Role As a Sushi Demi Chef de Partie, your responsibilities will include: • Preparing sushi, sashimi, nigiri, and maki to exacting standards, • Supporting the Sushi Chef de Partie and senior chefs during service, • Ensuring consistency, precision, and speed during busy services, • Maintaining excellent food hygiene, cleanliness, and organisation, • Working collaboratively within a professional, high-energy kitchen team About You We are looking for a Sushi Demi Chef de Partie who: • Has previous experience as a Sushi Demi Chef de Partie or strong Commis Sushi Chef ready to step up, • Demonstrates solid knife skills and knowledge of Japanese ingredients, • Thrives under pressure in a quality-driven environment, • Is passionate about sushi, learning, and continuous improvement, • Has a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and team-first mindset What We Offer • Competitive salary package, • Clear progression opportunities within a growing international group, • Exposure to premium ingredients and high-volume, high-quality service, • Supportive leadership and structured training, • Staff meals and company benefits If you are a driven Sushi Demi Chef de Partie looking to take the next step in your career at Shanghai‑Me, we’d love to hear from you.

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Ukai - bar restaurant

Ukai, a premier bar restaurant renowned for its innovative contemporary Robata Japanese cuisine, modern cocktails, and stunning design, is seeking a talented and passionate chef to join our culinary team. As a key member of our kitchen, you will be instrumental in crafting exquisite sushi and sashimi dishes that reflect our commitment to quality and artistic presentation. We are looking for an individual who is dedicated to culinary excellence and has a deep understanding of Japanese culinary traditions and modern techniques. Key Responsibilities: • Prepare a wide variety of sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese delicacies with precision and artistry., • Ensure the highest standards of food quality, hygiene, and presentation., • Collaborate with the kitchen team to ensure seamless service., • Adhere to all health and safety regulations. We are looking for candidates who possess: • Proven experience as a Sushi Chef in a high-volume, quality restaurant environment., • Expertise in knife skills and traditional Japanese culinary methods., • A strong passion for Japanese cuisine and a creative approach to food preparation., • Excellent understanding of food safety and sanitation standards., • Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment and as part of a team., • Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Join Ukai and become part of a team that values innovation, quality, and exceptional dining experiences.

Honi Poke is looking for passionate and experienced Sushi Chefs to join our dynamic team in London! If you’re eager to bring your culinary skills to a growing brand that values creativity, quality, and a great atmosphere, this might be the perfect opportunity for you. Why Join Us? Vibrant Work Environment: Work in a positive atmosphere with a friendly and supportive team. At Honi Poke, we believe in nurturing talent and offering opportunities for career progression. Salary is based on experience, with the potential for growth as you develop with us. Role Requirements: Previous experience in sushi preparation and knowledge of Japanese cuisine. A passion for creating high-quality dishes with a focus on freshness and presentation. Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen. Commitment to maintaining food safety and hygiene standards. If you’re ready to bring your expertise and creativity to Honi Poke, we’d love to hear from you! Apply Now! Join us in bringing the authentic taste of sushi to the vibrant Bristol dining scene. Please send your CV and a brief cover letter detailing your experience We can't wait to welcome you to our team!

We are a busy Japanese ramen restaurant looking for an experienced kitchen staff member to join our team. （Work at least five days a week.） The ideal candidate should have previous kitchen experience and butchery skills, as the role involves preparing and cutting a large amount of chicken daily. Responsibilities: - Prepare fresh ingredients and maintain food quality - Assist with ramen preparation and kitchen cleaning duties - Follow food hygiene and safety standards Requirements: - Previous experience in a professional kitchen - Butchery or meat preparation skills preferred - Good teamwork attitude and attention to detail - Reliability and willingness to learn What we offer: - Friendly team and supportive environment - Staff meals, training opportunities, and room to grow

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Butlers of Mayfair Bespoke Events Ltd

A Mayfair based HNWC client requires the following: Please send your Cv to the email address below only if you fit ALL the criteria as specified by the client's preferences.: Closing Date 19th Thursday March 2026 PRIVATE HOUSEHOLD RECRUITMENT BRIEF Position: Chef / Cook (Live-Out) & Housemaid (Live-Out) TRIAL DETAILS Trial Dates: 4th or 5th April (one week) Trial Hours: 12 hours per day Trial Compensation: Hourly rate + overtime pay after the 12th hour Note: No additional benefits are provided during the trial week POSITION OVERVIEW We are seeking a skilled and personable Chef or Cook & Housemaid for a private household based in London, with travel to Southampton as required. The ideal candidate will bring culinary versatility, cultural sensitivity, and a warm, adaptable personality to a dynamic household environment. HOUSEHOLD PROFILE Household Size: Family of 4 — parents and two sons (aged 21 and 16) Lifestyle: Busy and dynamic; family members are rarely all home at the same time. The eldest son attends university. Dining Style: Informal; family members eat at varying times throughout the day Hosting: Infrequent and casual; occasional gatherings of up to 8 guests KEY CULINARY REQUIREMENTS Primary Cuisine: South Indian cooking — must be proficient, this is the core requirement Predominantly vegetarian; occasional non-vegetarian dishes (chicken and fish) Additional Cuisines (advantageous): Japanese, Italian, and/or Chinese cuis CANDIDATE PROFILE Essential: Asian British passport holder only!! Personal Attributes: Warm, friendly, Collaborative — comfortable working alongside other household staff including personal assistants, a secretary (occasional), housekeeper, butler, and driver DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Daily cooking and meal preparation tailored to family preferences and schedules Grocery shopping and sourcing of required ingredients Proactive stock management — maintaining minimum stock levels while avoiding waste; especially important given frequent principal travel and dynamic scheduling Cleaning and tidying of kitchen and all cooking equipment after use Flexibility to cater to individual schedules and dietary needs within the household HOUSEHOLD STANDARDS & ETIQUETTE Shoes are not permitted inside the household Dress code is smart-casual (jeans acceptable provided they are neat and appropriate) The working environment is relaxed but respectful TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS Primary work locations: London and Southampton Occasional travel to Europe and the United States when the position is required outside London All travel, accommodation, and related expenses are fully covered for assignments outside London CONTRACT & COMPENSATION Contract Length:6 months (if trial is successful and candidate is a match) Salary Band: Sous Chef / Cook level: £33,000 – £35,000 per annum Chef level: £45,000 – £50,000 per annum Salary offered will reflect experience and culinary level

We are looking for an experienced Asian chef, or a small kitchen team, who can manage and operate an Asian restaurant kitchen. The candidate should have strong experience preparing Asian cuisine, particularly Chinese, Filipino, and Japanese dishes. Responsibilities include: - Preparing high-quality dishes - Managing kitchen operations - Maintaining hygiene and food safety standards - Working efficiently in a fast-paced restaurant environment Experience working in an Asian restaurant is highly preferred.

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Osteria Angelina

Assistant General Manager (AGM)

1 month ago

£50000–£55000 yearly

Full-time

Spitalfields, Tower Hamlets

Osteria Angelina is a family-owned sister restaurant to Angelina Dalston, located in the heart of Central London. Rooted in the Italian tradition of generous hospitality and simple, beautiful food, an osteria is a place where guests are welcomed like family. We celebrate Itameshi – Italian cuisine made with Japanese ingredients and influences. Our à la carte menu changes with the seasons and is shaped by the day’s best ingredients. With an open kitchen, a visible pasta lab, and a relaxed service style, we honour craft, not convention. There is no right way to order. There is no dress code. You can use your hands. Make yourself at home. We are now looking for an Assistant General Manager (AGM) who is passionate, hands-on, and ready to be a key player in a unique and growing hospitality concept. The Role – Assistant General Manager As AGM, you will support the General Manager in overseeing the day-to-day running of the restaurant, ensuring smooth operations across both the floor and back of house. You’ll lead the team by example, build strong relationships with guests and staff alike, and ensure that every service is delivered with care, energy, and precision. Key Responsibilities Assist in managing the full operation of the restaurant, including daily service, team leadership, and guest satisfaction. Drive and maintain high standards of service, hospitality, and operational excellence. Support recruitment, training, and development of the front-of-house team. Act as a role model for our culture of relaxed, attentive, and genuine service. Ensure full compliance with health & safety, licensing, and hygiene standards. Collaborate with the kitchen, bar, and senior management to deliver a seamless guest experience. Monitor and report on key performance metrics, including staffing, costs, and revenue targets. What We’re Looking For Proven experience as an Assistant General Manager or Restaurant Manager in a premium casual or semi fine dining environment. A natural leader who motivates and empowers others through empathy and example. Strong operational and floor presence, with excellent attention to detail. Passion for hospitality, guest experience, and building lasting relationships. Knowledge of Italian and/or Japanese cuisine and culture is a plus. Calm under pressure, organised, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment. What’s In It for You Competitive salary (£48k–£55k DOE) High-quality staff meals on duty Discounts at Osteria Angelina and sister restaurants Structured training and career development opportunities Opportunity to play a vital role in shaping a standout restaurant experience Be part of an independent, creative, and passionate hospitality group

Oita, Japanese Restaurant based in Soho is recruiting experienced and professional Line chef with high standards and background in Japanese cuisine (tempura, ramen etc). Full time and part time position available. Hourly pay is £14. Responsibilities: • Prepare and cook meals according to recipes and portion sizes, • Assist with food preparation tasks, such as chopping vegetables and preparing sauces, • Follow proper food safety and sanitation procedures, • Ensure that all dishes are prepared in a timely manner, • Create seasonal dishes and improving menu, • Collaborate with the kitchen team to ensure smooth operations, • Maintain a clean and organized work area Qualifications: • Background in Japanese cuisine (tempura, teriyaki, donburi, ramen etc), • Knowledge of food preparation techniques and culinary terminology, • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, • Strong attention to detail and ability to follow recipes accurately, • Familiarity with food safety regulations, • Excellent communication skills and ability to work well in a team, • Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed If you are passionate about cooking and enjoy working in a dynamic restaurant kitchen, we would love to hear from you. Join our team of talented line cooks and contribute to creating delicious meals for our guests. Apply now!

NOYA is a vibrant dining destination specializing in exquisite Japanese and Pan-Asian cuisine, complemented by a lively shisha lounge experience. With a seating capacity of 300, we pride ourselves on providing our guests with outstanding service and memorable moments. We are currently looking for an enthusiastic and skilled Part-Time Waiter to join our dynamic team. As a Part-Time Waiter, you will play a vital role in delivering an exceptional dining experience to our guests. This position is specifically for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, requiring a commitment to providing attentive service, ensuring guest satisfaction, and contributing to the smooth operation of both the restaurant and the shisha lounge. Key Responsibilities: Guest Service: Greet and welcome guests promptly, providing them with menus and information about our Japanese and Pan-Asian cuisine, as well as daily specials and promotions. Ensure a positive and welcoming atmosphere at all times. Order Management: Take accurate food and beverage orders, relay them to the kitchen and bar staff, and ensure timely delivery to guests. Anticipate guests’ needs and provide recommendations as necessary. ** Sales Skills: Utilize strong sales techniques to upsell menu items, special offers, and shisha options, contributing to overall revenue growth. Table Maintenance:** Ensure tables are clean, properly set, and well-maintained throughout the dining experience. Assist with clearing and resetting tables as needed. Collaboration: Work closely with kitchen and bar staff to ensure smooth service and accurate order fulfillment. Communicate effectively with team members to enhance guest experiences. Compliance and Safety: Adhere to all health and safety regulations, including food handling and sanitation practices, to ensure a safe dining environment for guests and staff. Qualifications: Minimum of 2 years of experience in a waitstaff role, preferably in a high-volume restaurant or hospitality environment. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a customer-focused approach. Sales-driven mindset with the ability to promote and up sale menu items and special offers effectively. Availability to work specifically on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Team player with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. Knowledge of food and beverage service standards; familiarity with shisha service is a plus. What We Offer: Competitive hourly wage plus tips. A dynamic and supportive work environment with opportunities for growth. Employee discounts on food and beverages. Flexible scheduling to accommodate your availability. Application Process: If you are passionate about providing exceptional service and thrive in a fast-paced environment, we would love to hear from you! Please submit your resume and a brief message outlining your relevant experience to us.

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Freak Scene Balham

Restaurant General Manager

Restaurant General Manager Freak Scene – London A chef-led, punk-spirited, Japanese & Pan-Asian restaurant The Role We’re looking for a dynamic, people-first General Manager to lead Freak Scene, a bold, food-driven restaurant founded by Scott Hallsworth (ex-Nobu Head Chef, founder of Kurobuta Restaurants). This is not a corporate hospitality role. This is a natural hospitality role. Freak Scene is about energy, personality, flavour, music, and vibe. We want a GM who lives on the floor, leads from the front, loves food, and can inspire a young team to deliver unforgettable guest experiences — every service. This role is critical to our next phase of growth and has clear progression into a senior leadership position as the group expands. What You’ll Be Doing Lead the restaurant day-to-day with energy, warmth, and authority Build, train, and inspire a young, hungry, service-driven team Champion a food-led, chef-driven culture — quality always comes first Deliver consistently brilliant guest experiences without corporate stiffness Work closely with the Founder and kitchen leadership to evolve the offer Own service standards, rota planning, payroll, stock control, and margins Drive sales through vibe, hospitality, upselling, and smart service Be hands-on during service — present, visible, and engaged Create a positive, inclusive, high-performance culture What We’re Looking For Proven experience as a General Manager or strong Deputy GM in a quality restaurant A genuine love of hospitality, food, and people Strong understanding of Japanese and Pan-Asian cuisine Solid knowledge of sake, wine, cocktails, and bar operations Commercially switched-on without being corporate Calm under pressure, positive by nature, and solution-focused Confident leading teams, setting standards, and holding people accountable Someone who brings personality, warmth, and edge — not scripts and buzzwords What This Is (and Isn’t) This is: Punk-rock attitude with serious food Chef-led thinking Natural hospitality A chance to grow with the brand This isn’t: Corporate hotel hospitality Clipboard management Ego-driven leadership A “sit in the office” GM role Why Join Freak Scene Work directly with a highly respected chef-founder Be part of a growing, creative restaurant group Real influence over culture, standards, and direction Genuine progression into senior leadership as the business scales A restaurant that values vibe, flavour, and warm hospitality.

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AKI Restaurant

Pastry Chef de Partie

AKI London is looking for a skilled and passionate Pastry Chef to join our kitchen team in Marylebone. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a modern Japanese restaurant focused on quality ingredients, precision and creativity. You will be responsible for preparing, presenting and maintaining high standards across all dessert and pastry items, supporting menu development and ensuring consistency in every service. We are looking for someone organised, reliable and detail-focused, with previous experience in a professional kitchen environment. A positive attitude, teamwork and pride in your craft are essential.

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