Vegetarian Restaurant jobs in London

• Type: Permanent / employed role
• Hours: Minimum 22 contracted hours per week, likely 30–35 hours as trade develops
• Schedule: Daytime-focused role, including weekends
• Evenings: No regular late nights expected at launch

Part Deux is a new neighbourhood café and brunch concept opening in Highams Park, East London.

We are looking for a talented Head Brunch Chef to help lead the kitchen and deliver a high-quality breakfast and brunch menu from launch. This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys brunch, daytime food and independent hospitality, and wants the chance to help shape a new local venue from an early stage.

The food direction will be modern neighbourhood brunch with a subtle French influence: familiar, approachable dishes delivered with stronger execution, good produce and consistent presentation. The menu is likely to include quality egg dishes, brunch classics, sourdough / tartine-style dishes, strong vegetarian options, lighter plates, seasonal specials and a small number of signature dishes. We will be looking to make as much as practical in-house, while sensibly sourcing items such as bread, pastries and specialist products where appropriate. We are interested in working with good-quality suppliers and produce, with final suppliers developed around the menu, quality and commercial fit.

Patrick Powell is also expected to support the project and menu development. This should be a strong opportunity for the successful candidate to help bring a professionally developed brunch menu to life, while also contributing ideas and making the kitchen their own.

Duties

• Lead the kitchen during breakfast and brunch service
• Prepare, cook and plate dishes to the agreed standard
• Work across relevant kitchen sections as required
• Support prep, mise en place and daily kitchen setup
• Maintain consistency, portion control and presentation
• Help manage stock, ordering and waste control
• Keep food GP, cost control and margins in mind
• Train and support junior or existing kitchen team members
• Maintain excellent food hygiene, allergen and kitchen safety standards
• Keep the kitchen clean, organised and service-ready
• Work closely with the General Manager and ownership team
• Support menu improvements, specials and seasonal changes
• Help create a calm, organised kitchen culture from the start

Requirements

• Experience in brunch, breakfast, café food, casual dining or premium neighbourhood hospitality
• Confident with breakfast and brunch service
• Strong egg cookery skills
• Comfortable with prep, mise en place and service organisation
• Able to work across grill / hot section and fryer where required
• Basic baking or pastry awareness useful, but not essential
• Good understanding of stock control, waste reduction and portion control
• Able to follow recipes and maintain consistency
• Comfortable supporting or leading a small kitchen team
• Strong food hygiene, allergen and kitchen safety knowledge
• Food Hygiene Level 3 preferred
• Organised, reliable, clean and calm during busy service
• Positive, collaborative and comfortable working in an independent neighbourhood business

This role would suit someone who wants more ownership than a standard chef position, while still being close to the food, the team and the day-to-day running of service. It may also appeal to chefs with restaurant experience who are looking for a better work/life balance, more predictable daytime hours, or a move away from late nights and long shifts.

Pay: £18.00-£22.00 per hour

Experience:

• Chef: 2 years (preferred)

Work Location: In person