Head Chef

Head Chef – Opening & Kitchen Lead

new concept by PATOIS | Brixton, London
Freelance / Self-Employed | £15–£20 per hour | 4 days per week
Start date: 20 October 2026

About LIKKLE BIT

LIKKLE BIT is a new Caribbean-inspired small plates and sharing concept from PATOIS, opening in Brixton.

We’re looking for a confident, experienced and hands-on Head Chef / Kitchen Lead to take ownership of the kitchen through our opening period and help us build strong systems, standards and consistency from day one.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys being part of a new opening and wants to have real ownership over how a kitchen operates.

The Role

The first 3–4 weeks will be particularly hands-on. You will work Thursday–Sunday, open to close, helping us get the kitchen fully operational and ready for consistent service.

You will be responsible for:

• Taking ownership of the kitchen during the opening period
• Establishing prep, service and kitchen systems
• Setting and maintaining high food quality and presentation standards
• Ensuring consistency across recipes, portions and dishes
• Organising kitchen stations, prep and storage
• Managing food safety, hygiene and cleaning standards
• Supporting stock control, ordering and waste management
• Leading service and maintaining standards under pressure
• Training and developing another member of the kitchen team
• Helping establish opening, closing and daily kitchen procedures
• Working closely with the Founder to develop and maintain the LIKKLE BIT food offering
• Supporting the kitchen team as the business grows

After the initial opening period, the role will continue with a greater focus on maintaining standards, supporting the team, improving systems and ongoing training.

About You

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has previous experience as a Head Chef, Sous Chef or senior kitchen professional
• Is confident leading a kitchen and taking ownership
• Has experience opening a new restaurant, kitchen or food business
• Has experience managing and training kitchen teams
• Is highly organised and understands good kitchen systems
• Has experience with small plates, sharing menus or a similar style of service
• Is hands-on and happy to work on the line as well as lead the team
• Has strong food safety and hygiene knowledge
• Can remain calm and organised during busy service
• Takes pride in consistency, quality and presentation
• Is proactive and comfortable working in a new and evolving business

Caribbean/Jamaican food experience is a bonus but is not essential. We’re primarily looking for strong kitchen leadership, organisation and the ability to execute consistently.

Opening Responsibilities

The successful candidate will play a key role in getting the kitchen ready for launch, including:

• Establishing prep systems and daily prep lists
• Organising kitchen workflow and stations
• Establishing opening and closing procedures
• Setting food safety and hygiene standards
• Training kitchen staff
• Establishing consistent recipes and portion control
• Supporting a smooth and efficient service
• Identifying and solving operational issues during the opening period

We want someone who can take ownership of the kitchen and leave it operating at a high standard.

Working Pattern

4 days per week: Thursday–Sunday

The role starts on Tuesday 20 October, with the first 3–4 weeks being particularly hands-on to prepare and establish the kitchen.

Rate & Contract

£15–£20 per hour, depending on experience.

This is a freelance/self-employed position, initially for 2–3 months, with the potential to continue depending on performance, business needs and deliverables.

You may also recommend or bring a kitchen assistant/team member you trust to support the opening, subject to prior agreement.

How to Apply

Please apply with your CV and include:

• Your current or most recent role
• Experience opening a new restaurant or kitchen
• Experience managing or training kitchen teams
• Experience with small plates/sharing menus
• Any Caribbean/Jamaican food experience
• Your availability from 20 October
• Your location
• Your availability for an initial call and/or trial

We are moving quickly due to the opening date.

If you’re an experienced chef who enjoys building something from the ground up and wants to take real ownership of a new kitchen, we’d love to hear from you.
contact: WhatsApp 07916172392 or email: [email protected]

Pay: £15.00-£20.00 per hour

Work Location: In person