Cafe Chef / Kitchen Leader - Islington
About The Position
Do you love cooking great food and enjoy running a small, fast-paced café kitchen on your own? At Redemption Roasters, we believe great coffee (and food!) can change lives. Our mission is to reduce reoffending by training people in prison and supporting them into employment on release - often in our own cafés. We’re looking for a full-time Café Chef / Kitchen Leader to take ownership of our small Islington kitchen and deliver fantastic, delicious brunch plates, toasted sandwiches, soups and counter food. This role is perfect for someone who cares about deliciousness, detail, consistency and above all, great hospitality.
Requirements
- Experience as a café chef, brunch chef or similar role in a specialty café, bistro or all-day dining environment.
- Weekend availability (Fri, Sat, Sun) - mandatory.
- Strong organisation and prep skills, with confidence running a kitchen solo.
- A passion for quality, consistency and plating.
- Solid food safety knowledge, including allergen management.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills - from clear handovers to accurate prep lists, order notes and kitchen updates.
- Right to work in the UK.
Nice To Haves
- Calm, focused and reliable in a small-kitchen setting.
- Detail-oriented - you want every plate to look and taste great.
- A clear, proactive communicator with the FOH team and your manager.
- Positive, collaborative and supportive of others.
- Comfortable working independently and taking ownership.
- Someone who thrives in a purpose-led, values-driven organisation.
Responsibilities
- Lead brunch service (Fri–Sun) with confidence, organisation and pace.
- Prepare, cook and plate dishes to spec with care and precision.
- Batch-prep sandwich fillings, soups and counter dishes during the week.
- Maintain excellent cleanliness, food safety and overall kitchen organisation.
- Create simple specials and contribute to menu development.
- Manage stock, ordering and prep planning efficiently.
- Communicate clearly with your Coffee Shop Manager and FOH team — verbally and in writing - to keep service smooth, ensure nothing is missed, and get the support you need.
- Support our mission and work respectfully alongside programme participants.
Benefits
- Pay £13.50–£15.00 per hour (plus tips), depending on experience.
- Provide tips, staff meals and unlimited specialty coffee.
- Support your development and progression.
- Welcome you into a mission-led, supportive team.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
