Head Chef

Head Chef | El Pastor Restaurant | Kings Cross, London 

This is an opportunity for a Head Chef who brings passion and precision to the kitchen, has a genuine love for Mexican cuisine, and thrives in a positive, high-volume, high-quality environment. Someone who can manage a busy operation while helping El Pastor maintain consistency and constantly improve, all while staying true to authentic Mexican flavours, traditions, and ingredients, setting high standards for quality, and contributing to a vibrant, people-focused kitchen that values sustainability.

El Pastor is a small group of Mexican taquerias in London, inspired by the decade the founders spent in Mexico City, running a cult nightclub and searching for the city's best taco al pastor.
We pour our hearts into top-quality, authentic produce, making fresh tortillas daily using heritage corn and working directly with suppliers and cooperative farmers in Mexico.
Our chefs celebrate real flavours and honest cooking, with generosity, energy and joy at the heart of everything we do.
We're proud to have been awarded a Star by the Sustainable Restaurant Association and to be part of a team driven by the goal of serving the best tacos outside of Mexico.

Meaningful Rewards at Harts Group

• Head Chef Salary of up to £70,385 based on 48hrs per week, plus potential bonuses
• 50% Off all Food & Drink across all Harts Group restaurants
• Sit-down meals with you and your team
• Company trips to meet our top suppliers in Mexico, Spain, and across the UK
• Increasing holiday allowance on top of your 33 days paid holidays
• Career development and training opportunities
• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity packages
• Access to the Wagestream Platform where you can access your wages early and manage your money
• A paid volunteering day to support our communities and causes that matter to you
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to Hospitality Action to support your wellbeing in and out of work
• CODE membership with amazing discounts across the hospitality industry
• Test drive our new openings, you're invited to a brilliant meal with the teams from our other restaurants
• Work with a great group of individuals where you can be yourself and enjoy your career

Harts Group Way

We're excited to hear from candidates who bring curiosity, commitment, and a passion for Hospitality. We believe in creating an inclusive, diverse, and equal workplace where everyone is valued. In return, we offer competitive salaries, opportunities for career development, and continuous training, all within a supportive and friendly team where camaraderie and mutual respect are at the heart of everything we do.

The Head Chef Role

• At least 2 years' experience working as a Head Chef at a fast paced, creative and high-quality Restaurant
• Interest and love for Mexican food and culture
• Provide supportive guidance and training to all Chefs and kitchen teams
• Coordinate and unify production, line cooking, food preparation and plating
• Ensure communication between BOH and FOH (specials, briefing, tastings)
• Maintain operation and health and safety and hygiene standards
• Collaborate with Group Executive chef with specials on a weekly basis
• Monitor food stocks and optimise orders for both restaurants
• At times the role will require to step in and cover any junior position in the kitchen
• Provide level-headed and creative approach to people management
• Assist Recruitment needs, interviews, onboarding, and drive staff retention
• Consistently maintain the highest standards and deliver exceptional guest service
• Communicate effectively and clearly all times
• Be the face of a Group known for its' warm welcome and guest care
• Managing and exceeding guest expectations
• Strong command of English language
• Good knowledge of our menus, ingredients, and allergens
• Strong team ethic showing respect for your colleagues
• Ensure exceptional quality food and drink is consistently delivered
• Passion for the Hospitality Industry and your own development is a must

Harts Group is a community of talented individuals creating award-winning food and hospitality. Our portfolio includes Barrafina, Parrillan, Quo Vadis, El Pastor Restaurants, The Drop, Two Drops and Bar Daskal in London.

Apply for the Head Chef role today and a dedicated member of our talent team will be in touch.