Head Chef – Sale e Pepe, Knightsbridge

We are looking for an exceptional Head Chef to take the lead at Sale e Pepe, our iconic Italian restaurant in the heart of Knightsbridge.

For more than 50 years, Sale e Pepe has been part of London’s restaurant scene, building an incredible reputation and a fiercely loyal following. Today, it combines that heritage with the energy and ambition of Thesleff Group.

We are looking for a Head Chef who can lead from the front; someone who loves great Italian food, understands the demands of a busy premium restaurant and knows how to build, develop and retain a brilliant kitchen team.

This is not about reinventing Sale e Pepe. It is about respecting what makes the restaurant special while continuing to evolve, improve and deliver consistently exceptional food.

Why join us?

Private Health Insurance
10 days fully paid sick leave
50% off when dining at our restaurants with family and friends
Career development and progression opportunities
A people-focus
ed and inclusive culture
The opportunity to lead the kitchen of one of Knightsbridge’s most iconic Italian restaurants
Join an ambitious and expanding hospitality group

The Role

As Head Chef, you will have full ownership of the kitchen operation, working closely with the General Manager and wider team.

You will:

Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen brigade.
Deliver consistently excellent food across every service.
Maintain the quality, identity and standards of Sale e Pepe.
Manage food costs, GP, stock, ordering and wastage.
Manage kitchen labour effectively.
Recruit, train and retain a strong team of chefs.
Maintain excellent food safety, hygiene and compliance standards.
Develop your team and create opportunities for progression.
Work closely with the restaurant management team to deliver an outstanding guest experience.

About You

You will already be an experienced Head Chef, or a strong senior kitchen leader ready to step into a Head Chef position within a restaurant of this calibre.

A strong understanding of Italian cuisine, ingredients and cooking techniques is essential, alongside experience within premium, high-volume restaurants.

More importantly, we want someone who genuinely cares about their kitchen and their people.

You will set high standards, lead by example and understand that a successful kitchen is not just measured by what leaves the pass – it is also measured by the strength, stability and development of the team behind it.

Thesleff Group is an equal opportunities employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.