Chef
Chef
Closing Date: 8th March 2026
We are looking for an experienced and motivated Chef to join our Catering Team. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a unique setting, preparing high‑quality meals for our Chelsea Pensioners and guests.
Founded in 1682, the Royal Hospital Chelsea is a retirement community for around 300 army veterans, known as the Chelsea Pensioners, drawn from every corner of the United Kingdom. Based in the heart of London, it is a special place defined by community and service. We are looking for people who enjoy working with others and take pride in making a positive difference. You will lead by example and help create a welcoming, inclusive environment for everyone who lives and works here.
In this role, you will prepare, cook and serve meals in the Great Hall and the Margaret Thatcher Infirmary, working across both the Kitchen, Larder and Pastry departments as directed by senior chefs. You will support daily service as well as events and functions. You will help ensure excellent food hygiene and safety standards by checking food temperatures, storing food correctly, and keeping your work area clean and safe.
We are seeking someone with experience in a professional kitchen, strong attention to detail, and a positive, team‑focused attitude. A passion for producing high‑quality food and maintaining high standards is essential.
This is a full-time role, working any five days out of seven, which includes weekends. The shift times are: 0600-1400 & 1100 – 1900 (occasional late nights if working for events). We will review applications as they come in and may close the advert ahead of the stated deadline. To avoid disappointment, please submit your application as early as possible.
If you enjoy creating high‑quality dishes and want to make a real difference each day, we would be delighted to hear from you.
About Us
The ethos of the Royal Hospital is one that puts a premium on selflessness and companionship. Our values of nurturing belonging, respect individuals, encourage pride and enjoy life underpin that ethos. We are united in a shared purpose, living and working together and ensuring everyone has a place in our diverse social and military community.
The Royal Hospital Chelsea is dedicated to equality, diversity, and inclusion, where all backgrounds and abilities can reach their full potential. We pride ourselves on attracting a wide range of talent, removing potential barriers, and promoting equal opportunities. We know, the more varied and inclusive our teams are, the better our organisation will be for our community. We are a Disability Confident employer dedicated to hiring diverse talent and ensuring you are treated with respect throughout the recruitment process and upon joining our community.
Our selection process
Should your application be successful you will be invited to a formal interview, where you will be asked questions relating to your experiences and key requirements of the role. If you are successful after the interviews we will:
- Ask for references from those you have listed on your application form
- Check your right to live and work in the UK
- Check any declarations you have made on your application form
- Ask you to complete a medical form
- Carry out an Enhanced DBS application.