lai rai is a new school independent Vietnamese restaurant in the heart of Peckham's Rye Lane.

We're known for our bold, creative take on Viet cuisine. lai rai means little by little, the bia hơi way, where a characterful room and a team-driven culture reflects the energy of the neighborhood we serve.

In our first year we earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand, and we're only getting started. As we grow, we're looking for a dynamic, experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen and help take lai rai to the next level.

Job Requirements

As Head Chef, you'll be responsible for end to end delivery of the menu, working closely with senior management and our founders on all things food.

You'll run the whole kitchen operation, including prep schedules, stock control, budgeting and maintenance, as well as the day-to-day leadership of the kitchen team.

Essential

Head Chef, or a strong Senior Sous ready to step up, in a quality-led restaurant.
Commercially sharp: you protect GP, cost dishes properly and have a hold on stock control and labour costs
A proven leader who can train, motivate and retain a small brigade
Comfortable running a busy kitchen hands-on, day to day
Solid on health & safety, allergens, HACCP and EHO compliance
Creative, detail-driven, with a real feel for seasonality and produce

Desirable

Vietnamese or wider South-East Asian experience, genuine respect for the cuisine, and the appetite to learn ours

Your commitment to be kind and work hard comes with a range of benefits:

Retail, Dine-in & Takeaway discounts at all our site and sister site Bà Ba Peckham
CODE membership benefits with our friends around town
Additional holiday for every year with us (rising to 30 days)
Staff parties