Commis Chef - Restaurants


Company:	House of Lords
Salary:	£28,700 - £31,580
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Westminster, SW1A 0PW
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	24 Aug 2026
Closing date:	7 Sept 2026

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Summary

Commis Chef - Peers Dining Room Group

House of Lords - Catering and Retail Services

BELONG HERE. TOGETHER, WE MAKE PARLIAMENT HAPPEN.

As a Commis Chef you'll play an important role in supporting the UK's parliamentary democracy. Your work will help Members carry out their responsibilities effectively - contributing to something bigger than any one role.

You'll be part of a collaborative community, working alongside colleagues from a wide range of professions. Together, we make Parliament happen.

You'll be based on the Parliamentary Estate in Westminster - a unique working environment shaped by history and powered by the people who work here today.

You will support the kitchen brigade in the preparation and delivery of fine dining dishes, gaining hands-on experience across different sections of the kitchen.

You will work under the guidance of Chef de Parties and Sous Chefs, developing your skills in food preparation, presentation, and kitchen organisation while contributing to a consistently high standard of food and service.

The Peers' Dining Room operation offers a refined, service-led à la carte environment, providing a structured setting for learning, development, and progression.

This is an excellent opportunity to develop a career in a fine dining environment, supporting the delivery of high-quality food for Members and their guests within one of the most prestigious institutions in the UK.

What you'll be doing

In this role, you'll:

Support the preparation and cooking of high-quality dishes, working alongside experienced chefs and learning from their expertise.

Assist with mise en place activities across different kitchen sections, helping to ensure smooth and efficient service.

Develop an understanding of recipes, portion control and presentation standards, contributing to the consistent delivery of exceptional dishes.

Help ensure ingredients and preparation tasks are completed and maintained throughout service.

Support the team in delivering consistently high standards of food preparation and presentation.

Assist with plating and presentation during service, following guidance from senior chefs.

Have a recognised culinary qualification (e.g. NVQ Level 1 or Level 2 in Professional Cookery, or equivalent).

What we're looking for

We're looking for someone who can bring their skills and experience to make a meaningful contribution here.

You'll have:

A passion for food and an enthusiasm for learning about professional cookery.

An understanding of the importance of food hygiene, safety and quality standards.

Good communication skills and a commitment to building positive working relationships.

A positive attitude and a willingness to develop skills and experience within a fine dining environment.

A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively with colleagues across the kitchen team.

A flexible and adaptable approach, with a willingness to support different areas of the operation when required.

You will have a recognised culinary qualification (e.g. NVQ Level 1 or Level 2 in Professional Cookery, or equivalent).

It would be even better if you have (or are willing to learn):

Previous kitchen experience.

Experience in a fine dining or high-quality environment.

Interest in classical or British cuisine.

For full details, please see the job description.

What you'll get in return

Working at the House of Lords means joining a community that values your wellbeing, growth and contribution.

You'll benefit from:

30 days annual leave (rising to 35 after one year).

Generous Civil Service pension scheme.

A comprehensive Parliamentary health and wellbeing programme.

Access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities across diverse professions.

The chance to witness democracy in action and work in a place of historic national significance.

The work we do is vital to the House of Lords - the second chamber of the UK Parliament. It plays a critical role in making laws, scrutinising government, and providing independent expertise on national issues.

Ready to apply?

If you're looking for an employer where you can belong, grow and thrive, we'd love to hear from you.

Please complete your online application by 23:59 on Monday 7

th September 2026.

Apply for this job