Sous Chef

Opening in late 2026,  Delano London brings the spirit and celebrated heritage of the iconic Delano Miami Beach to London, reimagined for a new generation. Set overlooking Kensington Gardens, the hotel will feature 67 rooms and suites, Lana Lusa, the legendary Rose Bar and Rose Lounge, alongside The Source wellness offering.

Delano  is a place where personality, creativity and genuine connection come together. We value curiosity, individuality and a sense of fun, creating an environment where our people can be themselves while delivering thoughtful, intuitive and genuinely warm hospitality.

Delano London  is part of  Ennismore , a global collective of entrepreneurial, founder-built brands rooted in creativity, culture and community, and a joint venture with Accor.

Joining Delano London means being part of something from the very beginning. It is an opportunity to help shape the next chapter of an iconic brand, work alongside an ambitious and creative team and play a part in creating a hotel that feels distinctly Delano from day one.

Job Description

We are seeking an exceptional Sous Chef to join the pre-opening culinary team of Delano London. Reporting to the Executive Head Chef and working closely with the Senior Sous Chef, you’ll play a key role in delivering the food experience across Lana Lusa , our all-day restaurant, while supporting the wider culinary operation. You’ll help build a confident opening kitchen, lead by example during service, and bring together precision, warmth and a genuine passion for great food.

What you’ll do…

• Support the Executive Head Chef and Senior Sous Chef in the day-to-day running of the kitchen across breakfast, lunch, dinner, events and wider hotel food operations.
• Take responsibility for an assigned section or service period, ensuring excellent preparation, organisation, timing, presentation and consistency.
• Lead by example during service, maintaining calm, clear communication and high standards even when the pace changes.
• Help deliver the Lana Lusa food concept, ensuring the menu feels polished, generous, vibrant and connected to its Mediterranean and London influences.
• Prepare, cook and present dishes to the required Delano standard, following recipes, specifications, portion controls and plating guidelines.
• Support the recruitment, onboarding and training of the opening kitchen team, helping to build a positive culture from day one.
• Coach Commis Chefs, Demi Chefs and Chef de Parties through clear instruction, demonstration and feedback.
• Help implement kitchen SOPs, prep lists, cleaning schedules, opening and closing procedures and service standards.
• Maintain excellent mise en place and ensure all sections are fully prepared for service, VIP dining, private events and hotel activations.
• Coordinate effectively with Front of House and other hotel departments so that food service feels connected and guest-focused.
• Monitor food quality, freshness, presentation, temperature and consistency throughout preparation and service.
• Support stock control, deliveries, storage, labelling, rotation, waste reduction and responsible use of ingredients.
• Work with the culinary leadership team to maintain food cost, portion control and productivity targets.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, HACCP, allergen management, Health & Safety, company policies and relevant legal requirements.
• Keep the kitchen clean, organised and ready for service, taking ownership of standards within your area.
• Communicate shortages, issues, guest feedback and operational challenges quickly and constructively.
• Support menu tastings, recipe development, training sessions, mock services and other pre-opening activities.
• Be flexible across the wider culinary operation and step into different sections or outlets when business needs require it.

Qualifications

What we’re looking for…

• You have strong experience as Sous Chef within a high-quality restaurant, luxury hotel or premium hospitality operation.
• Previous pre-opening experience would be a real plus - you enjoy building something from the ground up and understand the importance of preparation, systems and teamwork.
• You have excellent knowledge of food preparation, cooking techniques, presentation, kitchen organisation and service delivery – mediterranean/ Portuguese cuisine experience is a real plus.
• You are a confident, hands-on chef who enjoys being present on the pass and in the kitchen, setting the standard through your own work.
• You are comfortable working across busy breakfast, lunch, dinner, events and other hotel operations.
• You are a natural team player who communicates clearly, supports colleagues and creates a positive working environment.
• You enjoy coaching and developing junior chefs, sharing knowledge and helping others perform at their best.
• You understand the importance of food safety, HACCP, allergens, cleanliness and disciplined kitchen routines.
• You have awareness of portion control, food cost, waste reduction and the commercial realities of a professional kitchen.
• You are organised, reliable and able to prioritise effectively while maintaining attention to detail.
• You are calm under pressure, adaptable when plans change and willing to take ownership of problems and solutions.
• You are passionate about ingredients, quality and the guest experience, with an interest in Mediterranean, Portuguese-inspired and contemporary London cooking.
• You are flexible to work evenings, weekends and the key moments that hospitality demands.

What’s in it for you…

• The opportunity to help launch Delano London and shape the culinary experience from day one.
• The chance to work closely with an experienced culinary leadership team in a creative and ambitious pre-opening environment.
• The opportunity to develop your skills across a luxury all-day restaurant and wider hotel food operation.
• Join an innovative, fast-growing, international group that’s committed to not just building new hotels but building a global brand.
• A kitchen culture that values quality, teamwork, personality, learning and genuine hospitality.
• The chance to contribute ideas, develop your career and grow with the hotel and the wider Delano brand.
• Plenty of opportunity for development as the hotel and the wider brand continue to grow.

Additional Information

Why Delano London?

Be part of the team bringing an iconic brand into its next chapter. At Delano London, personality counts, ideas are welcomed and everyone plays a part in creating something memorable. We work hard, make it fun and look out for one another, with opportunities to learn, grow and build meaningful relationships across Delano, Ennismore and Accor.

Alongside a supportive and creative team culture, you’ll have access to a range of colleague benefits, hotel stays and experiences across the wider group, and the opportunity to work within a global community of distinctive lifestyle and hospitality brands.