London Commis Chef Jobs: Apply Early Before the Holiday Rush

If you are hoping to land a commis chef job in London before the festive season reaches full speed, now is the time to move. Across the city, kitchens are already filling schedules for Christmas menus, office parties, and private events. Roles that were not available a few weeks ago are now opening up, but they often get filled just as quickly.

This time of year brings plenty of behind-the-scenes changes. Some chefs take time off, others move on after the summer rush, and restaurants start reshuffling their teams. That leaves openings for new chefs ready to step in and learn. Knowing where to look and when to apply can make all the difference between getting a strong start and missing the window.

Target Kitchens That Plan Ahead

Many London restaurants start planning their holiday service well before December. Menus are tested, bookings flood in, and the pressure builds early. That is why kitchens in areas like Soho, Covent Garden, and Shoreditch begin hiring commis chefs in late October and early November.

These are high-traffic neighbourhoods, attracting both tourists and locals for festive meals and events. They need reliable extra hands who can start soon and learn quickly.

Here is why early hiring matters:

You get valuable time to train with senior chefs before service hits peak intensity.
Many venues finalise staff by mid-November for pre-Christmas menus and events.
Starting early helps you settle into the pace and culture before the rush begins.

Being part of the setup phase gives you an advantage. You learn faster, earn trust sooner, and often get first consideration when permanent roles open after the holidays.

You can explore current listings for London commis chef jobs directly on Only Chefs, filtering by location and kitchen type. The earlier you apply, the more choices you will have before December’s surge.

Look Beyond Central London for Local Opportunities

Not every chef job worth having is in Zone 1. Some of London’s most rewarding early-career opportunities can be found in smaller, independent kitchens across the outer boroughs.

Neighbourhoods like Camden, Peckham, Hackney, and Walthamstow have thriving food scenes, filled with independent pubs, cafes, and bistros that hire early to prepare for busy winter periods.

The benefits of looking outside central London include:

More flexibility with experience requirements if you show eagerness to learn.
Steadier hours and fewer late-night shifts.
A stronger sense of community and closer mentorship in smaller teams.

If you are building experience and want to avoid a long commute, searching in your local area can offer the same growth opportunities without the added pressure of central London crowds.

Only Chefs works with employers across all London boroughs, helping commis chefs connect with both independent kitchens and large venues that value attitude and enthusiasm as much as experience.

Explore Seasonal Markets and Event Spaces

London’s festive markets and event venues offer a different kind of opportunity. From mid-November through December, the city fills with pop-ups, winter fairs, and catering events that need extra kitchen support.

Roles in these environments are often temporary, but they can provide valuable hands-on experience and quick learning in high-volume settings. You might be helping prep for a corporate dinner one day and serving hot dishes at a market stall the next.

Why these roles are worth considering:

Short-term jobs often lead to long-term connections if you make a good impression.
You gain practical skills in prep, service, and organisation.
Each shift brings new challenges and environments, helping you adapt quickly.

If you are looking for variety or want to strengthen your skills under pressure, seasonal event work is an excellent way to do it while getting paid.

Try Daytime or Prep Roles in Hotels and Catering Companies

Not every kitchen role revolves around evening service. Hotels and corporate caterers often hire commis chefs for daytime prep shifts as they handle large group lunches and business events during the holidays.

These jobs might not sound glamorous, but they are consistent, structured, and excellent for building discipline. You might focus on one station, such as vegetables, desserts, or sauces, but it all contributes to the foundation of your culinary training.

The advantages of these roles include:

More regular hours that support work-life balance.
Exposure to professional kitchen systems and workflows.
A clear pathway to more senior positions once you have proved yourself.

Many of these roles are not widely advertised, so visiting hotels or catering companies in person and asking about openings can set you apart from others who rely only on online listings.

How to Stay Ahead of the Festive Hiring Rush

Securing a commis chef role before December is not just about talent, it is about timing. By the time most people start applying, the busiest kitchens have already finalised their staff.

To get ahead:

Start applying in late October or early November.
Be flexible with shifts and open to different types of venues.
Set job alerts and check listings daily to stay updated.
Prepare your CV now so you can respond quickly when opportunities appear.

Early movers often gain extra training time, a smoother onboarding process, and more chances to prove themselves before the real rush begins.

Launch Your London Kitchen Career with Only Chefs

Landing a commis chef job in London before peak season is one of the smartest moves you can make. You will enter the busiest time of the year with momentum, hands-on experience, and new professional connections.

At Only Chefs, we make it easy to connect with London employers hiring right now. Our platform lets you search by area, experience level, and role type, giving you access to jobs across both large kitchens and smaller local venues.

If you want to start your culinary journey before the festive rush begins, this is the perfect moment to act. Whether you are aiming for a central London restaurant, a local pub, or a market event, we can help you find your next step.