Demi Chef De Partie — Kimpton Charlotte Square, Edinburgh Full Time

If you have kitchen experience and want to work in one of Edinburgh’s best-known hotels, this Demi Chef De Partie role at Kimpton Charlotte Square could be a solid next step. Part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts group, Kimpton Charlotte Square is a lifestyle hotel right in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town — and they are currently looking for someone to join their kitchen team. The pay is £14.60 per hour (roughly £30,368 a year) plus service charge, which is competitive for this level in Edinburgh’s hotel scene.

Quick Job Overview

About the Employer

Kimpton Charlotte Square is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s largest hotel companies with over 6,000 properties across more than 100 countries. The Kimpton brand is known for its boutique, design-led approach — think stylish interiors, a relaxed atmosphere, and a focus on individuality rather than corporate uniformity. The Edinburgh property sits on Charlotte Square in the city’s UNESCO World Heritage New Town, putting it within walking distance of Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh Castle, and the West End.

IHG is a Disability Confident Committed Employer and promotes itself as an equal opportunity employer. The company operates globally and has a track record of hiring staff from diverse backgrounds, which is worth knowing if you are applying from outside the UK. IHG Hotels & Resorts PLC is also listed on the UK Home Office register of licensed visa sponsors, though that does not automatically mean every role qualifies for sponsorship — you would need to confirm this directly with their recruitment team for this specific position.

What This Role Involves

As a Demi Chef De Partie, you will be supporting the Chef De Partie and the wider kitchen team to deliver the hotel’s food offering. That means working across different sections of the kitchen, preparing dishes to the required standard, and helping to maintain a smooth service during busy periods. The role sits between a Commis Chef and a Chef De Partie, so you will be expected to have a decent level of independence while still learning and developing under more senior chefs.

Kimpton Charlotte Square has multiple food and drink outlets, so you could be working on anything from room service to the hotel’s restaurant and bar. The kitchen operates at a high standard — this is a four-star property with a reputation to maintain — so attention to detail, consistency, and a genuine passion for food are all important. You will also be responsible for keeping your section clean and organised, following food safety procedures, and contributing to a positive team environment.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Essential:

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a similar role within a 4- or 5-star hotel or high-quality restaurant
• City & Guilds 706/1 or NVQ Level 2 equivalent in professional cookery
• Experience working across various sections of a professional kitchen
• Good understanding of food safety and hygiene standards
• Ability to work under pressure during peak service times
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Passion for delivering high-quality food and culinary experiences

Desirable:

• Experience in a luxury or boutique hotel environment
• Knowledge of Scottish and British cuisine
• Additional culinary qualifications (City & Guilds 706/2, NVQ Level 3)
• Experience with menu development and recipe costing

Salary, Benefits, and Relocation Support

The hourly rate is £14.60, which works out to approximately £30,368 per year based on a standard 40-hour week. On top of that, there is a service charge that adds to your take-home pay — the exact amount varies, but it is a meaningful addition at a hotel of this calibre. Relocation support is not mentioned in the listing, so you should ask the recruitment team directly if that is something you need.

The benefits package is genuinely generous. After your probation period, you get a complimentary hotel stay for you and a guest, plus discounts across food and drink outlets at both Kimpton Charlotte Square and the sister property, InterContinental Edinburgh The George. Other perks include spa and gym discounts at the Kimpton, 28 days of holiday (including bank holidays) rising to 33 days with service, enhanced family leave, meals on duty, company sick pay, life insurance, and access to the Wagestream financial wellbeing app. You also get two paid volunteering days per year and discounts at thousands of retail and cinema outlets worldwide through the IHG employee discount programme.

Work Permit / Visa Note

The job listing states: “You must meet the legal requirements to work in the UK.” It does not explicitly confirm visa sponsorship for this specific role. IHG Hotels & Resorts PLC is a licensed UK Skilled Worker visa sponsor — the company appears on the Home Office register — but that does not guarantee every position qualifies. Hospitality roles have faced tighter restrictions under the UK’s Skilled Worker visa rules since July 2025, and the salary threshold for sponsorship has increased. If you are an international applicant who needs a visa to work in the UK, you should contact IHG’s recruitment team directly before applying to confirm whether this role is eligible for sponsorship. For more on how the process works, read our UK Skilled Worker Visa guide.

Who This Role May Suit

This is a good fit for chefs with at least two years of professional kitchen experience who are ready to step up from a Commis role or consolidate their position as a Demi Chef De Partie in a quality-driven hotel kitchen. If you have worked in a four- or five-star hotel or a well-regarded restaurant and want to be part of a globally recognised brand with real progression opportunities, this is worth considering. It may also suit international chefs who already have the right to work in the UK — or who want to explore whether sponsorship might be available through IHG’s global network.

How to Apply Officially

To apply, go to the official IHG Careers page for this role at IHG Careers — Job Reference 161568. You will need to create an IHG careers account or sign in if you already have one. The application process involves submitting your CV and covering letter through their recruitment system. There is no stated closing date — the listing remains open until the position is filled — but hospitality roles at well-known Edinburgh hotels tend to attract a lot of applications, so applying sooner rather than later is a good idea.

Required Documents

Have the following ready before you apply:

• Up-to-date CV highlighting your kitchen experience
• Proof of your culinary qualifications (City & Guilds 706/1, NVQ Level 2, or equivalent)
• Proof of right to work in the UK (if applicable)
• Professional references from previous kitchen roles
• Food hygiene certificate (Level 2 minimum)

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this role offer visa sponsorship?

The listing does not explicitly confirm visa sponsorship. It states that applicants must meet the legal requirements to work in the UK. IHG Hotels & Resorts is a licensed UK Skilled Worker visa sponsor, but not every role necessarily qualifies. If you need a visa, contact IHG’s recruitment team before applying to check whether this position is eligible for sponsorship.

What does Demi Chef De Partie mean?

A Demi Chef De Partie is the step between a Commis Chef (junior) and a Chef De Partie (section head). You will be running a section of the kitchen with some independence, but under the guidance of a more senior chef. It is a role that suits someone with a couple of years of professional experience who is ready to take on more responsibility.

What is the service charge and how much is it?

The service charge is an additional payment on top of your base salary, distributed from the charges added to customers’ bills. The exact amount varies depending on the hotel’s revenue and occupancy, so it is not a fixed figure — but at a property like Kimpton Charlotte Square, it can be a meaningful addition to your earnings.

Is accommodation provided?

Accommodation is not mentioned in the listing. You would need to arrange your own housing in Edinburgh. If relocation is a concern, it is worth asking the recruitment team whether any support or recommendations are available.

Relevant Internal Links

• How to Find Visa Sponsorship Jobs in the UK — Complete Guide
• UK Skilled Worker Visa 2026: Requirements, Salary and Application Guide
• Hospitality and Hotel Jobs on JobsRivo

Disclaimer

JobsRivo is an independent job listing portal and is not the employer. Applicants should apply only through the official employer website. JobsRivo does not charge fees, process visas, or guarantee job offers. All information presented here was verified as of 1 June 2026 and may change — always check the official listing before applying.