What roles do you recruit for?

We specialise in permanent placements across all front and back of house roles: Head Chef, Sous Chef, Pastry Chef, Chef de Partie, Restaurant Manager, Front of House Manager, Bar Manager, General Manager, Events Manager, Head Barista and Sommelier.

How is Cookaburra different from other recruitment agencies?

Cookaburra was founded by Alexander Scrase, who spent 14 years working in hospitality, from cafes and fine dining in Perth to Michelin-starred kitchens in London. He recruits in London because that's where he built his career, and every candidate is personally vetted by someone who has done the work themselves. We present a small, curated shortlist of people we would genuinely hire.

Permanent Placements · London · Greater London

Hospitality Recruitment Agency London: Build a Hospitality Team That Stays.

Cookaburra connects London's finest restaurants, hotels, and venues with exceptional chefs, managers and front-of-house professionals on a permanent basis, every time.

Book a Discovery CallSee Our Process

✓Zero Upfront Risk✓Permanent Placements Only✓London Hospitality Specialists

0wk

rebate period

No Placement,

No Payment.

Elegant restaurant interior with warm lighting and bar seating in London

Guarantee

No Placement,

No Payment.

0wk

rebate period

Permanent Placements · London · Greater London

Hospitality Recruitment Agency London: Build a Hospitality Team That Stays.

Cookaburra connects London's finest restaurants, hotels, and venues with exceptional chefs, managers and front-of-house professionals on a permanent basis, every time.

Book a Discovery CallSee Our Process

✓Zero Upfront Risk✓Permanent Placements Only✓London Hospitality Specialists

0wk

rebate period

No Placement,

No Payment.

Guarantee

No Placement,

No Payment.

0wk

rebate period

Trusted by London's Finest Venues

Who We Work With

Across Every Corner of London's Hospitality Scene

From Michelin-starred fine diners in Mayfair to members clubs in St James's and neighbourhood gems in Brixton, Cookaburra places permanent staff across the full breadth of London's food and hospitality industry.

Head Chef Sous Chef Pastry Chef Restaurant Manager Bar Manager Front of House Manager Sommelier General Manager Events Manager Head Barista

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Dining

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Bars & Cocktails

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Hotels

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Members Clubs

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Catering & Events

Not sure if your venue fits? get in touch and we'll let you know how we can help.

The Staffing Reality

Why Hospitality Staffing in London Is So Hard to Get Right

Finding great hospitality professionals is only half the challenge. Keeping them is where most placements fail. We're built to solve both.

annual staff turnover in UK hospitality, the highest of any sector (CIPD / ONS, 2023)

High staff turnover is not just a nuisance. It actively damages your team culture, disrupts service quality, and costs you far more than the placement fee.

0×

the annual salary, the true cost of a bad hire (REC / Oxford Economics)

A bad hire carries hidden costs: lost productivity, rehiring, retraining, and team disruption. REC research with Oxford Economics puts the total impact at up to three times the role's salary.

0 wks

or more that management-level hospitality roles can sit unfilled (CIPD, 2024)

In hospitality, understaffing is immediately visible to your guests. Weeks without the right person means burnt-out staff, eroded service standards, and lost bookings.

See It for Yourself

What does the wrong hire really cost?

Role salary£70,000

£40k£200k

Bad hires in the past year

Based on industry research estimating bad hire costs at 3× annual salary, including lost productivity, rehiring and retraining.

The cost comparison

£210,000

Cost of bad hire

Ask us

Cookaburra placement fee

Stop Losing Money on Bad Hires

Chef and bar staff working together at a London hospitality venue

Close-up of a perfectly made espresso at a London café

0wk

rebate guarantee

The Permanent Advantage

Why Permanent Placements in London Win Every Time

Casuals plug gaps. Permanent staff build businesses. There's a fundamental difference in performance, loyalty, and the experience they deliver. Cookaburra connects you with the latter.

A Cohesive Team Culture

Permanent staff invest in your business, build relationships with regulars, and elevate your service standards every single shift, because they see a future there.

Dramatically Lower Long-Term Costs

One quality permanent placement costs less over three years than the endless cycle of temp fees, agency premiums, and emergency cover that casual staffing demands.

Exceptional Guest Experiences

Guests notice when staff know their names, remember their preferences, and genuinely care. Only permanent employees build those relationships that keep guests coming back.

Protected by Our Guarantee

You only pay when we place the right person. With up to 20 weeks rebate or free replacement, your investment is protected long after day one.

Find Your Next Permanent Hire

Our Proven Approach

Our London Recruitment Process: Brief to Brilliant Hire

We handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on running your venue. Here's exactly what to expect when you work with Cookaburra.

Step 01

Discovery Call

We start by listening. You tell us everything: your venue, your team culture, your non-negotiables, and what the ideal hire looks like in your specific environment.

Step 02

Role Brief & Candidate Profile

We craft a precise role brief together: skills, experience level, personality fit, and long-term potential, so every candidate we present is genuinely right for your team.

Step 03

Targeted Hospitality Search

Our network activates. We proactively headhunt from our curated database of London hospitality professionals. Not just those actively job hunting, but the best in the field.

Step 04

Curated Shortlist Presented

You receive a shortlist of 3 to 5 thoroughly vetted candidates, each assessed against your brief, interviewed by us, and presented with our detailed recommendation.

Step 05

Interviews & Decision Support

We coordinate the entire interview process and stay close throughout, so you get expert advice at every step and make the right hire with complete confidence.

Step 06

Placement & Rebate Guarantee

Your new team member starts. We check in at 4 weeks and 12 weeks to ensure a smooth transition for both sides, and back every placement with up to 20 weeks rebate or a free replacement if things don't work out.

Start Your Discovery Call

Alexander Scrase

Founder & Director, Cookaburra

Meet the Founder

Built by Someone Who's Worked the Pass.

I started in hospitality at 16 in Perth, washing dishes, working the line, learning what it actually takes to run a kitchen and a floor under pressure. Over the next 14 years I worked my way through cafés, fine dining, and Michelin-starred kitchens across Perth and London.

London is where I fell in love with the industry at its best, the pace, the craft, the culture of the great venues here. So when I decided to move into recruitment, this was always where I wanted to do it. I founded Cookaburra to connect London's best venues with the people who will genuinely thrive in them. Two years later, I launched Cookatoo in Perth, bringing the same approach back to the industry I grew up in. Together, the two agencies are working to bridge the gap between Australia and the United Kingdom, helping talent and venues connect across both markets.

Great recruitment isn't about filling a role. It's about understanding a venue's culture and finding someone who fits. Every placement is personal. I won't put someone in front of you that I wouldn't hire myself.

14+

Years in hospitality

Age 16

Started in Perth

London

Michelin-starred kitchens

Cookaburra

Founder & Director

Connect on LinkedIn

The Retention Case for Wellness

Hospitality has long carried a culture that takes more from people than it gives back. As the industry evolves and a younger generation moves away from that, the businesses that invest in their people beyond the payslip will be the ones that attract and keep the best talent.

That's why every candidate we place gets access to our Wellness Perks Portfolio, with discounted rates at gyms, studios, and wellbeing venues across London. And because culture is a team effort, we extend those same perks to your entire existing team at no extra cost.

Gyms Sauna Ice Baths Pilates Meditation Yoga Breathwork Steamrooms+ more

Industry avg

With wellness programs

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

% of employees still employed. Source: SHRM Workforce Research (2023), Deloitte Global Wellbeing Report (2024).

Google Reviews

What London's Hospitality Says

5.0· 12 reviews on Google

“Alex went out and found the perfect candidate for us. I can't thank you enough for the time and effort spent. I would recommend Cookaburra to anyone looking to hire, the care and attentiveness has been perfect.”
ZW
Zara White
EmployerPomelo London
“Outstanding service and exceptional customer attention. This agency has been instrumental in helping our business by providing a wide range of excellent candidates. Their professionalism made the hiring process seamless and stress-free.”
TO
Tomas Oliveros
EmployerSpacetalk
“As a small business, we were weary of working with a recruiter, but Alex was a breath of fresh air and shared our philosophy of fostering sustainable, balanced and rewarding hospitality environments. Alex understood our needs and aligned our goals with the right candidate.”
KE
Kiki Evans
EmployerUnwined
“We together worked out whether I would be a great fit, I of course got the job and I'd very much say it felt like a team effort. In the future, if I'm ever looking for another placement, I wouldn't go anywhere else.”
SK
Sudais Knight
CandidatePlaced via Cookaburra
“As a jobseeker, I felt genuinely valued. Cookaburra took the time to understand my skills and career aspirations, and matched me with opportunities that were a perfect fit. Thanks to their efforts, I was placed at La Maritxu, a position I am absolutely thrilled about.”
EB
Esmira Bairamova
CandidatePlaced at La Maritxu
“Highly recommend Alexander and his team. They have frequently sent me help at short notice and the chefs they've sent have all been absolutely fantastic, going above and beyond and working brilliantly with my existing team.”
JB
James Blunt
Employer
“Really awesome placement company. Alex helped me find a job that met all my requirements. Even though he's a recruiter, he made sure the process was smooth and checked up on me along the way. I highly recommend him.”
KB
Kevin Botha
CandidatePlaced at Unwined
“Cookaburra has been an outstanding partner in our recruitment efforts. They consistently provide top-notch candidates who are not only skilled but also a great fit for our team culture. Their extensive network and deep industry knowledge have been invaluable.”
LL
Lucia Larragoiti Fisher
EmployerLa Maritxu London
“I am extremely grateful to Cookaburra for helping me secure a fantastic job. A special thanks to Alex, whose intervention was instrumental in getting me hired. They are 100% trustworthy and dedicated to helping you succeed.”
VV
Vishnu V S
CandidatePlaced at SpaceTalk
“I have received brilliant communication and services whilst using Cookaburra. They are very attentive and share brilliant information. They offer great support and attention to detail, a well-deserved 5-star rating!”
RG
Rosie Gulbis
CandidatePlaced at Forge Coffee
“Cookaburra Hospitality Recruitment connects top talents with leading hospitality employers. Their friendly, personalised service and industry expertise make the job search enjoyable and successful.”
ST
Sandra Torrano Marcos
CandidatePlaced via Cookaburra
“Alex was great! He found me a sous chef position in a company perfect for what I was looking for. He made sure it was the right fit & that I would be happy long term. Outstanding”
RL
Rachel Lunn
CandidatePlaced at Pomelo
“Alex went out and found the perfect candidate for us. I can't thank you enough for the time and effort spent. I would recommend Cookaburra to anyone looking to hire, the care and attentiveness has been perfect.”
ZW
Zara White
EmployerPomelo London
“Outstanding service and exceptional customer attention. This agency has been instrumental in helping our business by providing a wide range of excellent candidates. Their professionalism made the hiring process seamless and stress-free.”
TO
Tomas Oliveros
EmployerSpacetalk
“As a small business, we were weary of working with a recruiter, but Alex was a breath of fresh air and shared our philosophy of fostering sustainable, balanced and rewarding hospitality environments. Alex understood our needs and aligned our goals with the right candidate.”
KE
Kiki Evans
EmployerUnwined
“We together worked out whether I would be a great fit, I of course got the job and I'd very much say it felt like a team effort. In the future, if I'm ever looking for another placement, I wouldn't go anywhere else.”
SK
Sudais Knight
CandidatePlaced via Cookaburra
“As a jobseeker, I felt genuinely valued. Cookaburra took the time to understand my skills and career aspirations, and matched me with opportunities that were a perfect fit. Thanks to their efforts, I was placed at La Maritxu, a position I am absolutely thrilled about.”
EB
Esmira Bairamova
CandidatePlaced at La Maritxu
“Highly recommend Alexander and his team. They have frequently sent me help at short notice and the chefs they've sent have all been absolutely fantastic, going above and beyond and working brilliantly with my existing team.”
JB
James Blunt
Employer
“Really awesome placement company. Alex helped me find a job that met all my requirements. Even though he's a recruiter, he made sure the process was smooth and checked up on me along the way. I highly recommend him.”
KB
Kevin Botha
CandidatePlaced at Unwined
“Cookaburra has been an outstanding partner in our recruitment efforts. They consistently provide top-notch candidates who are not only skilled but also a great fit for our team culture. Their extensive network and deep industry knowledge have been invaluable.”
LL
Lucia Larragoiti Fisher
EmployerLa Maritxu London
“I am extremely grateful to Cookaburra for helping me secure a fantastic job. A special thanks to Alex, whose intervention was instrumental in getting me hired. They are 100% trustworthy and dedicated to helping you succeed.”
VV
Vishnu V S
CandidatePlaced at SpaceTalk
“I have received brilliant communication and services whilst using Cookaburra. They are very attentive and share brilliant information. They offer great support and attention to detail, a well-deserved 5-star rating!”
RG
Rosie Gulbis
CandidatePlaced at Forge Coffee
“Cookaburra Hospitality Recruitment connects top talents with leading hospitality employers. Their friendly, personalised service and industry expertise make the job search enjoyable and successful.”
ST
Sandra Torrano Marcos
CandidatePlaced via Cookaburra
“Alex was great! He found me a sous chef position in a company perfect for what I was looking for. He made sure it was the right fit & that I would be happy long term. Outstanding”
RL
Rachel Lunn
CandidatePlaced at Pomelo

Pricing & Packages

London Hospitality Recruitment Packages

Both packages include our placement guarantee and are priced at a competitive commission based on the candidate's first-year salary, exclusive of VAT.

✓Zero Upfront Risk✓No Placement, No Payment✓Free Replacement Within Rebate✓Up to 20-Week Rebate

Professional

Our foundation service. We handle the full search: discovery session, job brief, advertising, screening, right-to-work checks, salary benchmarking and interview coordination. You receive a curated shortlist of two to three people worth meeting, with performance tracking and a 12-week rebate to protect your investment.

1-hour discovery session
In-depth job brief & role definition
Salary benchmarking
Online & social media advertising
Professional candidate sourcing
Professional candidate screening

Get Started

Commission % of first-year salary + VAT · confirmed on discovery call

Recommended

Premium

Everything in Professional, extended. Premium advertising, targeted headhunting, cultural fit assessment, contract review and a dedicated senior consultant from brief to handover. Our 20-week rebate period and retention consultation give you the deepest level of confidence in every hire.

Everything in Professional, plus:
Premium online advertisement
Targeted sourcing & headhunting
Cultural fit assessment
Contract review & advice
3–5 thoroughly vetted shortlist

Book a Discovery Call

Commission % of first-year salary + VAT · confirmed on discovery call

Not sure which package suits your needs? Book a discovery call and we'll guide you through the right choice.

Wellness Partner Benefits, Included With Every Placement

Let's Talk

Ready to Build a Team That Actually Stays?

Book a free 15-minute consultation using the calendar, or drop your details below to download a copy of our Salary Benchmark Guide for 2026.

Send an Enquiry

We'll respond within one business day.

Book a 15-Minute Call

Free, no-obligation discovery session.

Can't see the calendar? Book directly on Calendly

Common Questions

Everything You Need to Know.

Cookaburra operates on a success-only basis, you pay a placement fee only when we successfully place a candidate who starts in the role. There are no upfront costs, retainers or subscription fees. Our fee is a competitive percentage of the placed candidate's first-year salary, discussed and agreed before we begin.

We recruit across Central London, including Mayfair, Soho, Covent Garden, Marylebone, Chelsea, Kensington, Fitzrovia, Belgravia, Canary Wharf and The City, as well as Greater London, including Shoreditch, Brixton, Clapham, Hackney, Islington, Notting Hill, Peckham, Richmond, Greenwich and Hampstead.

We specialise in permanent placements across all front and back of house roles: Head Chef, Sous Chef, Chef de Partie, Restaurant Manager, Front of House Manager, Bar Manager, Head Barista, Events Manager, Hotel Manager and Sommelier. If your role is not listed, get in touch, we are happy to discuss.

No. Cookaburra focuses exclusively on permanent placements. Our belief is that high turnover is one of the biggest problems in hospitality, and that permanent hires are the most effective solution. If you need long-term stability in your team, we are the right fit.

Our Professional package includes a 12-week rebate period or free replacement if a placement does not work out. Our Premium package extends this to a 20-week rebate period or free replacement, giving you greater protection on senior or hard-to-fill roles.

Timelines vary depending on the role and how quickly candidates are available, but most placements are completed within 2 to 4 weeks from brief to accepted offer. Senior or specialist roles may take a little longer. We will give you a realistic timeframe at the start of every engagement.

✓In-depth interview covering work history, motivations, culture preferences and career goals.
✓Reference verification with previous employers to confirm experience and work ethic.
✓Practical assessment against the specific demands of your role and venue type.
✓Personal endorsement: we only present candidates we would genuinely hire ourselves.
✓You will never receive a bulk CV drop. Every shortlist is curated.

Cookaburra was founded by Alexander Scrase, who spent 14 years working in hospitality, from cafes and fine dining in Perth to Michelin-starred kitchens in London. We recruit from the inside out: every candidate is personally vetted by someone who has done the work themselves. We do not bulk-send CVs. We present a small, curated shortlist of people we would genuinely hire.

Where We Operate

Proudly Serving London's Hospitality Scene

Cookaburra is a London recruitment agency, built for London hospitality. We know the venues, the market, and the talent because we're part of it.

Central London

Service Area

From Mayfair fine dining to Soho's buzzing neighbourhood restaurants, Shoreditch's creative scene and Islington's neighbourhood bistros, we recruit across every postcode and style of operation in the heart of London.

Mayfair Soho Covent Garden Marylebone Chelsea Kensington Fitzrovia Belgravia Canary Wharf The City Shoreditch Islington Notting Hill Hackney Brixton Clapham Peckham Richmond Greenwich Hampstead

Greater London

Service Area

Wimbledon, Croydon, Ealing and beyond. London's outer boroughs have a thriving hospitality scene and we recruit across them with the same rigour we apply everywhere.

Wimbledon Croydon Kingston Ealing Stratford Wembley Bromley Lewisham Chiswick Barnet Enfield Sutton Tooting Balham Harrow Hounslow Ilford Romford Dulwich Crystal Palace

Based outside these areas? Get in touch and we'd love to hear from you.