Company: Houston & Hawkes
Location: Central London, NW1 4NS
Salary: £47,500 per annum
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
About The Role
Houston & Hawkes are looking for an exceptionally talented and creative Head Pastry Chef to join our culinary team at a prestigious client site in Central London. This is not a role for the average pastry chef — we need someone truly outstanding, with the skill and composure to deliver at the highest level.
The site hosts a calendar of high-profile summer events, attracting prestigious guests and requiring impeccable standards of presentation and creativity. You will manage the pastry section and craft both classic and modern creations — from beautifully plated desserts to artisan breads and bespoke cakes — all to a standard befitting some of London’s most distinguished occasions.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the pastry section and oversee day-to-day kitchen operations
- Deliver exceptional pastry work for high-profile summer events and prestigious occasions
- Create a high-quality and imaginative selection of desserts, pastries, and baked items
- Manage and mentor a dedicated pastry team to deliver excellence
- Collaborate with the Head Chef and Hospitality Manager on menus and events
- Innovate with new recipes for fine dining and retail-style coffee concepts
- Uphold standards of quality, flavour, and presentation at all times
- Manage stock, ordering, and kitchen budgets
- Maintain a clean, safe, and compliant kitchen environmentAdapt recipes for dietary requirements including gluten‑free and sugar‑free
- Champion the company’s food ethos through creativity and consistency
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in a senior pastry role, ideally in fine dining or 5‑star settings
- A genuine passion for pastry, baking, and culinary artistry
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- Exceptional creativity and meticulous attention to detail
- Solid knowledge of food safety, allergens, and kitchen hygiene standards
- Excellent time management and organisational skills
- Relevant culinary or pastry qualifications (preferred)
- Experience in high‑end contract catering or hospitality environments (advantageous)
What We Offer
- £47,500 salary
- Work with an award‑winning Director of Food
- Evolving, creative menus to showcase your talent
- Top 20 Hospitality Company to Work For
- Free meals while on duty
- Contributory pension scheme
- Life assurance (2× salary)
- Birthday off
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Company events
- Recognition schemes and staff awards
- Enhanced parental leave
- Referral bonuses
- Ongoing training, development, and clear progression
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