Head Pastry Chef

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.,

• 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 environment
• Adapt recipes for dietary requirements including gluten-free and sugar-free
• Champion the company's food ethos through creativity and consistency
  
  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)
  
  £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 (2x salary)
• Birthday off
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Company events including
• Recognition schemes and staff awards
• Enhanced parental leave
• Referral bonuses
• Ongoing training, development, and clear progression