Job role: Pastry Chef
Location: Central London, EC2V 7QN
Salary: £35,360.00
Shift Pattern: Monday-Friday
Houston & Hawkes is looking for a Pastry Chef to join our fantastic team at our client site in central London. We are looking for a chef, ideally at a Junior Sous Chef level who is versatile and willing to assist beyond just the pastry section. When the pastry section isn't busy, we need someone who can jump in to help with service, including preparing main courses and starters.
Pastry Chef Duties:
- Create various pastries and other confections by following recipes
- Decorate pastries using a variety of different icings and toppings
- Order new supplies, ingredients, and equipment for the kitchen's pastry section
- Create and design custom-made desserts and pastries according to client specifications
- Create and prepare recipes for a wide range of goods, such as cakes, cookies, and pies
- Develop new and exciting desserts for our fine dining and coffee menus
- Manage the pastry section, liaising with the Head and Sous chef to ensure a successful working environment
- Ensure the pastry section adheres to all safety and health regulations
- Monitor the stock of baking ingredients and equipment
Pastry Chef Requirements:
- A genuine passion for food
- Knowledge of the Hospitality industry
- Knowledge and ability to run a section
- Possess the ability to work under pressure
- Extensive knowledge of baking and pastry-making techniques
- Artistic skill in decorating desserts
- In-depth knowledge of sanitation principles and food preparation standards
- Strong leadership skills and an ability to provide clear instructions to other members
- Familiarity with a range of baking and other kitchen equipment
- Excellent communication skills and an enthusiasm for teamwork
- Certificate in culinary arts, pastry-making, or relevant field
- Experience as a pastry chef within contract catering or 5 star hotel
- Strong sense of culinary creativity with attention to detail
- Ability to work flexible hours
- Experience baking with ingredient limitations, such as gluten-free and sugarless pastries
- Excellent organisational and planning skills
- Food Safety awareness
- Allergen Awareness
Pastry Chef Additional Benefits:
- Free meals at work
- Contributary pension scheme
- Free access to the company Employee Assistant Programme
- Life assurance at two times salary
- Company events including all company Christmas party
- Uniform provided
- 20 days holiday plus statutory bank holidays
- Recognition schemes and people awards
- Family-friendly support, including enhanced maternity and paternity leave and adoption leave
- Day off on your birthday
- Referral bonuses
- Training and development opportunities, including regular masterclasses with renowned chef Sally Abe
Who We Are:
Houston & Hawkes is a young and dynamic independent caterer based in the South East. We are proud to be an award-winning company, ranked among the top 30 companies to work for in the hospitality industry, and a certified B Corp company. We believe in creating memorable experiences for our customers through our vibrant, creative, and sustainable food offerings. We operate coffee bars, staff restaurants, and delis, tailored to our clients' hospitality and event needs. Committed to social responsibility, passionate about Great British produce and dedicated to our talented teams.
Join Houston & Hawkes and be part of a team that values excellence, creativity, and professional growth.