Head Pastry Chef

Head Pastry Chef

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 environment
• Adapt 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 (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

ABOUT HOUSTON & HAWKES

Houston & Hawkes is an innovative, independent contract caterer based in the South East. We are proud to be an award-winning, certified B Corp company, ranked among the Top 30 hospitality employers in the UK. We deliver bespoke, seasonal food experiences across workplaces, events, and hospitality spaces, built by teams who share our passion for flavour, service, and creativity.

HOW TO APPLY

If you are a creative and ambitious pastry chef ready to lead with flair, apply today and bring your talent to Houston & Hawkes.