At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented pastry team to create award-winning desserts and pastries.
- Company: Join the prestigious Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa, known for excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, and exclusive discounts on hotel stays and spa treatments.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team in a vibrant environment with great career growth.
- Why this job: Unleash your creativity in a dynamic kitchen and make a mark in fine dining.
- Qualifications: Experience in quality kitchens and a flair for creating stunning plated desserts.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
£40,000 per annum + monthly service charge payment
The Place Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa is a 5 Red Star, award-winning establishment with 58 bedrooms, including the new luxury Cedar Lodge development and a 2-bedroom self-contained Gatehouse. It features 2 award-winning restaurants: Reflections Restaurant (2 Rosettes x 60 covers) and AG's Restaurant (3 Rosettes x 38 covers), along with a range of conference, banqueting, and private dining rooms catering for 8 to 95 guests.
The Head Pastry Chef will lead the pastry section with the support of 2 Chef de Parties and 2 Commis Chefs in this 3 Rosette kitchen. The kitchen brigade consists of 22 chefs and 5 kitchen porters, providing a strong team to support you. You and your team will create all dishes fresh in-house, from bread to ice-cream, celebration cakes, desserts for our restaurants and banqueting events, as well as pastries and scones for our afternoon tea guests. There is great variety and freedom to delight our guests.
The Head Pastry Chef is responsible for:
- Ordering and stock control
- Designing menu items for afternoon tea, restaurant, and banqueting menus with the Executive Chef
- Producing plated desserts for all menus to 2 & 3 Rosette standard
- Supervision of the pastry team to achieve consistent standards
The business caters to Spa Guests, Leisure clients, Local guests, and corporate, conference, and banqueting function guests. Alexander House is also a popular wedding venue, hosting weddings in the Shelley Suite and the private Wedding Garden.
Requirements – Head Pastry Chef
The ideal candidate should have experience in a quality environment and be seeking a head pastry chef role with responsibility for the Pastry section. Candidates must demonstrate during a trial shift the practical ability to produce plated desserts to 3 Rosette standard and show flair and creativity to enhance the successful afternoon tea menu. Experience in managing multi-menu requirements and banqueting operations is essential, along with the ability to control stocks efficiently and produce quality menu items achieving GP%. A passion and drive to contribute to the future success of the kitchen brigade, which continues to develop award-winning dishes, is crucial.
The Benefits
- 45 hours over 5 days
- 4 weeks holiday rising to 5 weeks with service
- 8 Bank holidays
- Free car parking
- Employee uniform
In addition, you will receive a range of company benefits including:
- Discounted hotel accommodation for yourself and your family at all hotels
- Discounted hair treatments at our two Utopia Spas
- Discount off all food & beverage at all hotels
- Discount on individual treatments booked in our two Utopia Spas
- Discount on retail products in our two Utopia Spas
- Refer a friend staff recruitment scheme
Additionally, you will enjoy a range of other benefits when you celebrate your 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year anniversary, including your birthday off paid, complimentary overnight stays, complimentary lunch/afternoon tea, and service-related holiday.
Head Pastry Chef in Kent employer: Alexander Hotels and Utopia Spas
At The Place Rowhill Grange Hotel, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values employee well-being and growth. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and unique perks like discounted hotel stays and complimentary meals, we ensure our team feels appreciated and motivated to excel in their roles. Join us in a dynamic environment where your contributions are recognised, and your career can flourish in the heart of the hospitality industry.
Contact Details:
Alexander Hotels and Utopia Spas Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Pastry Chef in Kent
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Alexander Hotels and Utopia Spas. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Alexander Hotels and Utopia Spas
Don't be shy about reaching out to Alexander Hotels and Utopia Spas directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Pastry Chef in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Alexander Hotels and Utopia Spas and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alexander Hotels and Utopia Spas
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
