At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate the pastry programme while managing the savoury section.
- Company: Cafe Ciel at The OWO, a prestigious location in Westminster, London.
- Benefits: Up to £52,000 salary, 28 days leave, meals on site, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity for genuine creative ownership and career visibility.
- Why this job: Showcase your creativity and leadership in a standout culinary environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in pastry and strong kitchen leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 52000 £ per year.
Salary: Up to £52,000 DOE, based on experience and the value you bring.
Location: The OWO, Westminster, London.
Lead pastry at one of London's most exciting addresses. Cafe Ciel sits inside The OWO - a location most chefs would give a lot to put their name to. We're looking for an emerging talent ready to take real ownership: not just to execute a pastry programme, but to build one.
The Role
As Head Pastry Chef, you'll have genuine creative control over our patisserie offering, developing your own concept, evolving it with the seasons, and keeping it sharp against what's happening in the industry right now. This isn't a 'follow the recipe book' role; we want someone who sees pastry as a craft worth pushing forward. Alongside this, you'll operationally lead our savoury section, supported by two Sous Chefs and the wider kitchen team, so this is a genuine leadership role across the full kitchen, not just a pastry bench.
Your responsibilities
- Developing and continually evolving our patisserie concept, with regular seasonal and trend-led updates.
- Leading the savoury section operationally, with two Sous Chefs supporting you.
- Setting and maintaining standards across both pastry and savoury output.
- Working closely with the General Manager on menu direction, costing, and seasonal planning.
- Mentoring and developing the wider kitchen team.
What We're Looking For
- A talented, ambitious pastry chef ready to lead someone looking for the platform to prove what they can do.
- Strong all-round kitchen leadership skills, comfortable running more than just a pastry section.
- A genuine creative eye, with the confidence to develop and evolve your own concept.
- Solid understanding of seasonality and current food trends.
- The ability to lead, train, and get the best out of a team.
What You'll Get
- Salary of approx. £52,000, depending on experience and the value you bring to the business.
- 28 days annual leave.
- 3 meals a day available on site in our staff canteen.
- Enrolment in our workplace pension scheme.
- A rare platform - The OWO is a standout location, and this is a real opportunity to showcase your work and build something with genuine visibility.
- Creative ownership over your own patisserie concept, not just execution of someone else's.
- A supportive kitchen structure, with two Sous Chefs backing you operationally.
Additional Details
- Experience: Required
- Employment: Full-time
- Salary: £48,000 – £52,000 yearly
- Benefits: Share of the Service Charge
About Café Ciel
Café Ciel is an independent all-day brunch restaurant and bar set within The Grand Courtyard of Raffles London at The OWO. The menu celebrates refined brunch dishes by day and signature cocktails and small plates as the sun goes down.
Head Pastry Chef employer: Café Ciel
Café Ciel at The OWO offers an exceptional work environment within the prestigious five-star Raffles Hotel in London, where culinary creativity thrives. As a Sous Chef, you will benefit from a supportive team culture, opportunities for professional growth, and a competitive salary complemented by tips and service charge. Join us to be part of a dynamic kitchen that values quality and innovation in every dish.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Pastry Chef
✨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 Café Ciel. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Café Ciel
Don't be shy about reaching out to Café Ciel 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
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 Café Ciel 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 Café Ciel
✨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!
