Head Pastry Chef (City of London)
Head Pastry Chef (City of London)

Head Pastry Chef (City of London)

London Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a talented team to create stunning pastries and desserts in a high-energy kitchen.
  • Company: Join Company of Cooks, a leader in the UK hospitality scene since 1996.
  • Benefits: Enjoy perks like personal development, private medical care, and regular social events.
  • Why this job: Be part of a visionary culinary project shaping London's dessert scene with creativity and quality.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in pastry, experience in bread making, and a passion for quality are essential.
  • Other info: This role offers autonomy and the chance to influence a high-profile kitchen environment.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Craft, Creativity and Community – we are Company of Cooks! These are our values, and they go far beyond corporate waffle. In fact, they set the tone for everything we do. Company of Cooks have been working with some of the UK’s most cherished venues since 1996, delighting customers and clients alike with great food and drinks, brilliant service and an absolute focus on the details that make good restaurants, cafes and bars, great ones. In October 2019 the company was brought into the CH&CO family. The completion of the deal saw Company of Cooks become the group’s go-to operators in heritage and performance venues, art galleries and destinations.

We are excited to be recruiting for a Head Pastry Chef.

Location: Centralised production kitchen - Covent Garden

Reports To: Executive Chef

Team: 6 Pastry Chefs

We’re looking for an exceptional Head Pastry Chef to lead the pastry section in our central production kitchen in Covent Garden HQ. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to be part of a visionary food and drink destination, serving two flagship restaurants and a dynamic, ever-evolving events programme. As one of the most senior leaders in the central kitchen, you’ll be at the heart of everything sweet, baked, and beautifully crafted—from daily fresh breads and pastries to signature brand desserts and show-stopping items for events. This section is the most important production area in the building, high visibility, high standards, and high expectations.

The Role

  • Lead, manage, and inspire a team of 6 skilled pastry chefs and bakers.
  • Oversee production for:
  • A high-volume modern British brasserie.
  • A premium rooftop seafood and plant-based restaurant.
  • Event catering ranging from intimate fine dining to large-scale bowl food, canapés, and buffet-style feasts.
  • Be responsible for consistency, creativity, and execution of all pastry, dessert, and bread items.
  • Create and maintain precise recipes, production schedules, and standards.
  • Play a key role in menu development—seasonal, innovative, and always delicious.
  • Maintain a strong focus on quality, sustainability, and using the best British produce.
  • Ensure smooth logistics for daily distribution to all outlets from the central kitchen.
  • Cultivate a learning, fun, and respectful team culture.
  • What We’re Looking For

    • Proven leadership in high-end or high-volume pastry environments.
    • Experience in bread making—soda bread, brioche, focaccia, sourdough and beyond.
    • An obsession with detail and a passion for quality.
    • Organised, methodical, and able to handle volume without losing finesse.
    • A collaborative spirit and confidence to lead a key section in a high-profile kitchen.
    • Strong understanding of consistency in multi-outlet production.
    • A desire to create a kitchen known across London as the place for great bread and desserts.

    Join us and …. Be part of one of London’s most exciting new hospitality projects. Work with a creative and forward-thinking executive team. Set the standard for one of the most important departments in the entire operation. Shape the pastry identity of two unique restaurants and an innovative events programme. Lead with autonomy, influence, and integrity.

    What’s in it for you:

    • Working with Company of Cooks has its perks! People are at the heart of everything we do, so we’ve developed a range of benefits to keep you happy.
    • Personal Development and Training opportunities
    • Life assurance scheme
    • Pension scheme
    • Holiday allowance
    • Private medical eligibility
    • Eye care
    • A great wellbeing strategy – including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance
    • Family friendly support
    • Regular social events and communication with our leaders
    • A holiday purchase scheme
    • Volunteering days
    • Professional subscriptions
    • Recognition schemes and people awards
    • Long service awards
    • Access to some great high street discount vouchers
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    Contact Detail:

    Company of Cooks Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Head Pastry Chef (City of London)

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Familiarise yourself with Company of Cooks' values: Craft, Creativity, and Community. Show how your personal philosophy aligns with these values during any discussions or interviews, as this will demonstrate your fit within their culture.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Highlight your experience in high-end pastry environments, especially if you've worked in similar settings. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams and maintained high standards in production.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Showcase your creativity by preparing a unique dessert or pastry concept that reflects your style and aligns with the modern British brasserie theme. This could be a great conversation starter and demonstrate your innovative thinking.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Network with professionals in the culinary industry, particularly those who have connections to Company of Cooks or similar establishments. Personal recommendations can significantly boost your chances of landing an interview.

    We think you need these skills to ace Head Pastry Chef (City of London)

    Leadership Skills
    Pastry and Baking Expertise
    Recipe Development
    Attention to Detail
    Creativity in Menu Design
    Organisational Skills
    Time Management
    Team Management
    Quality Control
    Knowledge of British Produce
    Collaboration and Teamwork
    High-Volume Production Experience
    Problem-Solving Skills
    Adaptability in a Fast-Paced Environment

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Understand the Company Values: Familiarise yourself with the values of Company of Cooks, such as Craft, Creativity, and Community. Reflect these values in your application to show that you align with their ethos.

    Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your leadership experience in high-end or high-volume pastry environments. Include specific examples of your work with bread making and dessert creation to demonstrate your expertise.

    Showcase Your Passion for Quality: Articulate your obsession with detail and quality in your application. Discuss how you maintain high standards and consistency in your work, especially in a multi-outlet production setting.

    Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Head Pastry Chef role. Mention your collaborative spirit and ability to lead a team, as well as your desire to create a renowned pastry identity.

    How to prepare for a job interview at Company of Cooks

    ✨Showcase Your Creativity

    As a Head Pastry Chef, creativity is key. Prepare to discuss your unique dessert concepts and how you approach menu development. Bring along a portfolio of your work or photos of your creations to visually demonstrate your skills.

    ✨Emphasise Leadership Experience

    Highlight your experience in leading pastry teams, especially in high-volume environments. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've inspired and managed a team, ensuring quality and consistency in production.

    ✨Discuss Your Passion for Quality

    Express your obsession with detail and quality in pastry making. Talk about your sourcing of ingredients, particularly British produce, and how you maintain high standards in your work.

    ✨Prepare for Practical Questions

    Expect questions that assess your technical skills, such as bread making and dessert execution. Be prepared to discuss your methods and any challenges you've faced in the kitchen, along with how you overcame them.

    Head Pastry Chef (City of London)
    Company of Cooks
    C
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