At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the pastry section in a Michelin-starred kitchen, creating exceptional desserts and pastries.
- Company: Gidleigh Park, a prestigious hotel and restaurant in stunning Dartmoor National Park.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, service charge, discounts, free meals, and unique development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with excellent career progression and milestone rewards.
- Why this job: Join a creative team and elevate your pastry skills in a beautiful setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in fine dining pastry production, especially Viennoiserie and chocolates.
The predicted salary is between 25556 - 31235 £ per year.
Location
Set on the upper reaches of the River Teign, the 24-bedroom Gidleigh Park enjoys an exquisite location on the very edge of Dartmoor National Park in Devon.
With 5 AA red stars, a stunning quality led 1 Michelin starred restaurant and a member of Relais & Châteaux, Gidleigh Park is widely recognised as one of the best hotels and restaurants in the UK, and can offer learning and development opportunities few others can.
The hotel may also be able to offer on-site staff accommodation, in order to help the newest members of the team re-locate and settle in, and has free on-site parking.
SERVICE CHARGE-We pay our team service charge each month!
This service charge all goes into one pot, and 100% of that service charge is then shared amongst all the team at the hotel-every penny received is paid out to the team.
Service charge can be in the region of £395 a month (close to £4,750 per year) over and above base pay for a full time employee.
The Head Pastry Chef is responsible for leading and developing the pastry section within a Michelin One-Star kitchen, ensuring the consistent delivery of exceptional desserts, pastries, breads, petits fours, and other pastry offerings that reflect the restaurant's culinary vision and quality standards.
The role combines creative excellence with operational leadership, maintaining the highest levels of craftsmanship, innovation, presentation, and food safety.
Working closely with the Executive Chef and wider kitchen brigade, the Head Pastry Chef designs and executes seasonal menus, manages pastry production, controls costs and inventory, mentors team members, and ensures all dishes meet the precision, consistency, and attention to detail expected within a fine dining environment.
We expect the Head Pastry Chef to stay abreast of industry trends and techniques, continually seeking opportunities to enhance the guest experience while upholding the restaurant's reputation for culinary excellence.
The role plays a critical part in maintaining Michelin-standard service through effective planning, strong leadership, and an uncompromising commitment to quality.
This role would suit someone who is excited to be inspired by Gidleigh Parks beautiful surrounding’s and its 107-acre Estate on the edge of Dartmoor.
Have the desire to be part of a team that looks to celebrate fantastic natural ingredients in its dishes, aspiring to the highest possible levels of excellence and guest experience.
We look forward to hearing from applicants who has worked in a similar environment, at a similar level previously and who possess skills and experience in the production of Viennoiserie and chocolates.
Check out some of the key points about the role
- Lead all pastry operations and service delivery. Production and supply of sweets, breads, biscuits, pastries etc.
- Collaborate with the senior culinary team on menu development and guest experiences.
- Control food costs, wastage, ordering, and inventory.
- To assist in the training of employees, ensuring that they have the necessary skills to perform their duties with maximum efficiency and in the most productive manner.
- Oversee all pastry mise en place activities, ensuring ingredients, components, and service stations are prepared, organised, and maintained to support seamless service and consistent execution.
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, allergen management, and HACCP procedures, maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness, storage, labelling, and kitchen safety at all times.
- Inspire, lead, and develop the team’s pastry knowledge and skill by fostering a culture of excellence, creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement, ensuring high levels of engagement and performance.
- To say thank you, we have many perks
- Competitive pay – We are proud that everyone who joins our group gets a competitive a rate of pay, irrespective of age, plus you get service charge and tips on top.
- Treat yourself once in a while with lots of retail and hospitality perks through our Perkbox platform.
- Excellent discounts across our family of hotels – you will be entitled to 25% off food & beverage in our hotels plus we offer an amazing staff rate of £25 B&B per person across the group & your friends and family get special rates too.
- We understand it’s OK not to be OK, so we offer an externally run confidential helpline for any support you require about anything you might need as part of our Employee Assistance Programme.
- We sustain you physically too, meals when you are on duty are free.
- Everyone can learn and develop - our development pathways are unique to us and are the best in the business.
- We provide lots of opportunity to progress and move up – we have made hundreds of internal promotions, including to General Manager level.
- We like to say a special thank you for every year you are with us - our milestone awards include Champagne, afternoon tea, or dinner for you and someone special.
When you reach the big milestones, you receive extra special gifts on top like longer hotel stays, extra days off and a unique gift especially chosen for you.
About our family of hotels
We bring a family of hotels together under one roof, ready to welcome guests with open arms, warm hearts and experiences that are simply memorable.
Each of our hotels are unique, individual, and quirky in personality.
Quality is fundamental to everything we do, and it is the simple things that matter.
We believe everyone should feel included, special and welcome, and that applies to our team and our guests.
We have very unique hotels in very special locations, from the award winning Gidleigh Park in Devon, the 900-year-old Amberley Castle to our stylish boutique townhouse in the heart of Chelsea – to see the whole group, take a look herewww. brownswordhotels. co. uk
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Head Pastry Chef in Chagford employer: Gidleigh Park - Kitchen
Gidleigh Park is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a Michelin-starred environment surrounded by the stunning Dartmoor National Park. With a strong emphasis on employee development, flexible work-life balance, and a supportive team culture, staff enjoy competitive pay, shared service charges, and various perks including free meals and milestone awards. Join us to grow your culinary skills while being part of a passionate family of hotels that values quality and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Pastry Chef in Chagford
✨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 Gidleigh Park - Kitchen. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Gidleigh Park - Kitchen
Don't be shy about reaching out to Gidleigh Park - Kitchen 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 Chagford
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 Gidleigh Park - Kitchen 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 Gidleigh Park - Kitchen
✨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!