At a Glance
- Tasks: Create stunning pastries for fine dining and high-profile events at the House of Lords.
- Company: Join the prestigious Catering and Retail Services team at the House of Lords.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and health programmes.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a commitment to diversity in the workplace.
- Why this job: Showcase your creativity in a unique culinary environment while making history.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Pastry Chef and a recognised culinary qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are seeking a talented and passionate Chef de Partie - Pastry to join Catering and Retail Services at the House of Lords. This is an exceptional opportunity to take responsibility for the pastry operation across a diverse and prestigious portfolio, including fine-dining restaurants, high-end banqueting, business-and-industry (B&I) catering, and brasserie operations.
This role offers the chance to showcase creativity, technical skill, and leadership across multiple service styles, all within one of the most unique and respected culinary environments in the UK.
Pastry Excellence Across a Unique OperationBased on-site at Parliament, the pastry team supports a wide range of services, from refined plated desserts for fine dining to large-scale banqueting functions, alongside daily B&I and brasserie offerings. As Chef de Partie - Pastry, you will play a key role in shaping dessert menus, maintaining consistency, and delivering exceptional quality across every outlet.
This is a fast-paced, professional environment demanding high standards, strong organisation, and a passion for modern pastry techniques.
You will be accountable to:- Take responsibility for the day-to-day pastry operation across Catering and Retail Services, including fine dining, banqueting, B&I, and brasserie outlets.
- Support the Sous Chef in planning, preparation, and execution of pastry menus and service.
- Produce desserts, baked goods, and pastry items to consistently high standards of quality and presentation.
- Deliver pastry for Peers, official functions, private hospitality, and third-party clients.
- Assist with menu development, seasonal offerings, and innovative pastry concepts.
- Lead mise en place, service delivery, and post-service organisation within the pastry section.
- Maintain strict food hygiene, allergen control, and health & safety standards.
- Monitor food safety procedures, including digital temperature checks and fridge/freezer logs.
- Support stock control, ordering, rotation, and waste minimisation.
If this sounds like something you would like to hear more about, please apply.
What we're looking for:- Proven experience as a Pastry Chef or Chef de Partie - Pastry in a professional kitchen.
- Experience producing pastry for a range of service styles, ideally including fine dining and banqueting.
- Strong understanding of food hygiene, HACCP, and allergen management.
- Confidence using computerised food safety and stock management systems.
- Ability to manage multiple workloads while maintaining exceptional standards.
- Strong communication skills and a calm, organised, and professional approach.
- A recognised culinary qualification (e.g. NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery or Patisserie).
- Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, and double shifts, in line with service and event requirements.
They are occasional Saturday functions that are to be covered on a rota basis.
It would be even better if you had:- Experience in a heritage, institutional, hotel, or government catering environment.
- Exposure to high-end banqueting or VIP hospitality.
- A creative approach to modern pastry, desserts, and plated presentations.
- An interest in sustainable, seasonal, and ethical ingredients.
The job description provides full details about the role and what we are looking for.
What you'll get in return:- 30 days annual leave (increasing to 35 after one years' service).
- Generous pension scheme.
- Parliamentary health and wellbeing programme.
- The opportunity to witness history in the making!
The work we do is vital to the House of Lords, and you will be a pivotal member in the team strengthening the work of the House. The House of Lords is the second chamber of the UK parliament. It is independent from and complements the work of the House of Commons to:
- Make laws.
- Check and challenge the actions of the government through questions and debates.
- Investigate public policy and provide a forum of independent expertise.
Please complete your online application by 23:59 on Sunday 21st June 2026. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application process, please contact: HL Recruitment.
Job offers are standardly offered at the minimum of the salary range. The House of Lords Administration is committed to increasing diversity and maintaining an inclusive workplace culture. We welcome applications from all candidates with diverse characteristics, including different ages, caring responsibilities, disability, gender/sex, gender reassignment/trans, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race/ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation and socio-economic status. We welcome discussions about flexible working arrangements and reasonable adjustments.
Chef De Partie - Pastry employer: House of Lords
Joining the House of Lords as a Chef de Partie - Pastry offers an unparalleled opportunity to work in a prestigious culinary environment, where creativity and technical skill are celebrated. With a commitment to employee wellbeing, generous leave, and a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion, you will thrive in a role that not only challenges you but also allows you to contribute to the rich history of the UK Parliament. Experience professional growth while delivering exceptional pastry creations across a variety of high-profile services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef De Partie - Pastry
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the pastry team at the House of Lords. Understanding their style and recent projects can help you connect during your chat and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! Bring along a portfolio of your best pastry creations or even a few ideas for innovative desserts. This will not only highlight your skills but also demonstrate your passion for modern pastry techniques.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Chef de Partie, you'll need to lead and collaborate with others. Be ready to discuss how you handle teamwork and manage multiple tasks while keeping high standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at such a prestigious place. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Chef De Partie - Pastry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for pastry shine through! Share your love for creating desserts and how you’ve honed your skills in previous roles. We want to see that spark!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience as a Pastry Chef or Chef de Partie. Focus on specific examples of your work in fine dining or banqueting that align with what we’re looking for. It’s all about making that connection!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there to help you put your best foot forward.
How to prepare for a job interview at House of Lords
✨Showcase Your Pastry Passion
Make sure to express your love for pastry during the interview. Share specific examples of your favourite creations and what inspires you in the kitchen. This will help demonstrate your enthusiasm and creativity, which are key for a Chef de Partie - Pastry role.
✨Know Your Techniques
Brush up on modern pastry techniques and be ready to discuss them. The interviewers will likely want to know how you approach dessert menu development and execution. Be prepared to talk about your experience with different service styles, especially fine dining and banqueting.
✨Demonstrate Organisation Skills
Since this role requires strong organisation, think of examples where you've successfully managed multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. Highlight your ability to maintain high standards while juggling various responsibilities, as this will show you're ready for the demands of the position.
✨Understand Food Safety Standards
Familiarise yourself with food hygiene, HACCP, and allergen management protocols. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance in your current or previous roles. This knowledge is crucial for maintaining the high standards expected at the House of Lords.
