At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious breads, pastries, and cakes in a vibrant bakery environment.
- Company: Award-winning independent caterer known for exceptional food experiences.
- Benefits: Monday to Friday hours, free meals, birthday off, and career progression.
- Other info: Join a dynamic culinary team with exciting learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Showcase your creativity and passion for baking in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Strong baking skills and a love for seasonal ingredients.
A standout opportunity for a talented Baker / Pastry Chef to create an exceptional in-house bakery and pastry offer within a large, high-profile head office environment. Houston & Hawkes is looking for a skilled and creative Baker / Pastry Chef who takes real pride in producing everything fresh, beautifully finished and full of flavour. This is a role with visibility and impact - the breads, pastries, cakes and seasonal creations you produce will form an important part of the daily food experience for a busy professional community. We are looking for someone who brings genuine craft to the role. You will be confident across both bakery and pastry, highly organised with production and excited by the opportunity to develop a fresh, modern offer that changes with the seasons and gives customers a reason to come back each day.
THE ROLE
- Produce a high-quality daily selection of fresh breads, rolls and bakery items
- Create morning pastries, cakes, cookies, traybakes and beautifully finished sweet treats
- Work confidently with doughs, fermentation, proving, shaping and baking
- Produce a varied range of pastry using strong classical foundations and modern techniques
- Develop seasonal specials and bring fresh ideas to the bakery and pastry offer
- Plan production carefully around daily service levels, events and business requirements
- Maintain exceptional consistency across flavour, texture, finish and presentation
- Create bespoke bakery and pastry items for hospitality and events when required
- Work closely with the wider culinary team to ensure the bakery and pastry offer complements the overall food experience
- Manage ingredients, ordering, stock rotation, allergens and wastage efficiently
- Maintain impeccable food safety, hygiene and kitchen standards
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
- Strong experience as a Baker, Pastry Chef or in a position combining both bakery and pastry
- Excellent bread-making skills and a strong understanding of doughs, fermentation and baking techniques
- Confidence producing a broad range of pastries, cakes and sweet bakery products
- Strong technical foundations with a genuine passion for quality and consistency
- Creativity and an eye for contemporary presentation
- Excellent organisation and the ability to plan production ahead
- The confidence to take ownership of your section and manage your workload independently
- A passion for seasonal ingredients and developing new ideas
- High personal standards and real pride in the products you create
- A positive, collaborative approach and enthusiasm for being part of an ambitious culinary team
WHY JOIN HOUSTON & HAWKES?
- Monday to Friday working pattern
- 40 hours per week
- Birthday off every year
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Free meals on duty
- Contributory pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- CODE Hospitality membership
- Exclusive masterclasses with award-winning chef Sally Abé
- Foodie Socials bringing our teams together to explore new food, techniques and culinary ideas
- Ongoing learning, development and genuine career progression
- Summer Awards Party celebrating our people and achievements
- An unforgettable Christmas Party at one of London's outstanding venues
ABOUT HOUSTON & HAWKES
Houston & Hawkes is an award-winning independent caterer with a reputation for creating exceptional food and hospitality experiences in some of the UK's most impressive workplaces. We're a Certified B Corp, recipient of the King's Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development 2026 and proud to be ranked No. 14 in The Caterer's Best Places to Work in Hospitality. We believe talented chefs do their best work when they are trusted, supported and given the opportunity to bring their own ideas and creativity to the food. This is an exciting opportunity for a Baker / Pastry Chef who wants their work to be seen, enjoyed and appreciated every day - with the freedom to create an offer that feels fresh, distinctive and genuinely special.
Pastry Chef in Newbury employer: Houston & Hawkes
Houston & Hawkes is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Central London where creativity and passion for food thrive. Employees benefit from ongoing professional development opportunities, competitive remuneration, and a supportive team environment that values exceptional customer service and innovation. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that takes pride in delivering premium experiences while enjoying the unique advantages of working in one of the world's most exciting cities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pastry Chef in Newbury
✨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 Houston & Hawkes. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Houston & Hawkes
Don't be shy about reaching out to Houston & Hawkes 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 Pastry Chef in Newbury
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 Houston & Hawkes 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 Houston & Hawkes
✨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!
