At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious pastries and desserts while learning from top chefs in a vibrant kitchen.
- Company: Join Jikoni, a purpose-led restaurant celebrating multicultural culinary traditions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, team discounts, 28 days holiday, and private health insurance.
- Other info: Grow your career with unique training opportunities and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a positive impact through food and hospitality.
- Qualifications: 1 year of pastry experience and a passion for diverse culinary styles.
The predicted salary is between 24300 - 29700 £ per year.
Founded in 2016 in Marylebone, Jikoni is a purpose-led restaurant and community-focused business founded on the belief that the purpose of a restaurant is to restore. We create warmth, generosity, and kindness through hospitality that transforms how people feel, drawing on multicultural culinary traditions and the wisdom of the maternal kitchen. Our approach, "Cooking Without Borders", celebrates diversity by sharing flavours, stories, and techniques from Asia, the Far East, India, the Middle East, and East Africa, bringing the nourishing, selfless essence of home-cooked meals to every guest.
Since our founding, Jikoni has grown steadily, both in its Marylebone location and through creative events such as building Jikoni at Frieze art fair in Regents Park each year and a Jikoni residency across the Fortnum & Mason store in 2025. We have just opened Café Jikoni, our new all-day café and restaurant project with the new V&A East Museum in Stratford's Olympic Park and are poised to open a vibrant new restaurant in Bloomsbury in late 2026.
Why Join Us?
At our flagship site in Marylebone, Jikoni, we "cook without borders". Our food is a joyful celebration of maternal cooking, immigrant cuisine and pluralism. This includes a celebration of the rich culinary heritage of South Asia, the Far East, the Middle East, East Africa and Britain. As we grow, our core principles remain the same. We are a restorative business committed to our team, our guests, our planet and wider community. As the UK's first independent Carbon Neutral certified restaurant, and with an exclusive partnership with a biodynamic farm, our commitment to social and environmental sustainability is at the heart of everything we do.
Jikoni has consistently been recognised among the UK's best restaurants, appearing in the top 7 restaurants in London on the Nordic 360 Eat Guide (2024), Timeout's Top 100 London Restaurants (2023), SquareMeal's Top 100 Restaurants (2022), Harden's Best 100 UK Restaurants (2019), and the National Restaurant Awards (2017). Jikoni is also currently featured in Condé Nast Traveller's Best Restaurants in London and Timeout's London's Best Cafés.
What we're looking for
We’re seeking a talented and passionate Pastry Demi Chef to join our team. In this role, you’ll work closely with the Executive Chef and BOH team, playing an important part in our kitchen team. This is a hands-on role where you’ll support the development of a new restaurant, continue to learn and grow in a dynamic environment and contribute positively to a growing team by exemplifying our company values: (Multiculturalism & Pluralism, Integrity, Hospitality & Seva (Selfless Service), Excellence, and Entrepreneurialism).
Emotional Skillset: You embody the qualities that define great hospitality: Kindness, Optimism, Self-Awareness, Curiosity, Integrity, and Empathy.
Experience: At least 1 year of experience in pastry.
Values Alignment: You share our family values of Multiculturalism & Pluralism, Integrity, Hospitality & Seva (Selfless Service), Excellence, and Entrepreneurialism.
Leadership & Ambition: A desire and drive to build and shape new channels of the business, contribute to a positive and supportive culture and build a career with us.
Culinary Curiosity: A deep curiosity for our style of maternal cooking and immigrant cuisine and global flavours.
Key responsibilities
- Support and manage the day-to-day preparation and execution of pastry, ensuring consistency, quality, and attention to detail.
- Work closely with the Executive Chef and wider BOH team to deliver a smooth and efficient service.
- Assist in the preparation, baking, and finishing of desserts, breads, and pastry components in line with recipes and standards.
- Maintain high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness, and organisation in line with health & safety regulations.
- Contribute positively to a collaborative kitchen environment.
- Show care and respect for ingredients, minimising waste and using produce thoughtfully.
What we offer
- Career Progression: Opportunities for growth in a dynamic and progressive company and working directly with senior management and directors to grow your leadership, business and hospitality skills while contributing to business with a positive purpose.
- Unique Training: Go beyond the kitchen with visits and hands-on training with our biodynamic farm partner and specialist producers.
- Competitive Package and Team Benefits: Delicious and wholesome team meals, a 51% team discount at our restaurants upon passing probation, 28 days holiday, a company pension scheme and private health insurance plans for all team members.
Pastry Demi Chef in London employer: Jikoni
Jikoni is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, perfect for those passionate about multicultural cuisine. With a focus on employee growth and development, we offer comprehensive training and mentorship opportunities to help you thrive in your role as General Manager. Located in the heart of London, our new café and restaurant promises a dynamic environment where creativity and collaboration are celebrated, making it a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pastry Demi Chef in London
✨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 Jikoni. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Jikoni
Don't be shy about reaching out to Jikoni 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!
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 Jikoni 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 Jikoni
✨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!
