Head Pastry Chef

Head Pastry Chef

Full-Time 35000 - 35000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
L

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the pastry team to create high-quality, homemade desserts that wow our guests.
  • Company: Join La Nouvelle Garde, a vibrant modern French brasserie redefining dining experiences.
  • Benefits: Earn from £35,000 plus service charge, enjoy 28 days holiday and staff meals covered.
  • Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with discounts at all our brasseries and more benefits to come.
  • Why this job: Be part of a creative team where your dessert ideas can shine and make an impact.
  • Qualifications: Experience in hospitality, strong leadership skills, and a passion for presentation.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 35000 £ per year.

About La Nouvelle Garde

La Nouvelle Garde is redefining the modern French brasserie. We serve classic French dishes done properly — with care, generosity and precision — in lively, relaxed spaces full of energy. Our restaurants are fast-paced, people-led and never stuffy. Quality matters. Atmosphere matters. Team spirit matters most.

The Role

As a guardian of the pastry station, you lead the pastry production to ensure generous, high-quality desserts. You manage your team and stock with the precision needed to deliver the perfect finale to our guests' meals.

What We’re Offering

  • From £35,000 annual salary + Service charge
  • 28 days holiday
  • Start date: May 16th 2026

Why It’s Awesome to Join La Nouvelle Garde

  • GP Service & EAP discount: access to a virtual GP and confidential counselling, so you’re supported on and off shift.
  • Everything is homemade — and when we say everything, we mean everything. We receive whole cuts of meat and entire fish, and everything is prepared in-house, the Nouvelle Garde way.
  • 100% of your staff meal covered during working hours
  • 50% discount in all our brasseries to treat yourself
  • More benefits to come

Key Responsibilities

  • Production & Quality: Oversee and execute daily pastry production (doughs, creams, assembly)
  • Team Leadership: Supervise, train, and motivate pastry commis and apprentices, ensuring a positive culture.
  • Creativity: Contribute to the development of seasonal desserts and daily specials.
  • Operations: Manage raw material orders and inventories while ensuring optimal stock rotation.
  • Profitability: Follow technical sheets strictly, control portions, and minimize waste to meet margin targets.
  • Compliance: Guarantee strict adherence to HACCP hygiene and safety standards and maintain a spotless pastry lab.

We’re Looking For Experience & Qualities

  • Strong sense of hospitality and guest service
  • Leadership and team management skills
  • Excellent presentation
  • Availability and responsiveness

Note: All applicants must hold a valid visa or the right to work in the UK.

Head Pastry Chef employer: La Nouvelle Garde

Join a dynamic and supportive team as an HR Officer in London, where you will play a crucial role in shaping the employee experience within a fast-growing hospitality group. With a strong focus on career development, employee well-being, and a collaborative work culture, this position offers unique opportunities to engage in meaningful HR projects while being part of a vibrant community. Enjoy the benefits of working in a diverse environment that values proactive problem-solving and encourages continuous learning.

L

Contact Details:

La Nouvelle Garde Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Pastry Chef

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, attend culinary events, and connect with industry professionals. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Bring a portfolio of your best pastry creations to interviews. A visual representation of your work can really impress and give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team.

Tip Number 3

Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to restaurants you admire, like La Nouvelle Garde, and express your interest. Sometimes, the best opportunities come from a simple conversation.

Tip Number 4

Stay positive and persistent! The culinary world can be competitive, but don’t get discouraged. Keep refining your skills, applying through our website, and remember that every rejection is just a step closer to landing your dream role.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Pastry Chef

Pastry Production
Team Leadership
Training and Development
Creativity in Dessert Development
Inventory Management
HACCP Compliance
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Pastry:When writing your application, let your love for pastry shine through! Share your experiences and what inspires you in the world of desserts. We want to see that you’re not just skilled, but genuinely excited about creating delicious treats.

Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Head Pastry Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about how you've motivated and trained others in the past. We’re all about team spirit here at La Nouvelle Garde, so let us know how you foster a positive culture!

Be Precise and Detailed:Just like in pastry making, precision is key in your application. Pay attention to detail in your CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the role, highlighting relevant skills and experiences that align with our values and expectations.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures it gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at La Nouvelle Garde!

How to prepare for a job interview at La Nouvelle Garde

Know Your Pastry Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in the classic French pastries and desserts. Brush up on techniques, ingredients, and presentation styles that align with La Nouvelle Garde's ethos. Being able to discuss your favourite recipes or share your creative ideas for seasonal specials will show your passion and expertise.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Head Pastry Chef, you'll be leading a team, so be prepared to talk about your experience in managing and motivating others. Share specific examples of how you've trained staff or fostered a positive team culture in previous roles. This will demonstrate that you can create an energetic and collaborative environment.

Emphasise Quality and Precision

La Nouvelle Garde values quality and precision, so highlight your commitment to these principles. Discuss how you ensure high standards in pastry production, manage stock effectively, and minimise waste. Providing concrete examples of how you've maintained quality in fast-paced environments will resonate well.

Be Ready to Get Creative

Creativity is key in this role, so come prepared with ideas for new desserts or ways to elevate existing ones. Think about how you can incorporate seasonal ingredients or unique flavour combinations. Sharing your vision for the pastry menu will show that you’re not just a follower but a trendsetter in the kitchen.