Head Pastry Chef

Curtis Fox limited; Southwold; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-in accommodation

Free meals on shift

Wellbeing programmes

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Staff discounts

Job summary

Curtis Fox limited on the Suffolk coast is seeking a Head Pastry Chef to take full ownership of the pastry section in a fast-paced, high-quality kitchen of a 4-star silver hotel and 2AA Rosette restaurant.

You will design and deliver visually stunning desserts, manage stock and wastage, and collaborate with the Executive Head Chef on seasonal menus, while enjoying a fully subsidised live-in accommodation option and a strong benefits package.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a high-quality kitchen environment (2AA Rosette or premium hotel experience preferred).
• Passion for pastry, meticulous attention to detail and presentation.
• Hands-on with strong organisational skills and ability to thrive during busy services.
• Excellent communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Take complete ownership of the pastry section, preparing and delivering visually stunning, mouth watering desserts and baked goods to 2AA Rosette standards.
• Collaborate with the Executive Head Chef on menu development, bringing innovative ideas and seasonal, local ingredients to the table.
• Manage pastry stock levels, supplier ordering, and wastage control while keeping quality at the forefront.
• Maintain rigorous hygiene, food safety, and kitchen operational standards.
• Lead by example, working closely with the wider kitchen brigade and Front of House team to deliver a seamless guest experience.

Skills

Pastry expertise

Attention to detail

Ability to work under pressure

Team player

Excellent communication

Job description

Are you an ambitious Pastry Chef looking for your next big step, or a talented culinary professional looking to relocate to one of the UK’s most desirable coastal destinations?

We are working exclusively with a prestigious 4-star silver hotel and 2AA Rosette restaurant based on the stunning Suffolk coast. Known for exceptional local produce, creative menus, and incredible hospitality, this destination offers a fantastic work culture where talent is celebrated and nurtured.

Whether you are stepping up into your first Head Pastry Chef position or bringing proven experience to a fresh, dynamic kitchen, this is your chance to take full ownership of a celebrated pastry section.

Why You’ll Love This Role

• Unbeatable Live In Option: Fully subsidised accommodation available in a premium coastal location for just £310 per month. In real terms, this saves you thousands per year compared to private renting, effectively acting as a massive boost to your take-home pay.

• Creativity & Autonomy: Work closely with an outstanding Executive Head Chef to plan, design, and execute seasonal menu changes, stunning desserts, and sweet treats.

• Top Tier Benefits: A competitive base salary, generous share of tips, free meals on shift, comprehensive wellbeing programmes, solid pension scheme, life assurance, and superb staff discounts.

• Career Growth: Ongoing training and development designed to help you push your culinary boundaries and progress your career.

• Great pay: base pay of £35,434 per year plus tips which can be in the hundreds at peak periods!

The Role & Key Responsibilities

As the Head Pastry Chef, you will be the driving force behind the pastry section in a fast paced, high quality kitchen brigade.

• Take complete ownership of the pastry section, preparing and delivering visually stunning, mouth watering desserts and baked goods to 2AA Rosette standards.

• Collaborate with the Executive Head Chef on menu development, bringing innovative ideas and seasonal, local ingredients to the table.

• Manage pastry stock levels, supplier ordering, and wastage control while keeping quality at the forefront.

• Maintain rigorous hygiene, food safety, and kitchen operational standards.

• Lead by example, working closely with the wider kitchen brigade and Front of House team to deliver a seamless guest experience.

What We Are Looking For

• Proven experience within a high-quality kitchen environment (2AA Rosette or premium boutique hotel experience is a strong advantage).

• A true passion for pastry, detail, and presentation, with a drive to create memorable dining experiences for guests.

• A hands-on approach with strong organisational skills and the ability to thrive under pressure during busy services.

• Excellent communication skills and a team player mindset.

• Flexibility to work a mix of split and straight shifts across a 7 day operational rota, including weekends.

INDCF