Pastry Chef

The Lensbury; Twickenham; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals on duty

Uniform provided

Paid annual leave of 28 days (incl. PH

Leisure facilities access (gym & pool)

Hospitality Rewards discounts

Employee Assistance Programme (24/7)

Fully funded Apprenticeships

Training & development opportunities

Staff Recognition Scheme & Awards

Staff socials

Job summary

The Lensbury in Twickenham is seeking a Pastry Chef to lead the pastry section across the All-Day Dining Restaurant and Banqueting Kitchens. You will produce desserts, pastries, breads and afternoon tea items to the highest standards and mentor junior team members.

You will manage the pastry operation, ensure food safety and presentation standards, and collaborate with senior chefs to create memorable guest experiences for restaurant and banqueting services.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Professional Cookery (Pastry) or equivalent qualification.
• Experience running a pastry section in high-volume, quality-focused hotel or banqueting environment.
• Experience producing desserts for à la carte and large-scale events.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, bake, and present a wide range of pastries, desserts, cakes, breads and petits fours to high standards.
• Manage daily pastry section operations, ensuring mise en place and service flow.
• Supervise and mentor Commis Chefs and Apprentices within the pastry team.
• Conduct quality checks on ingredients and finished products for freshness and consistency.
• Assist in developing seasonal dessert menus and innovative pastry concepts.

Skills

Pastry execution

High-volume baking

Food hygiene

Team mentorship

Education

NVQ Pastry Level 2/3

Job description

About Us

Part of Iconic Hotels and Resorts, The Lensbury is located on the Banks of the River Thames at Teddington and is home to an exclusive leisure club, a 156 bedroom hotel, meeting and events space, restaurant and bar, Spa and 25 acres of gardens and grounds.

The Role

As our Pastry Chef, you will be responsible for the smooth operation of the pastry section across both our All-Day Dining Restaurant and Banqueting Kitchens. Working closely with the senior Chefs, you will ensure the consistent production of high-quality desserts, pastries, breads, afternoon tea items, and plated dessert offerings that meet our culinary standards.

You will take ownership of your designated pastry section, maintaining exceptional standards of preparation, presentation, food safety, and efficiency. This role requires creativity, precision, strong organisational skills, and a genuine passion for pastry and dessert production. The successful candidate will contribute to creating memorable guest experiences through innovative and beautifully presented pastry products while supporting both restaurant and large-scale banqueting operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, bake, and present a variety of pastries, desserts, cakes, breads, petits fours, and other pastry items to the highest standards.
• Ensure all pastry products are produced consistently, following approved recipes, specifications, and presentation guidelines.
• Manage the day-to-day operation of the pastry section, ensuring mise en place is completed efficiently and service runs smoothly.
• Produce high-quality desserts and pastry items for restaurant service, conferences, weddings, banquets, and special events.
• Conduct regular quality checks on ingredients and finished products to ensure freshness, consistency, and excellence.
• Assist in the development of seasonal dessert menus, afternoon tea offerings, specialty cakes, and innovative pastry creations while considering guest preferences, dietary requirements, and food cost targets.
• Monitor stock levels within the pastry section and participate in stock rotation and inventory control procedures to minimise wastage.
• Ensure all pastry ingredients and products are correctly stored and labelled according to food safety standards.
• Support and mentor Commis Chefs, Apprentices, and junior team members within the pastry department.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation, and hygiene throughout the pastry kitchen.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, allergen management, health and safety regulations, and company procedures.
• Collaborate effectively with the wider kitchen brigade to deliver exceptional guest experiences across all food outlets.

What We Are Looking For

Qualifications & Experience

• NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Professional Cookery (Pastry) or equivalent culinary qualification and relevant industry experience.
• Proven experience running a pastry section within a high-volume, quality-focused hotel, restaurant, resort, or banqueting environment.
• Experience producing desserts for both à la carte and large-scale banqueting operations.
• Previous experience within a quality-driven establishment, ideally operating at a minimum 1 AA Rosette standard or equivalent.
• Valid Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Sound knowledge of pastry production techniques, baking methods, chocolate work, sugar craft, and dessert presentation.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong attention to detail and a passion for pastry excellence.
• Creative flair with the ability to develop attractive and innovative dessert concepts.
• Organised, clean, and methodical approach to work.
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure and consistently meet deadlines.
• Excellent understanding of food safety, allergen control, and kitchen hygiene standards.
• Positive attitude with strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Passionate about developing and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
• Flexible and adaptable to the operational needs of the business.
• Committed to maintaining high standards of quality, consistency, and presentation at all times.

Terms and Conditions:

• Full Time position (40 hours per week)
• Flexibility required - to include evenings and weekends

What's in it for you?

• Up to £32,888 dependent on experience plus EXCELLENT benefits
• Free meals whilst on duty and free hot and cold drinks in staff restaurant
• Uniform provided
• Paid annual leave of 28 days. including public holidays
• Use of some of our leisure facilities, including gym & swimming pool
• Free access to Hospitality Rewards - an online benefits portal offering lots of discounts
• Free access to our Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 personal support service) for you AND your family
• Fully funded Apprenticeship opportunities
• Excellent training and development opportunities
• Staff Recognition Scheme and Awards
• Regular Staff Socials