Pastry Chef - Radstock

Holroyd Howe; Clandown; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading contract catering company is seeking a talented Pastry Chef to join their kitchen team. The successful candidate will be responsible for producing high-quality baked goods and desserts, contributing to an exceptional dining experience. This role requires a passion for pastry and the ability to innovate in menu development. The ideal applicant will have demonstrable experience, strong attention to detail, and a commitment to food safety. This position comes with various benefits including training, development opportunities, and free meals at work.

Benefits

Volunteering days

Enhanced maternity leave

Pension and life insurance

Employee assistance programme

Career development opportunities

Discounts via Perkbox

Free meals at work

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in pastry or bakery roles, ideally in contract catering or high-end food services.
• Passion for pastry and innovation in menu development.
• Strong understanding of food safety and kitchen hygiene.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and present high-quality desserts and baked goods.
• Collaborate on seasonal dessert menus.
• Maintain an organized and hygienic pastry section.
• Support food preparation for dining and events.
• Cater to individual dietary needs including allergens.

Skills

Creativity in pastry

Food safety knowledge

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Job description

We are looking for a talented and creative Pastry Chef to join the kitchen team at Downside School. You will be responsible for producing a variety of high‑quality baked goods, breads and desserts, supporting the wider culinary operation while adding a distinctive flair to the school’s food offering. From traditional bakes to innovative patisserie, your work will play a key part in delivering an exceptional dining experience for pupils, staff, and guests. Fresh thinking. New ideas for food, service and ways of working help us maintain our position as creative leaders in school catering.

You will be joining Holroyd Howe, one of the UK’s leading contract caterers, providing fresh, innovative food services solely to independent schools and colleges. We are a team of experienced professionals who tailor our catering service provision specifically to suit children of all ages and meet the bespoke requirements of each school.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and present a range of freshly made desserts, cakes and baked goods to a consistently high standard
• Collaborate with the Head Chef and wider kitchen team to create innovative, seasonal dessert menus
• Maintain an organised and hygienic pastry section, ensuring all daily tasks are completed to specification
• Support with food preparation and production for both core school dining and hospitality events
• Follow all food safety, hygiene and allergen management procedures with diligence and care
• Cater thoughtfully to pupils’ individual dietary needs, including allergens and specific requirements
• Champion the school’s healthy eating ethos, contributing positively to food education and pupil wellbeing
• Our respectful codes of conduct inform how we behave towards our clients and customers, suppliers and business partners, and each other

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in a Pastry Chef, Baker or patisserie role, ideally within a contract catering environment, hotel or high‑end food service setting
• A genuine passion for pastry, with a flair for creativity and innovation in menu development
• Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring precision in preparation and excellence in presentation
• A strong understanding of food safety, allergen management and best practices in kitchen hygiene
• A proactive and collaborative team player, with the ability to work independently when required
• Confident and professional when working in a school environment, with an understanding of the needs of young people
• Right to work in the UK

Benefits

• 3 volunteering days to give back to causes you care about
• 3 days grandparent leave for those special family moments
• 24 weeks enhanced maternity leave
• Bespoke training and development opportunities
• Pension and life insurance
• Discounts on high‑street brands, cinema and holidays via the Perkbox App
• Wellbeing hub and access to an employee assistance programme
• Free meals while at work
• Career development and HIT Apprenticeships for all experience levels