Pastry/Prep Chef

Knepp Castle Estate, Knepp Farms LLP; Horsham; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Good work-life balance with largely daytime hours

Development opportunities

Summer and Christmas parties

50% off in the restaurant

20% off in the shop

Good work-life balance

Job summary

A renowned culinary establishment in Horsham is seeking a skilled and detail-focused Pastry / Prep Chef to join their team on a permanent basis. The role involves preparing desserts, pastries, and supporting general kitchen prep, working with exceptional seasonal produce. Candidates should have prior experience in similar roles and a passion for quality ingredients. This position offers a great work-life balance with daytime hours, alongside various employee benefits. Submit your CV and covering letter to apply.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Pastry Chef, Prep Chef or Chef de Partie required.
• Must hold a full UK driving licence and be able to travel independently.
• Strong communication skills and a passion for produce and quality.
• Passionate about produce, seasonality and quality
• Positive attitude and clear communication skills
• Must hold a full UK driving licence and be able to travel to the site independently

Responsibilities

• Prepare and produce desserts, pastries and baked goods.
• Support dessert service and daily pastry prep.
• Assist with general kitchen prep including vegetables, sauces, and garnishes.
• Work with the senior kitchen team on menu development.
• Maintain excellent organisation and mise en place.
• Assist with stock control and waste reduction.
• Support events and larger services when required
• Maintain a clean, safe kitchen and uphold 5-star EHO standards

Skills

Attention to detail

Methodical approach to prep

Team collaboration

Positive attitude

Communication

Job description

Hours:

45 hours per week over five days

The Role

We’re looking for a skilled and detail-focused Pastry / Prep Chef to join Knepp Wilding Kitchen on a permanent basis. This role supports both pastry production and general kitchen preparation, working with outstanding produce from our rewilding estate, on-site butchery and three-acre market garden. It’s an ideal position for a chef who enjoys precision, organisation and working with exceptional, ingredient-led food.

About Knepp

Knepp is a 3,500-acre rewilding estate near Horsham, pioneering nature-led land management. Our kitchen celebrates award-winning beef, venison and pork, alongside seasonal vegetables grown in our three-acre on-site market garden.

We are an ingredient-led, Michelin-listed, high-paced restaurant, focused on the very best sustainable British produce.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and produce desserts, pastries and baked goods to a consistently high standard
• Support dessert service and daily pastry prep
• Assist with general kitchen prep, including vegetables, sauces and garnishes
• Work closely with the senior kitchen team on menu development
• Maintain excellent organisation and mise en place
• Assist with stock control, ordering and waste reduction
• Support events and larger services when required
• Maintain a clean, safe kitchen and uphold 5-star EHO standards

Requirements

• Previous experience as a Pastry Chef, Prep Chef or Chef de Partie
• Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to prep
• Confident working independently and as part of a team
• Passionate about produce, seasonality and quality
• Positive attitude and clear communication skills

Must hold a full UK driving licence and be able to travel to the site independently

• Good work-life balance with largely daytime hours
• Development opportunities within a respected, ingredient-led kitchen
• Summer and Christmas parties
• Coffee & tea on tap
• 50% off in the restaurant, 20% off in the shop
• Supportive and welcoming management team

To apply:

Please send a copy of your CV and a short covering letter to [e-mail] , explaining how your experience, qualities and values align with the job description and person specification.

Knepp is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity in our team as much as we do in our landscape. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles at Knepp.