Sous Chef

The Montcalm Mayfair; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury hotel in London is seeking a dedicated Pastry Chef to design and execute high-quality pastry menus. The ideal candidate will have a formal culinary education and prior experience in luxury dining. Responsibilities include preparing a variety of baked goods and ensuring exceptional food presentation and hygiene. This role requires excellent organizational and communication skills, as well as a strong passion for culinary excellence in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

28 holidays including bank holidays

Discounted gym membership

Cash-back health benefits

Regular training and development

Qualifications

• Passion for luxury desserts and pastries.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement creative pastry menus.
• Prepare a variety of baked goods and desserts.
• Maintain hygiene and safety standards.

Skills

Precision in food preparation

Creative flair

Strong communication skills

Organisational skills

Team player

Education

Formal culinary training in pastry arts

Proven experience as a Pastry Chef in luxury environment

Job description

Montcalm Mayfair

United by timeless style and peerless service, Montcalm Collection is London’s compendium of luxury hotels. Housed in elegant Georgian townhouses, an 18th‑century brewery, heritage headquarters and a diamond‑shaped skyscraper, each hotel reveals a different chapter in the city’s story. The hotels in the collection include a historic brewery, reimagined as a vibrant modern hotel: Montcalm Brewery. A storied city‑slicker, housed in the former headquarters of the Royal Mail: Montcalm Royal London House. A property with a bold new perspective at Montcalm East, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. And a duo of mindful hotels which set a slower pace: Inhabit, Southwick Street and Inhabit, Queen’s Gardens, both part of Design Hotels.

Our flagship hotel is on the brink of a bold new era. Its Grade II‑listed building on the cusp of Park Lane has been sensitively refreshed by architects Holland Harvey. Interiors are being rejuvenated by Studio Mica and Studio Est. We have added a new signature restaurant helmed by a world‑famous chef, alongside a dapper lounge and bar. Communal areas, bedrooms and suites have all been artfully redesigned; our spa and Grand Ballroom will re‑emerge as modern icons.

Conscious, cultured, characterful, and considerate, Montcalm Mayfair is a five‑star hotel set on a historic crescent that sits proudly at the top of Park Lane, steps from Hyde Park and the West End, with a toe in Marylebone, bringing a fresh, holistic hospitality approach to London luxury. The respectful, sensitive full restoration includes a wellness space, community‑welcoming public spaces and a restaurant helmed by an internationally‑acclaimed chef.

Overview

The Pastry Chef is responsible for supporting the Sous Chef and senior team in delivering the highest standards of food preparation, presentation, hygiene and service. This role involves creation of exceptional range of pastries, desserts, breads, and other baked goods for the hotel, banquet events and room service in line with the luxury standards expected at a five‑star property.

The Pastry Chef exhibit meticulous eye for detail, a passion for luxury and the ability to make flavourful creations at a required standard. You will bring creativity, precision and dedication. The role is critical to maintaining reputation and delivery of unparalleled guest dining experiences via thoughtful menu preparation and a top‑quality product.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement creative, high‑quality pastry and dessert menus that align with the hotel’s culinary vision.
• Ensure consistence in presentation and flavour across all pastry offerings, from a la carte to banquet menus.
• Prepare, bake and present a wide variety of baked goods and desserts, including cakes, tarts, bread and cookies.
• Ensure items are prepared in timely manner while maintaining the highest quality.
• Able to produce and serve large‑scale events, conferences, weddings ensuring quality and presentation.
• Maintain strict hygiene, sanitation and safety standards.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety and Food Safety Standards.
• Conduct regular checks on pastry equipment, supplies and ingredients to ensure functionality and freshness.
• Order and maintain inventory of ingredients and supplies, ensuring the timely availability of fresh products.
• Engage with guests, understanding feedback to refine and enhance the pastry offerings.
• Address and resolve any deficiencies or issues related to food quality standards promptly and effectively.
• Support junior team members with training and clear understanding of the menu, fostering a culture of excellence and teamwork within the kitchen.
• Work harmoniously with other kitchen sections to ensure a smooth service flow, particularly during peak times.
• Accept responsibility and follow instructions from the Sous Chef and Head Chef.
• Responsible for taking necessary proactive steps to reduce/eliminate colleague accidents.
• Respond to emergency situations calmly and efficiently, following hotel protocols.

This job description sets out the main responsibilities related to the role at Montcalm Collection. It is not intended to be exhaustive, and duties may be varied from time to time as required by management to meet the needs of the business.

Skills & Qualifications

• Strong focus on precision and presentation in food preparation.
• A creative flair and dedication to consistency and delivering the best food.
• A friendly and approachable attitude with a genuine passion for hospitality and baking.
• “Yes, yes, yes” mentality.
• Team player with strong communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle challenging situations with grace.
• Strong organisational skills and multitasking abilities.
• Punctual, reliable, responsible and proud of own creations.
• Proven experience as a Pastry Chef in a luxury or fine‑dining environment.
• Advanced knowledge of pastry techniques, including sugar work, chocolate tempering and artisanal breadmaking.
• Formal culinary training with a specialisation in pastry arts highly desirable.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation and kitchen operations.

Working Condition

• Flexibility to work shifts, including weekends and bank holidays.
• Physical demands such as being on the feet for long periods of time and manual handling.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• A supportive, empowering team environment.
• Benefits platform with various discounts.
• 28 holidays including eight bank holidays, with more holidays after two‑year service.
• Cash‑back health benefits, including optical, dental, chiropractor and physio services.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Access to Wellbeing platform and sessions, including EAP.
• Awards and Recognition Programme.
• Annual parties.
• Regular and ongoing training and development, including leadership workshops.
• Enjoy a paid day off to celebrate your birthday – because your special day matters!

Eligibility

Candidates must be authorised to live and work in the UK. Currently, visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

Equal Opportunity Employer

At Montcalm Collection, diversity and inclusion aren’t just buzzwords. We genuinely value the unique perspectives everyone brings, regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, disability, or background. Our culture thrives on mutual respect, and we provide a workplace free from discrimination and prejudice.

Should this role resonate with your aspirations, please apply. If not shortlisted, we encourage you to explore other opportunities with us, either now or in the future.

Note: If you do not hear from us within 14 days, kindly consider your application as not shortlisted for this role.

Please note

We do not accept unsolicited CVs from agencies or headhunters. Any CVs submitted for these roles without prior agreement per role in writing from our Head of Human Resources will be considered the property of the company and will not be subject to agency fees.