Pastry Chef

4 AA Red Star Luxury Hotel | Suffolk

£36,000 + £3,000 Tronc | Live-In Available

2 AA Rosette Restaurant | Creative Freedom | Luxury Hotel & Spa

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a talented Pastry Chef to take ownership of the pastry offering at one of Suffolk's leading luxury hotels.

Awarded 4 AA Red Stars and home to a highly regarded 2 AA Rosette restaurant, this beautiful historic hotel combines luxury accommodation, an award-winning spa and one of the county's most celebrated afternoon tea experiences.

This is a rare opportunity for an ambitious pastry chef looking for genuine autonomy. The kitchen is seeking someone to bring fresh ideas, creativity and personality to the role, taking the lead on desserts, bakery and afternoon tea while helping shape the future direction of an already respected pastry operation.

The Venue

Set within one of England's most beautiful medieval villages, this independent luxury hotel has built an outstanding reputation for exceptional hospitality, quality dining and memorable guest experiences.

Part of an established collection of luxury hotels, the business continues to invest heavily in its food offering and is passionate about continually evolving its menus. Already operating confidently at 2 AA Rosette level, the kitchen has genuine ambition to keep raising standards, making this an exciting opportunity for a pastry chef who enjoys creating, developing and making a lasting impact.

The Role

This is far more than simply producing desserts.

You'll be given the opportunity to lead the pastry section, taking responsibility for developing seasonal desserts, artisan breads, pastries, speciality cakes and one of the hotel's signature afternoon tea offerings.

Working closely with the Executive Chef, you'll enjoy genuine creative freedom to introduce new ideas, refine existing menus and build a pastry offering that reflects your own style while maintaining the consistently high standards expected within a luxury hotel.

Your responsibilities will include:

Leading the day-to-day pastry operation
Creating exceptional seasonal desserts and pastry menus
Developing and enhancing the hotel's afternoon tea offering
Producing artisan breads, pastries, cakes and bakery items
Maintaining exceptional consistency and presentation
Managing stock control and ordering for the pastry section
Upholding the highest standards of food safety and hygiene
Supporting and mentoring junior members of the kitchen brigade
Working closely with the wider kitchen team to continually develop the food offering

The Package

£36,000 salary
Approximately £3,000 annual tronc
40–45 hour working week
Live-in accommodation available for £77 per month
Spacious staff accommodation with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities (currently only lightly occupied)
28 days annual leave
Company pension
Tailored induction and ongoing training
Genuine career progression within an established luxury hotel collection
50% discount across hotel restaurants
Discounted overnight stays throughout the collection
50% discount on spa treatments and retail products
Complimentary golf at the group's championship golf course
Hospitality Action Employee Assistance Programme
Employee retail discount scheme

The Ideal Candidate

We're looking for someone who has:

Previous experience as a Senior Pastry Chef, Pastry Chef de Partie, Junior Sous Chef or Pastry Sous Chef within a quality fresh-food kitchen
Experience within luxury hotels, restaurants or Rosette-standard kitchens
A genuine passion for pastry, baking and seasonal ingredients
Creativity and confidence to develop new desserts and afternoon tea menus
Strong organisational skills and excellent attention to detail
Experience managing stock and maintaining high kitchen standards
A calm, positive and professional attitude
A genuine desire to take ownership of a pastry operation and make it your own

Why This Role?

Opportunities offering genuine creative freedom within established luxury hotels are increasingly rare.

Rather than simply maintaining an existing pastry offering, you'll have the chance to influence the direction of the section, develop exciting new creations and build upon an already highly regarded afternoon tea experience.

For an ambitious pastry chef looking for ownership, autonomy and the opportunity to make a genuine impact within a respected luxury hotel, this represents an outstanding career opportunity.