Head Pastry Chef
2 months ago
South East London
Head Pastry Chef New Modern European Restaurant | London £60,000 per annum | Start March 2026 The doors are opening to an exciting new Modern European restaurant on London's iconic Southbank this March! Smyth & Co are delighted to be working with this exciting brand and help them in their search for an exceptionalHead Pastry Chef to lead their pastry section from the very beginning. This isn't about stepping into someone else's kitchen. This is your opportunity to build something remarkable from scratch: to shape the dessert programme, establish the standards, and leave your creative fingerprint on every plate that leaves the pass. If you've honed your craft in Michelin-starred or high-end European kitchens and you're ready for the thrill (and yes, the hard work) of a new opening, we'd love to hear from you! What We Are looking For: As Head Pastry Chef, you'll be the creative force behind our entire pastry offering from elegant plated desserts to petit fours, pre-desserts, and everything in between. You'll work closely with the Executive Chef to develop a menu that complements our Modern European vision while showcasing your own distinctive style. What You'll Be Doing: Designing and executing the full pastry menu for a 120-cover fine dining restaurant Building and leading a dedicated pastry team from day one Establishing recipes, mise en place systems, and quality standards Managing pastry section costs, ordering, and supplier relationships Collaborating with the wider kitchen team to ensure seamless service Maintaining impeccable hygiene, food safety, and consistency Bringing creativity, precision, and passion to every single cover What We're Looking For: Essential: Proven experience as a Senior Pastry Chef or Head Pastry Chef Background in Michelin-starred or equivalent high-end dining environments Strong technical foundation and classical training in contemporary pastry techniques Demonstrated creativity with a refined, Modern European sensibility Leadership experience you know how to build, train, and inspire a team Calm under pressure with excellent organisational skills Genuine passion for the craft and an eye for detail that borders on obsessive Desirable: Experience with new openings or restaurant launches Knowledge of seasonal British ingredients and sustainable sourcing Portfolio or examples of previous work What's In It For You: Competitive salary up to £60,000 depending on experience Creative ownership this is your section to shape and define Launch team opportunity be part of the founding kitchen brigade Work side by side with an inspiring, renowned chef Staff meals, discounts and regular team socials If you want to join a restaurant that combines technical excellence with genuine warmth, this could be the perfect next step. Apply now or get in touch for a confidential conversation. TPBN1_UKCT