10 August 2026
Filled
Head Pastry Chef
Lavenham, Suffolk, CO10
The employer
Set in the heart of historic Lavenham, The Swan at Lavenham Hotel & Spa is one of Suffolk’s most distinctive luxury hotels, combining centuries of character with a modern approach to hospitality.
The hotel has a busy and varied food and beverage operation, encompassing restaurants, afternoon teas, weddings, events and private dining. Working to AA Four Red Star standards, the kitchen is focused on quality, consistency and creating memorable experiences.
Part of the family-run Hotel Folk collection, The Swan offers chefs the opportunity to develop within an established hospitality group that invests in its people and provides genuine opportunities for career progression.
The job
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Head Pastry Chef to take ownership of the pastry section at The Swan and play a key role in the continued development of its offering.
Key responsibilities include and not limited to:
- Lead and take ownership of the pastry section, maintaining the highest of standards.
- Develop creative and seasonal dessert and afternoon tea menus alongside the Head Chef.
- Produce and oversee dishes to the required quality, presentation and consistency.
- Train, support and develop chefs within the team.
- Manage ordering, stock control, rotation and wastage to achieve the required food margins.
- Maintain excellent food safety, hygiene and kitchen standards.
- Cater confidently for dietary requirements and special requests.
- Support other areas of the kitchen and deputise for the Head Chef when required.
This is a great opportunity for a passionate pastry chef who wants to make their mark, develop a team and be part of an ambitious kitchen.
What you'll need
- A minimum of 5 years’ pastry experience, alongside experience in a chef management role.
- Previous experience working within a luxury hotel or high-quality kitchen environment.
- Leadership skills with experience of developing and motivating a kitchen team.
- A genuine passion for pastry.
- Creativity and a strong eye for presentation and detail.
- An ownership mindset and the drive to deliver consistently exceptional standards.
- Commercial awareness around food margins, stock and wastage.
- Flexibility to support the wider kitchen operation when required.
Where you'll be based
The Swan at Lavenham Hotel, Suffolk, Co10 9QA
What you'll receive
- £40,000 per annum
- Share of the hotel tips
- Free golf at Thorpeness Golf Club
- 50% off treatments & discounted rates on products at our Weavers' House Spa
- 50% off dining in all Hotel Folk restaurants
- B&B in any of our hotels from only £50prpn
- Employee Assistance Programme, Retail Discounts, Hospitality action
- 28 days annual leave p.a. (inc bank holidays)
- Company pension
- Training and developments opportunities
Find out more
To discuss this position in more detail, please send your CV to matthew@martin-salter.com or call 07812 995244.
All communication will be treated in complete confidence.