Job Description

Job Title: Cook in Charge

Organisation:

Paxton Trust

Location:

[Visitor attraction / Tearoom location]

Hours:

Flexible (up to full time)

Salary:

Flexible, commensurate with experience

Apply by emailing your CV and cover email to info@paxtonhouse.com

About Paxton Trust

Paxton Trust manages a popular visitor attraction and local tearoom, known for its warm atmosphere and much-loved homemade food. Fresh baking, seasonal menus, great coffee and a welcoming visitor experience are at the heart of what we do.

Role Overview

We are seeking a passionate and creative

Cook in Charge

to lead our tearoom kitchen. This role offers a

high level of creativity and freedom

, making it ideal for an

ambitious, imaginative cook or baker

who enjoys putting their own stamp on menus and delighting customers with homemade cakes, bakes, soups and savouries.

This is a hands-on, enjoyable role in a lively visitor setting, with scope to develop new ideas, seasonal specials, and signature bakes.

Key Responsibilities

Bake a wide range of

homemade cakes, scones, traybakes, desserts

,

soup, savouries and lunchtime specials

with freedom to introduce new ideas and flavours Plan and develop

creative, seasonal tearoom menus

alongside traditional favourites Take full responsibility for the day-to-day running of the kitchen Bring fresh ideas to cake displays, specials, and themed or event-based baking Ensure all dietary needs and allergen information are clearly managed Manage food ordering, stock control, and waste efficiently Maintain excellent standards of food hygiene, cleanliness, and health & safety Work closely with front-of-house staff to create a smooth, friendly, and enjoyable service Support catering for events, group visits, and busy seasonal periods Supervise and support kitchen assistants or volunteers where required

Person Specification

Essential:

Proven experience in a professional kitchen with a strong focus on

baking and homemade food

A

creative and ambitious approach

, with enthusiasm for developing new recipes and ideas Confidence working independently and leading a kitchen Solid knowledge of food hygiene and health & safety regulations Flexible approach to working hours, including weekends and peak visitor times

Desirable:

Experience in a tearoom, cafe, or visitor attraction Relevant catering qualifications (e.g. Food Safety Level 2 or above) Experience with both traditional and contemporary baking styles Experience managing stock and ordering

What We Offer

Flexible working hours, up to full time Flexible pay, commensurate with experience and skills A

fun, friendly, and supportive working environment

Creative freedom

to shape menus and baking offerings An opportunity for an

ambitious and creative individual

to truly make the role their own within a much-loved local attraction
Job Type: Contract

Experience:

Cooking: 2 years (required) Baking: 2 years (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 23/02/2026