Job Title: Cook in Charge
Organisation: Paxton Trust
Location: [Visitor attraction / Tearoom location]
Hours: Flexible (up to full time)
Salary: Flexible, commensurate with experience
Please send your email cover letter and CV to info@paxtonhouse.com
Closing date: 23/02/26
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, café, 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