About Us

Located in the heart of the Lake District, Zeffirellis has been delighting locals and visitors alike for over 45 years. We’re proud to be a beloved destination for award-winning vegetarian cuisine, independent film, live music, and exceptional hospitality.

Our vibrant, multi-venue company includes:

• Zeffirellis – An Italian-inspired vegetarian restaurant with a lively jazz bar and two cinema screens.
• Fellinis – A Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian restaurant with an elegant feel and one cinema screen.
• Zeffirellis by the Park – A dedicated cinema venue with two additional screens, bringing our total to five.
• Ambleside Manor – A charming vegetarian bed & breakfast in central Ambleside.

Whether it’s dining, film, live jazz, or a relaxing stay, Zeffirellis offers a unique experience grounded in creativity, sustainability, and warmth.

The Role

We are looking for a creative and passionate Pastry Chef to join our team in a vibrant vegetarian restaurant/cafe. The ideal candidate will be responsible for producing high-quality, plant-based pastries, desserts and baked goods that align with our vegetarian ethos. You'll have a strong understanding of flavour combinations, seasonal ingredients and the ability to innovate within dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten free options.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide excellent service with a friendly and professional attitude
• Support day-to-day operations in your area
• Maintain our high standards of presentation, and guest experience
• Menu development: create, test and refine a range of vegetarian-friendly desserts, pastries and baked goods. Including vegan and gluten-free options.
• Preparation & production: Prepare pastries, desserts and baked goods daily, ensuring consistent quality, presentation and portion control
• Ingredient management: source and manage high-quality, plant-based ingredients, maintaining freshness, minimising waste and optimising food costs.
• Kitchen hygiene & safety: Maintain a clean, organised and compliant pastry station, adhering to all food safety and hygiene standards
• Collaboration: Work closely with the kitchen team and front-of-house staff to coordinate service, ensure smooth operations and respond to customer feedback
• Seasonal innovation: Develop and introduce new pastry items that reflect the seasons, current trends and our commitment to sustainable, vegetarian dining
• Quality control: regularly review products for taste, texture, appearance and adherence to dietary requirements

About You

• Proven experience as a pastry chef or similar role in a restaurant, cafe or bakery environment
• Strong knowledge of vegetarian and vegan baking techniques and ingredients or willingness to learn
• Creativity and attention to detail in presentation and flavour pairing
• Good organisational and time-management skills
• Understanding of allergen awareness and dietary restrictions
• NVQ in patisserie or Culinary Art or an equivalent certification preferred
• Ability to work early mornings, weekends and holidays as required
• Passionate about food
• A strong communicator who enjoys working as part of a team
• Enthusiastic, proactive and ready to learn

No Experience? No problem. If you have a positive attitude and are eager to learn, we will provide full training. This role suits someone who is friendly, reliable, and enjoys working in a close-knit team with varied day-to-day responsibilities.

What We Offer

• A friendly and creative working environment
• Staff perks including discounted cinema passes and meal discounts
• Opportunities for development and progression across different venues
• Competitive pay and flexible hours where possible
• Be part of a company that values individuality, sustainability, and community
• Flexible working hours
• Meal provided on shift
• Staff car park nearby

How to Apply

If this sounds like the right fit for you, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your CV and a short introduction to careers@zeffirellis.com

Benefits:

• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• On-site parking