Fitzbillies was founded in Cambridge in 1922 and has become a much loved fixture in the town. It was famous for its wide range of traditional British cakes, for its occasion cakes – vital for any wedding or college function but, above all for its legendary Chelsea buns, served hot from the oven and lethally sticky.
In recent years the bakery has fallen into something of a decline though there has been no diminution in interest from students, townsfolk or the millions of tourist who pass through Cambridge every year.
We have recently bought Fitzbillies and are undertaking an extensive rebuild, renovation and relaunch as a modern British bakery and cafe. The 100sqm modern bakery will continue to turn out updated versions of the traditional bakery classics but we also intend to offer a savoury menu – based around the British bakery theme – and will be opening in the evenings serving full meals in the 60 cover fully-licensed restaurant.
We are looking for staff at all levels for both kitchen and FOH but are particularly keen to find people to fill two key kitchen roles:
1. A bakery-friendly cook/chef to help develop the cafe/restaurant menu. Happy to work on savoury food in a busy kitchen within the bakery.
2. A pastry cook/chef keen to develop updated versions of great British cakeshop classics, working alongside and complimenting the skills of our traditional bakers.
We confidently expect that the relaunched Fitzbillies will attract media interest (a book is already in development) and we are keen to share exposure with the whole team. As these are unusual roles, attitude and commitment to the project will be as important as experience in selecting a candidate.
Please take a look at the temporary site www.chelseabuns.com for the latest details of the project.
Contact Tim Hayward, tim@fireandknives.com with your CV and a covering email.
