At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the coffee program and manage daily operations at a unique café-bar concept.
- Company: Exciting new venue in Covent Garden blending coffee, music, and nightlife.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, industry training, and a creative work environment.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and help define the future of Studio Coffee.
- Why this job: Shape a brand-new coffee culture and make your mark in London's vibrant scene.
- Qualifications: 2+ years as a senior barista with strong coffee knowledge and hospitality passion.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This is a special and rare opportunity for an experienced Barista to shape the coffee program and lead the daytime operations of a brand-new concept from the ground up.
About Studio Coffee (Arcade): Studio Coffee is a brand new hospitality concept launching in the heart of Covent Garden, and we are looking for a passionate and experienced Head Barista to join our new brand and help shape its culture. By day, Studio Coffee is a low-fi vinyl listening café — a place where exceptional coffee, matcha, music culture, and thoughtful hospitality come together. By evening, the space transitions into a craft cocktail and wine bar, creating a venue that evolves throughout the day and into the night. Alongside the café experience and baked goods, we will offer a curated grab-and-go selection of juices, functional sodas, craft beer and natural wines for guests looking to enjoy high-quality coffee and products on the move.
About The Role: The Head Barista will be the key leader responsible for the day-to-day café operations at Studio Coffee. Reporting directly to the Bar Manager, you will oversee the coffee program, lead the barista team, and ensure every guest receives exceptional service and beautifully prepared coffee, matchas, teas and other beverages. In this role, you will play a central role in shaping the culture, quality standards, and rhythm of the café, while helping prepare the venue for its transition into evening service.
What You’ll Be Responsible For:
- Coffee Quality & Craft
- Lead the specialty coffee program using our ModBar system.
- Dial in espresso and maintain quality throughout service.
- Train and coach the barista team to deliver consistently excellent drinks.
- Maintain equipment care and calibration.
- Set up and daily opening of Studio Coffee.
- Run the daytime service and manage workflow behind the bar.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation, and presentation.
- Manage the grab-and-go offering to ensure it remains fresh, stocked, and visually appealing.
- Lead and mentor the barista team.
- Support onboarding and training of new staff.
- Create a positive, collaborative team culture.
- Guest Experience
- Deliver warm, knowledgeable hospitality.
- Engage customers through coffee and music culture.
- Create a welcoming environment that reflects the Studio Coffee identity.
- Operational Support
- Assist with ordering, inventory, and stock management.
- Support the transition from café service into evening bar service.
- Work closely with the Bar Manager to maintain operational excellence.
What We’re Looking For:
- 2+ years experience in a senior barista or head barista role
- Strong specialty coffee knowledge and espresso skills
- Passion for hospitality and guest experience
- Strong organisational and communication skills
Bonus Points:
- Experience working with ModBar or similar systems
- Interest in music, vinyl culture, and creative hospitality venues
- Experience helping launch or build a new concept
Why Join Studio Coffee? This is a chance to be part of something unique in London’s coffee scene. Studio Coffee blends coffee, music, and nightlife culture into one seamless space. You’ll be pivotal in shaping the identity of a brand-new venue and brand in one of London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.
You’ll be working with:
- Best-in-class coffee equipment (ModBar)
- Exceptional coffee from Plot Roastery
- A creative team building a distinctive hospitality concept
And most importantly — you’ll have the opportunity to help define what Studio Coffee becomes.
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary (based on experience)
- Opportunity to lead a coffee program in a new concept
- Career development within a growing hospitality group
- Industry training and coffee education
- A creative working environment centred around coffee, music, and culture
Head Barista in City of Westminster employer: Arcade Food Hall
Contact Detail:
Arcade Food Hall Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Barista in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, swing by Studio Coffee and soak in the vibe. Chat with the staff, taste the coffee, and get a feel for the culture. This will not only help you stand out but also show your genuine interest in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience with ModBar or similar systems, bring it up during your chat. Maybe even offer to demonstrate your espresso skills if the opportunity arises. We love seeing passion in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Connect with the team! During your interview, ask questions about their coffee program and how they envision the café evolving. This shows you’re not just looking for a job, but you’re excited to contribute to shaping the Studio Coffee experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives us a chance to see your enthusiasm for joining our unique concept right from the start. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Barista in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Coffee: When you're writing your application, let your love for coffee shine through! Share your experiences with specialty coffee and how you've contributed to creating exceptional coffee experiences in the past. We want to see that you’re not just a barista, but a coffee enthusiast!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Barista, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about how you've trained or mentored others, and how you’ve fostered a positive team culture. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and guide our barista team!
Connect with Our Concept: Take a moment to understand what Studio Coffee is all about. Mention how your values align with our unique blend of coffee, music, and hospitality. Show us that you get the vibe we’re going for and how you can contribute to shaping our identity from the ground up.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to be part of our new adventure at Studio Coffee!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arcade Food Hall
✨Know Your Coffee Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your specialty coffee knowledge and espresso skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with different brewing methods, especially the ModBar system, as this will show your expertise and passion for quality coffee.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Barista, you'll be leading a team, so prepare examples of how you've successfully trained and mentored others in the past. Highlight your ability to create a positive team culture and how you’ve managed workflow during busy service times.
✨Engage with the Concept
Familiarise yourself with Studio Coffee's unique blend of coffee, music, and hospitality. Think about how you can contribute to creating a welcoming environment that reflects this identity and be ready to share your ideas during the interview.
✨Prepare Questions About Operations
Show your interest in the operational side of the café by preparing thoughtful questions about inventory management, stock control, and the transition from daytime café to evening bar service. This demonstrates your understanding of the role and your commitment to operational excellence.