At a Glance
- Tasks: Serve amazing coffee and support a friendly team in a vibrant bakery.
- Company: Join Blackbird Bakery, an independent café passionate about great food and coffee.
- Benefits: Earn £13.25 per hour, enjoy performance bonuses, and receive staff discounts.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available, including weekends, with opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing bakery and elevate your barista skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a barista with strong coffee knowledge and team collaboration skills.
The predicted salary is between 13.25 - 13.25 £ per hour.
Speciality Barista
What we offer
- Performance bonus opportunities
- Coffee training and development
- Opportunities to progress within Blackbird Bakery
- Staff discount
- A friendly and supportive working environment
- The opportunity to be part of a growing independent London bakery
We are looking for an experienced and confident Speciality Barista to join the Blackbird Bakery team.
This is a senior Team Member role with additional responsibility for coffee standards and, when required, opening or closing the shop as Manager on Duty.
The role is not limited to the coffee section.
As part of the wider shop team, you will be expected to complete all normal Team Member duties, including customer service, food service, cleaning, restocking, opening and closing tasks and maintaining standards across the whole shop.
Coffee competency
You will be expected to demonstrate a strong level of practical coffee knowledge and consistently deliver Blackbird coffee standards.
This includes
- Dialling in espresso correctly at the start of the day and throughout service
- Understanding extraction, grind adjustment, dose, yield and timing
- Producing consistent milk texture across different milk types
- Producing good quality latte art consistently
- Working quickly and accurately during busy periods
- Maintaining excellent cleanliness of the machine, grinders and coffee station
- Managing coffee and milk wastage carefully
- Identifying quality issues and correcting them quickly Following Blackbird recipes and coffee standards
- Supporting and training other Team Members to improve their coffee skills
- Taking ownership of coffee quality throughout the shift
- Wider Team Member responsibilities
Speciality Baristas remain part of the full shop team.
You will also be expected to
- Serve customers across all areas of the shop
- Support food preparation and service
- Maintain displays and replenish products
- Complete cleaning duties across the whole shop
- Support washing up and back of house tasks when required
- Complete opening and closing cleaning tasks across the entire shop, not only the coffee area
- Maintain food safety, health and safety and hygiene standards
- Support the team wherever needed during busy periods
- Help maintain a clean, organised and welcoming shop throughout the day
- Manager on Duty responsibility
As a Speciality Barista, you will be more senior than a Team Member and may be required to act as Manager on Duty when opening or closing the shop.
When acting as Manager on Duty, you will be expected to
- Open or close the shop safely and correctly
- Follow all opening and closing procedures
- Take responsibility for the shop and team during that period
- Complete required checks, cleaning and security procedures
- Make sure the shop is ready for customers when opening
- Make sure the entire shop is left clean, secure and ready for the next day when closing
- Escalate any significant operational, customer or team issues to the Shop Manager
- What we are looking for
- Previous barista experience in a busy café or speciality coffee environment
- Strong espresso and milk preparation skills
- Good understanding of coffee extraction and dialling in
- Ability to maintain quality while working at speed
- Confidence supporting and training other Team Members
- A positive and reliable approach
- Willingness to take responsibility when acting as Manager on Duty
- Flexibility to complete all Team Member duties when required
- Availability to work weekends, opening shifts and closing shifts
Blackbird Bakery is an independent South London bakery and café business.
We bake fresh every day and are passionate about great food, great coffee and creating neighbourhood shops that people love coming back to.
Speciality Barista employer: Blackbird Clapham High Street
Blackbird Clapham High Street fosters a friendly and supportive work culture where employees can thrive. With opportunities for training and development, staff members can enhance their skills and advance within the company. The emphasis on teamwork and authentic communication makes it an attractive place to work.
Contact Details:
Blackbird Clapham High Street Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Speciality Barista
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Blackbird Clapham High Street. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Blackbird Clapham High Street
Don't be shy about reaching out to Blackbird Clapham High Street directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Speciality Barista
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Blackbird Clapham High Street and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blackbird Clapham High Street
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
