At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a barista team, craft exceptional coffee, and deliver outstanding service.
- Company: Join Houston & Hawkes, an award-winning independent caterer in luxury hospitality.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free meals, birthday off, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with exciting team events and a focus on sustainability.
- Why this job: Be part of a prestigious site and showcase your passion for coffee and service.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Barista or senior barista with leadership skills required.
HEAD BARISTA / TEAM LEADER
Houston & Hawkes | Central London | £18.00 per hour | 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Exceptional coffee, polished service and the opportunity to set outstanding standards at a prestigious new client site.
Houston & Hawkes is looking for an exceptional Head Barista / Team Leader to join our team at an exciting new luxury client site in Central London. This is a key front-of-house role for someone who combines outstanding coffee expertise with confident team leadership and a genuine passion for exceptional service.
From perfectly dialled espresso and beautifully textured milk to flawless presentation and warm, professional service, you will set the standard every day. You’ll lead from the front, develop the team and ensure every detail reflects the quality and attention expected within this exceptional environment.
THE ROLE
- Lead the barista team and set exceptional standards across the service
- Prepare consistently outstanding espresso-based drinks and speciality coffees
- Dial in espresso, calibrate grinders and maintain extraction quality throughout the day
- Deliver excellent milk texturing, pouring and latte art
- Bring outstanding knowledge of coffee beans, origins, roast profiles and brewing techniques
- Train, coach and develop colleagues to ensure consistency and confidence across the team
- Lead from the front during busy service while remaining hands-on
- Ensure service is polished, organised and delivered to an exceptional standard
- Maintain impeccable presentation across the coffee and service areas
- Take responsibility for coffee equipment, daily checks, cleaning and calibration
- Support stock control, ordering and waste management
- Work closely with the wider Houston & Hawkes catering and hospitality teams
- Maintain excellent food safety, allergen, hygiene and health and safety standards
WHAT YOU’LL BRING
- Strong experience as a Head Barista, Lead Barista or senior barista with team leadership responsibility
- Outstanding practical barista skills and exceptional coffee knowledge
- Excellent understanding of espresso extraction, grinder calibration and milk texturing
- Strong latte art and presentation standards
- A genuine passion for coffee, including origins, flavour profiles, roast styles and brewing methods
- Experience training, coaching and developing other baristas
- Experience within premium contract catering, luxury hospitality or another high-quality service environment
- Confident, positive and hands-on leadershipExceptional service standards and a polished, professional approach
- Excellent organisation and attention to detail
- The ability to remain calm, composed and consistent during busy service
WHY JOIN HOUSTON & HAWKES?
- The opportunity to join a prestigious new luxury client site
- Birthday off every year
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Free meals on duty
- Contributory pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- CODE Hospitality membership
- Foodie Socials bringing our teams together to explore new food, coffee and hospitality ideas
- Ongoing learning, development and genuine career progression
- Summer Awards Party celebrating our people and achievements
- An unforgettable Christmas Party at one of London’s outstanding venues
ABOUT HOUSTON & HAWKES
Houston & Hawkes is an award-winning independent caterer creating vibrant, creative and exceptional food and hospitality experiences across some of the UK’s most prestigious client sites.
We’re a Certified B Corp, recipient of the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development 2026 and proud to be ranked No. 14 in The Caterer’s Best Places to Work in Hospitality.
If coffee is your craft, you lead naturally and you take pride in exceptional service and standards, we would love to hear from you.
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Head Barista / Team Leader in City of Westminster employer: Houston & Hawkes
Houston & Hawkes is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Central London where creativity and passion for food thrive. Employees benefit from ongoing professional development opportunities, competitive remuneration, and a supportive team environment that values exceptional customer service and innovation. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that takes pride in delivering premium experiences while enjoying the unique advantages of working in one of the world's most exciting cities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Barista / Team Leader in City of Westminster
✨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 Houston & Hawkes. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Houston & Hawkes
Don't be shy about reaching out to Houston & Hawkes 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 Head Barista / Team Leader in City of Westminster
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 Houston & Hawkes 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 Houston & Hawkes
✨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!
