At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve exceptional coffee while delivering warm, professional customer service.
- Company: Join Houston & Hawkes, an award-winning independent caterer with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, birthday off, enhanced leave, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with exciting social events and career progression.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team creating memorable coffee experiences every day.
- Qualifications: Previous Barista experience and a genuine passion for coffee and service.
The predicted salary is between 29250 - 29250 £ per year.
- BARISTA
- Milton Keynes | £29,250 per annum | Monday to Friday | 37.5 hours
Exceptional coffee. Beautifully served. Genuine hospitality in every interaction.
Houston & Hawkes is looking for an experienced Barista to join our team at an exciting new client location in Milton Keynes.
We're looking for someone with a genuine passion for coffee, personality and a real eye for detail - someone who takes pride in every cup they serve and understands how great coffee and thoughtful service can elevate the everyday customer experience.
You'll bring warmth, consistency and energy to the coffee bar while taking real ownership of your area and supporting the wider catering team.
THE ROLE
- Prepare and serve consistently excellent coffee and hot beverages to Houston & Hawkes standards.
- Deliver warm, professional and attentive customer service throughout the day.
- Maintain excellent standards of presentation across the coffee bar and service areas.
- Create a welcoming customer experience, building positive relationships through genuine and engaging service.
- Take ownership of the coffee bar, ensuring it is organised, fully stocked and beautifully presented for service.
- Work confidently and efficiently during busy service periods while maintaining quality and attention to detail.
- Support food service, preparation and cleaning tasks as part of the wider catering team.
- Follow food hygiene, allergen awareness and safe working practices at all times.
- Maintain an immaculate working environment, including equipment, counters and customer-facing areas.
- Bring enthusiasm, flexibility and a positive approach to the team every day.
ABOUT YOU
- Previous Barista experience, together with a genuine passion for coffee, food and great service.
- Previous customer service experience, with catering, food service or food production experience desirable.
- A good understanding of basic food hygiene, allergen awareness and safe working practices in a catering environment.
- Excellent time-management and organisational skills, with the ability to work confidently during busy periods.
- A positive, flexible and engaging team player who takes ownership of their role and genuine pride in delivering exceptional standards.
WHY JOIN HOUSTON & HAWKES?
Alongside the opportunity to join an exciting new client location, you'll be joining a business that genuinely invests in its people, celebrates success and creates opportunities to develop.
- Your birthday off every year
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Contributory pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- CODE Hospitality membership, giving you access to one of the UK's leading hospitality communities
- Foodie Socials - bringing our teams together to share new concepts, seasonal food and drink ideas and the creativity happening across Houston & Hawkes
- Ongoing learning, development and genuine opportunities for career progression
- Our Summer Awards Party - celebrating the people, achievements and successes across Houston & Hawkes
- An unforgettable Christmas Party at one of London's outstanding venues - bringing the whole business together to celebrate the year in true Houston & Hawkes style
- Monday to Friday working pattern
- 37.5 hours per week
- 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 you're an experienced Barista who is passionate about exceptional coffee, thoughtful service and creating a brilliant customer experience, we would love to hear from you.
Barista in Milton Keynes 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 Barista in Milton Keynes
✨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 Barista in Milton Keynes
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!
