At a Glance
- Tasks: Craft delicious coffee and create memorable experiences for our guests.
- Company: Join Jikoni, a purpose-led restaurant celebrating multicultural culinary traditions.
- Benefits: Enjoy career growth, unique training, team discounts, and private health insurance.
- Other info: We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage diverse experiences.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team making a positive impact in the community.
- Qualifications: Barista experience preferred; embody kindness, curiosity, and a passion for hospitality.
The predicted salary is between 24300 - 29700 £ per year.
Founded in 2016 in Marylebone, Jikoni is a purpose-led restaurant and community-focused business founded on the belief that the purpose of a restaurant is to restore. We create warmth, generosity, and kindness through hospitality that transforms how people feel, drawing on multicultural culinary traditions and the wisdom of the maternal kitchen. Our approach, “Cooking Without Borders,” celebrates diversity by sharing flavours, stories, and techniques from Asia, the Far East, India, the Middle East, and East Africa, bringing the nourishing, selfless essence of home-cooked meals to every guest.
Since our founding, Jikoni has grown steadily and has now opened a new all-day café and restaurant project with the new V&A East Museum in Stratford's Olympic Park. We are poised to expand to another vibrant new restaurant in Bloomsbury late 2026. These expansions will serve as the foundation for the Jikoni Group.
Why Join Us?
At our flagship site in Marylebone, Jikoni, we “cook without borders”. Our food is a joyful celebration of maternal cooking, immigrant cuisine and pluralism. This includes a celebration of the rich culinary heritage of South Asia, the Far East, the Middle East, East Africa and Britain. As we grow, our core principles remain the same. We are a restorative business committed to our team, our guests, our planet and wider community. As the UK's first independent Carbon Neutral certified restaurant, and with an exclusive partnership with a biodynamic farm, our commitment to social and environmental sustainability is at the heart of everything we do.
Jikoni has consistently been recognised among the UK’s best restaurants, appearing in the top 7 restaurants in London on the Nordic 360 Eat Guide (2024), Timeout’s Top 100 London Restaurants (2023), SquareMeal’s Top 100 Restaurants (2022), Harden’s Best 100 UK Restaurants (2019), and the National Restaurant Awards (2017). Jikoni is also currently featured in Condé Nast Traveller’s Best Restaurants in London and Timeout's London's Best Cafés.
What we're looking for
- Someone who is excited by the opportunity to be part of a new opening and to grow with us over time.
- Emotional Skillset: You embody the qualities that define great hospitality: Kindness, Optimism, Self-Awareness, Curiosity, Integrity, and Empathy.
- Experience: Experience as a barista is preferable.
- Values Alignment: You share our family values of Multiculturalism & Pluralism, Integrity, Hospitality & Seva (Selfless Service), Excellence, and Entrepreneurialism.
- Leadership & Ambition: A desire and drive to build and shape new channels of the business, contribute to a positive and supportive culture and build a career with us.
- Culinary Curiosity: A deep curiosity for our style of maternal cooking and immigrant cuisine and global flavours.
Key responsibilities
- Make high-quality coffee, tea, and serve other drinks (alcoholic beverages included) according to Jikoni standards and recipes.
- Greet customers warmly, take orders accurately, and ensure a positive experience.
- Keep the coffee bar, equipment, and seating areas clean and organized; follow all food safety and hygiene standards.
- Use espresso machines, grinders, and other barista tools safely and efficiently.
- Monitor and restock supplies, ingredients, and packaging as needed.
- Accurately take payments, operate the point-of-sale system, and balance cash at the end of the shift.
- Assist with opening and closing duties, inventory checks, and other café operations as required.
What we offer
- Career Progression: Opportunities for growth in a dynamic and progressive company and working directly with senior management and directors to grow your leadership, business and hospitality skills while contributing to business with a positive purpose.
- Unique Training: Go beyond the kitchen with visits and hands-on training with our biodynamic farm partner and specialist producers.
- Competitive Package and Team Benefits: Delicious and wholesome team meals, a 51% team discount at our restaurants upon passing probation, 28 days holiday, a company pension scheme and private health insurance plans for all team members.
Everyone Is Welcome
At Jikoni, one of our core values is Pluralism, the idea that celebrating both our similarities and differences make our community richer and stronger. We warmly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. If this role speaks to you but you don’t meet every requirement, we would still love to hear from you. Please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments or accommodations we can make during the hiring process.
Senior Barista employer: Jikoni
Jikoni is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, perfect for those passionate about multicultural cuisine. With a focus on employee growth and development, we offer comprehensive training and mentorship opportunities to help you thrive in your role as General Manager. Located in the heart of London, our new café and restaurant promises a dynamic environment where creativity and collaboration are celebrated, making it a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior 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 Jikoni. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Jikoni
Don't be shy about reaching out to Jikoni 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 Senior 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 Jikoni 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 Jikoni
✨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!
