Barista Front Of House

Location: 1 The Market Covent Garden, WC2E 8RA, London

Reports to: Store Manager / Assistant Manager

Position Summary: As a Ladurée Front of House, you play a crucial role in delivering Ladurée's renowned luxury dining experience. Your responsibilities will include providing attentive and knowledgeable service to guests, presenting Ladurée's menu with expertise, and ensuring every customer leaves with a memorable experience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Guest Service and Experience
  • Greet guests with warmth and professionalism, creating a welcoming atmosphere that reflects Ladurée's elegance and sophistication.
  • Guide guests through the menu, offering recommendations on Ladurée's iconic items, such as macarons, pastries, teas, and seasonal specialties.
  • Provide attentive table service, ensuring guests' needs are met promptly and courteously throughout their dining experience.
  • Maintain a high level of customer service, addressing any guest concerns or special requests in a polite, efficient manner.
  • Handle guest orders accurately, ensuring any dietary restrictions or allergies are noted and conveyed to the kitchen.
• Beverage Preparation and Presentation
  • Prepare and serve a variety of beverages, including coffee, espresso-based drinks, teas, and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, according to Ladurée's recipes and presentation standards.
  • Create visually appealing drinks that reflect the sophistication of the Ladurée brand.
  • Stay updated on seasonal beverages and limited-edition drinks, contributing to their promotion.
  • Adhere to hygiene and safety standards when handling food and beverages.
• Customer Service Excellence
  • Greet customers warmly, creating a welcoming and high-end shopping experience.
  • Assist customers in selecting Ladurée products, such as macarons, pastries, and gifts, while providing knowledgeable recommendations based on customer preferences.
  • Uphold Ladurée's exceptional service standards by ensuring each customer interaction is personal, courteous, and attentive.
  • Handle customer inquiries and provide detailed information about product origins, flavours, ingredients, and Ladurée's unique offerings.
• Product Knowledge, Upselling, Brand Representation
  • Develop a strong understanding of Ladurée's products, menu, including detailed knowledge of history, values of the brand, ingredients, preparation methods, and unique product stories.
  • Actively promote and upsell high-value items, seasonal products, and add-ons like specialty teas, wine pairings, and dessert selections.
  • Keep updated on new menu items, promotions, and seasonal offerings to provide guests with accurate information.
  • Represent Ladurée's brand ethos through a polished appearance, language, and behaviour that aligns with the brand's luxury positioning.
• Sales and Upselling
  • Actively engage in upselling and cross-selling Ladurée products, limited-edition items, beverages, pairing drinks with macaron, pastries or menu items to enhance the customer experience.
  • Assist the café team in meeting sales targets by encouraging customers to try new or premium drinks.
  • Achieve individual and team sales targets by fostering repeat business and building customer loyalty.
  • Process transactions accurately and efficiently, handling cash and card payments.
• Order Management and Payment Processing
  • Take and accurately enter orders into the point-of-sale (POS) system, ensuring orders are relayed correctly to the kitchen team.
  • Process payments efficiently, handling cash and card transactions with attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Assist with end-of-shift closing duties, including reconciling payments and maintaining proper cash handling procedures.
• Coffee Area Maintenance and Stock Management
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of the coffee area, ensuring it is always presentable and well-stocked.
  • Restock supplies, including coffee beans, milk, syrups, glassware, and garnishes, as needed throughout the day.
  • Monitor stock levels, reporting shortages or maintenance issues to management promptly.
  • Conduct regular inventory checks and participate in stock rotation to maintain product quality.
• Store Presentation and Stock Management
  • Maintain the boutique's aesthetic appeal by arranging and restocking displays, ensuring they are visually appealing and align with Ladurée's brand standards.
  • Monitor inventory levels, restocking as necessary, and inform management of any shortages to prevent disruption to customer experience.
  • Assist with daily stock counts, inventory control, and managing stock rotation to ensure product freshness and quality.
• Team Collaboration
  • Work collaboratively with fellow team members, including wait staff, kitchen staff, and management, to provide seamless service to guests.
  • Communicate effectively with the kitchen and other team members, especially during peak hours, to ensure timely service and order accuracy.
  • Attend team briefings and training sessions to stay informed about new menu items, service standards, and operational updates.
• Operational Support
  • Assist with opening and closing duties, including managing the terraces, and ensure all coffee-related tasks are completed efficiently.
  • Collaborate with the café and retail teams to ensure a seamless customer experience.
  • Follow all health and safety regulations, particularly regarding food handling and equipment use.
  • Able to embrace additional duties as required.
  • Manage packaging for customer orders with precision and care, ensuring it meets Ladurée's quality standards.
• Compliance and Safety
  • Adhere to all health, safety, and food hygiene standards, particularly those related to handling and serving food items.
  • Follow all Ladurée policies and procedures to uphold the brand's reputation for quality and customer care.
  • Report any issues or maintenance needs promptly to management to ensure a safe and pleasant environment for both guests and team members.

Qualifications:

• Previous experience as a waiter or waitress, barista or sales assistant ideally in a luxury or high-end restaurant, café, or hospitality setting.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a friendly, positive attitude.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, multitasking and managing time effectively.
• Attention to detail in all aspects of service, from order accuracy to table presentation.
• Flexibility to work shifts that may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Excellent beverage preparation skills, including in-depth knowledge of coffee, espresso drinks, and teas.

Preferred Skills:

• Passion for fine dining, luxury service, and Ladurée's brand.
• Barista experience is a plus.
• Basic knowledge of French is welcoming, especially for understanding product names and descriptions.
• Familiarity with POS systems and cash handling.

Benefits:

• Competitive hourly wage.
• Employee discounts on Ladurée products and dining.
• Opportunities for career development and advancement within Ladurée.
• Exposure to a prestigious, globally renowned luxury dining environment.
• Monthly Travel Allowance.
• Pension.