Cafe Assistant in Cambridge

Cafe Assistant in Cambridge

Cambridge Full-Time 11 - 16 £ / hour (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Serve delicious food and drinks while creating a welcoming atmosphere for students and staff.
  • Company: Join the vibrant team at Lucy Cavendish College Café/Bar.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 36 days holiday, free meals, and a contributory pension scheme.
  • Why this job: Perfect for students seeking flexible hours and a fun work environment.
  • Qualifications: Customer service experience and great communication skills are essential.
  • Other info: Work part-time with opportunities for personal growth and wellbeing activities.

The predicted salary is between 11 - 16 £ per hour.

We are looking to recruit a Café Assistant to work on a part time basis during University term time within our Café/Bar to provide an efficient and friendly service to students, visitors, Fellows and staff of the College. You will ensure the highest possible standards of food and drink service are achieved. You will prepare hot and cold drinks and snacks, be responsible for ensuring the Café is stocked and kept tidy as well as playing an important role in ensuring a friendly welcome to its users. Supporting the team, you will ensure a consistent level of customer satisfaction and process payment transactions.

Starting in January, the postholder will ideally work 7.5 hours on Saturday and Sunday and one evening per week 16.30-21.30, with some flexibility. Cambridge’s academic year starts on 1 October and ends on 30 September and term dates can be found here. Due to the sale of alcohol, applicants must be over 18 years old to comply with alcohol licensing laws.

You will work to high standards, be of smart appearance, have previous experience in a customer facing role and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. You will be confident when working independently at times and have the ability to show initiative.

In return we can offer a benefits package including:

  • 36 days holiday pro rata (inclusive of Christmas closure and bank holidays)
  • Free meals on shift
  • A 6% employer contributory pension scheme
  • Free car parking (if available)
  • Life assurance x3 salary
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Wellbeing programme including free yoga and bootcamp sessions

To apply for this role, please complete our application available below or submit your CV together with reasons for applying for this to recruitment@lucy.cam.ac.uk. Closing date: 9am on Monday 5 January 2026 (we reserve the right to close the advert sooner should we appoint prior to this date).

Lucy Cavendish College is committed to recruiting, retaining and developing a workforce that reflects the diverse communities that we serve. Candidates are requested to complete the Equality Opportunities Monitoring Form as part of their application. The information provided is anonymous and will not be used in considering your application or given to the selection panel.

Cafe Assistant in Cambridge employer: Lucy Cavendish College

At Lucy Cavendish College, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that values the contributions of every team member. As a Café Assistant, you will enjoy a range of benefits including 36 days of holiday pro rata, free meals during shifts, and a wellbeing programme that promotes a healthy work-life balance. Located in the vibrant city of Cambridge, our café serves as a welcoming hub for students and staff, providing you with the opportunity to engage with a diverse community while developing your customer service skills.
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Contact Detail:

Lucy Cavendish College Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Cafe Assistant in Cambridge

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the café scene in your area! Visit local cafés and observe how they operate. This will give you insights into what makes a great café assistant and help you stand out during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice your customer service skills! Role-play with friends or family, focusing on how to greet customers, take orders, and handle payments. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.

✨Tip Number 3

Network with current café staff or students who work in similar roles. They can provide valuable tips and might even refer you for the position. Plus, it shows you're proactive and genuinely interested in the role!

✨Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and why you’re excited about working at the café.

We think you need these skills to ace Cafe Assistant in Cambridge

Customer Service Skills
Food and Drink Preparation
Cash Handling
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Initiative
Attention to Detail
Teamwork
Time Management
Flexibility
Smart Appearance
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Personality: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to add a bit of flair and friendliness to your words. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can create a welcoming atmosphere in our café.

Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to mention any previous customer-facing roles you've had. We love to see how your past experiences can contribute to our team. If you've worked in a café or bar before, definitely shout about it!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid long-winded sentences. Make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the Café Assistant role.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Lucy Cavendish College

✨Know Your Café Basics

Familiarise yourself with the menu and any special offerings. Being able to discuss the drinks and snacks confidently will show your enthusiasm for the role and impress the interviewers.

✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills

Prepare examples from your past experiences where you provided excellent customer service. Highlight how you handled difficult situations or went the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction.

✨Dress Smartly and Be Presentable

Since the role requires a smart appearance, make sure you dress appropriately for the interview. A neat and tidy look will reflect your understanding of the café's standards and your commitment to professionalism.

✨Demonstrate Team Spirit

Be ready to discuss how you work well in a team. Share instances where you collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, as this role involves supporting your colleagues and ensuring a friendly atmosphere.

Cafe Assistant in Cambridge
Lucy Cavendish College
Location: Cambridge
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