Head Barista - London

Head Barista - London

London Full-Time 30000 - 36000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Restaurant Associates

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a passionate barista team and deliver exceptional coffee experiences daily.
  • Company: Join a vibrant hospitality company that values individuality and teamwork.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, career growth, and exclusive discounts on travel and shopping.
  • Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional development.
  • Why this job: Be the coffee expert and inspire others while creating memorable customer moments.
  • Qualifications: Experience in a supervisory barista role and a passion for coffee and customer service.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 36000 £ per year.

  • Head Barista - London
  • Head Barista - Canary Wharf

We're looking for an experienced and passionate Head Barista to lead our coffee offering and inspire a team of baristas in Canary Wharf.

You'll combine exceptional coffee expertise with confident leadership to deliver an outstanding customer experience every day.

As our Head Barista, you'll lead by example, setting the standard for coffee quality, customer service, and operational excellence.

You'll be responsible for motivating, coaching, and developing your team, ensuring every shift runs smoothly while creating a positive and supportive working environment.

You'll join a company that invests in its people, celebrates individuality, and rewards those who consistently go above and beyond.

  • What You'll Be Doing
  • Leading, motivating, and supporting the barista team to deliver exceptional customer service every day.
  • Coaching and developing team members, sharing your knowledge and promoting best practices.
  • Planning daily tasks and ensuring the coffee bar operates efficiently throughout each shift.
  • Leading by example with a hands-on approach, maintaining the highest standards of coffee preparation and presentation.
  • Preparing expertly crafted coffees and speciality drinks to the highest standards.
  • Ensuring the coffee bar is clean, organised, and fully compliant with food safety and hygiene standards.
  • Monitoring stock levels, placing orders where required, and maintaining the availability of coffee, milk, cups, and equipment.
  • Operating tills and processing cash and card payments accurately.
  • Carrying out daily equipment checks, troubleshooting minor issues, and reporting maintenance requirements promptly.
  • Working closely with the wider hospitality team to create a welcoming and memorable customer experience.

What We're Looking For

  • Previous experience as a Head Barista, Senior Barista, or in a similar supervisory role within a busy hospitality environment.
  • Proven experience leading, coaching, and motivating a team to achieve high standards.
  • Excellent knowledge of espresso preparation, milk texturing, brewing methods, and coffee quality standards.
  • Outstanding customer service and communication skills.
  • Confidence using commercial coffee equipment and grinders.
  • A proactive, hands-on leadership style with the ability to remain calm under pressure.
  • Excellent organisational skills, reliability, and attention to detail.
  • A genuine passion for coffee, people development, and creating exceptional customer experiences.

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

  • Contributory pension scheme
  • Grow your career with our Career Pathways and My Learning programmes
  • Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
  • Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking. com and many more
  • Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
  • Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
  • Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
  • Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
  • You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

About Us

Restaurant Associates provides brilliant hospitality through our food, drink and services.

We work with our partners and collaborate with our clients to achieve great things together.

Every day, our teams of passionate hospitality professionals strive for excellence in delivering employee dining and hospitality to some of the UK's leading workplace as well as inspiring exceptional experiences in iconic cultural and heritage destinations.

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers.

We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members.

We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!

Head Barista - London employer: Restaurant Associates

Restaurant Associates is an exceptional employer in the Greater London area, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises high standards of customer care and cleanliness. With a commitment to employee growth, you will find ample opportunities for career progression while working in a dynamic environment that values teamwork and dedication.

Restaurant Associates

Contact Details:

Restaurant Associates Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Barista - London

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 Restaurant Associates. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to Restaurant Associates

Don't be shy about reaching out to Restaurant Associates 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 - London

Coffee Expertise
Leadership Skills
Team Motivation
Coaching and Development
Operational Excellence
Customer Service
Espresso Preparation

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 Restaurant Associates 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 Restaurant Associates

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!