Senior Barista & Team Lead – Craft Coffee Experience in London

Senior Barista & Team Lead – Craft Coffee Experience in London

London Full-Time 25000 - 30000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
The Watch House & Co

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a passionate team to craft exceptional coffee experiences and maintain high standards.
  • Company: Join WatchHouse, a vibrant coffee brand in the heart of Clapham.
  • Benefits: Enjoy free drinks, lunch, discounts, and exciting team events.
  • Other info: Opportunities for real career progression in a beautifully designed space.
  • Why this job: Be part of a supportive culture that values your individuality and growth.
  • Qualifications: Experience in hospitality and a passion for specialty coffee.

The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.

We’re opening the doors to our new House in Clapham in early 2026 — one of London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, known for Clapham Common, its village-like charm, and lively high streets. This beautiful new space will bring WatchHouse’s signature Modern Coffee experience to the heart of the community.

As a Senior Barista, you play a critical role in ensuring the excellent quality of the drinks we serve – you’re a leader for the standard of drinks served in your House. Working alongside the Head Barista, you help to educate and excite the team, maintain the equipment and machines, provide unparalleled hospitality to build our guest base, and cultivate and positively foster the WatchHouse culture.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Quality of all coffee & drinks which leave the bar
  • Ensuring the entire team is aware of current drinks offerings and standards.
  • Day to day management of the service and production.
  • Support with coffee equipment maintenance.
  • Training & Development of the bar team, take a proactive approach in identifying opportunities for progression and highlighting training needs.
  • Support with stock control and ordering.
  • Meet and communicate regularly with the House Manager providing valuable insights and ideas on:
    • Bar Staff Scheduling.
    • Drinks Sales & Speed of Service Opportunities
    • Drinks Training & Development

Key to this role:

  • Live and breathe our core values of Passion, Empathy, Can Do and Diligence
  • Always well-presented and wearing the following WatchHouse uniform standards.
  • Positive, upbeat and bringing personality and soul to the role- a real people-person who is a team player through and through, calm under pressure and is comfortable having difficult conversations if needed.
  • Meticulous about cleanliness and love the little details and super organized.
  • Always humble and hungry to learn more – striving for excellence.
  • Passionate about hospitality, specialty coffee + food and inspiring others using my knowledge.

What can you expect at WatchHouse:

  • Free Coffee & Drinks – Always – Sip on your favourite drinks, even on your days off.
  • Monthly Coffee Gift – Take home 250 g of premium WatchHouse coffee every month.
  • Free Lunch Every Shift – Fuel up with great food on the house.
  • Team Social Budget – Celebrate, connect, and unwind with your team outside of work.
  • Annual WatchHouse Party – Our legendary celebration featuring Core Value Awards, and prizes like trips to coffee farms!
  • 30% Off All Food – Any House, any time, just for being part of the team.
  • 30% Off Retail Coffee – Stock up on your favourite WatchHouse blends whenever you like.
  • Work in Beautifully Designed Houses – Join inspiring spaces equipped with industry-leading tools, surrounded by passionate hospitality professionals.
  • Supportive Managers – We listen, we care, and we adapt to support your needs.
  • Best-in-Class Training – From your first shift, we set you up for success with on- and off-shift development.
  • Access to SCA Training – Advance your coffee expertise with recognised industry training (role dependent).
  • Off-Shift Induction Experience – Get to know WatchHouse culture with a full day induction in your first two weeks.
  • Career Progression That’s Real – With new Houses and growth across the business, your next step is never far away.

At WatchHouse, we were born from a passion to do better—driven by diligence, attention to detail, and a genuine care for our craft and our people. We are a people-first business that values individuality, personality, and the unique contributions of every team member. We champion diversity, insist on equality, and foster inclusion as a non-negotiable part of our culture. Our team thrives in a respectful, collaborative environment where feedback is welcomed, support is mutual, and excellence is pursued together. Guided by our core values— passion, can do, diligence, and empathy —we build meaningful relationships, celebrate contributions, and work with purpose to deliver the Modern Coffee experience.

Senior Barista & Team Lead – Craft Coffee Experience in London employer: The Watch House & Co

At WatchHouse, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Clapham. Our team members enjoy a range of benefits including free coffee and lunch, monthly coffee gifts, and opportunities for professional growth through best-in-class training and career progression. We foster a supportive environment where individuality is celebrated, and every team member's contributions are valued, making it a truly rewarding place to work.

The Watch House & Co

Contact Details:

The Watch House & Co Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Barista & Team Lead – Craft Coffee Experience in London

Tip Number 1

Get to know the WatchHouse vibe! Before your interview, spend some time in one of our locations. Chat with the team, soak up the atmosphere, and understand what makes us tick. This will not only help you feel more comfortable but also show us that you're genuinely interested in being part of our community.

Tip Number 2

Show off your passion for coffee! Bring along your favourite brew or a unique drink idea to discuss during your interview. We love seeing creativity and enthusiasm, so don’t hold back on sharing your coffee journey and how you can contribute to our craft coffee experience.

Tip Number 3

Be ready to chat about teamwork! As a Senior Barista, you'll be leading and inspiring others. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully worked with a team or helped someone grow. We want to see that you can bring out the best in others while keeping the energy high!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to ask questions! We love candidates who are curious and engaged. Prepare a few thoughtful questions about our culture, training opportunities, or even our coffee sourcing. This shows us that you’re serious about joining the WatchHouse family and eager to learn more.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Barista & Team Lead – Craft Coffee Experience in London

Coffee Expertise
Team Leadership
Training and Development
Customer Service
Equipment Maintenance
Stock Control
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Coffee:When writing your application, let your love for coffee shine through! Share your experiences with specialty coffee and how it fuels your passion for hospitality. We want to see that you live and breathe the craft!

Highlight Your Team Spirit:As a Senior Barista, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your teamwork skills in your application. Talk about how you've supported others in previous roles and how you foster a positive environment. We’re all about collaboration here at WatchHouse!

Be Meticulous and Organised:Attention to detail is key in our world of coffee. In your written application, mention specific examples of how you've maintained high standards in your previous roles. Show us that you’re super organised and can keep everything running smoothly!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to get your application and for you to stay updated on your progress. Let’s get this coffee journey started together!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Watch House & Co

Know Your Coffee

Brush up on your coffee knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss different brewing methods, coffee origins, and flavour profiles. Showing your passion for specialty coffee will resonate well with the team at WatchHouse.

Demonstrate Leadership Skills

As a Senior Barista & Team Lead, you'll need to showcase your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've trained or developed team members in the past, and be ready to discuss how you can foster a positive team culture at WatchHouse.

Emphasise Hospitality

Hospitality is key in this role. Think of specific instances where you've gone above and beyond for customers. Share stories that highlight your ability to create memorable experiences and build relationships with guests.

Align with Core Values

Familiarise yourself with WatchHouse's core values: Passion, Empathy, Can Do, and Diligence. Be prepared to discuss how these values resonate with you and how you embody them in your work. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.