At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to craft exceptional coffee experiences in a bustling environment.
- Company: Join WatchHouse, a flagship espresso bar known for its quality and vibrant coffee culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy free drinks, monthly coffee gifts, and 30% off food and retail coffee.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team that values individuality and fosters growth in a supportive atmosphere.
- Qualifications: A true coffee enthusiast with leadership skills and a passion for hospitality.
- Other info: Opportunities for real career progression and access to industry-leading training.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Located just off Bond Street, Hanover WatchHouse is one of our flagship espresso bars and among the busiest coffee destinations in central London, serving over 500 pour overs each week. It’s a hub of energy, precision, and hospitality, setting the benchmark for what Modern Coffee should be.
As Head Barista, you’ll take on the responsibility of ensuring every drink served meets the highest standards of quality. You’re a leader, mentor, and brand ambassador, guiding your team to deliver exceptional experiences in one of our flagship Houses.
Through coaching, team development, and overseeing equipment care, you’ll set the tone for excellence, embodying our Modern Coffee culture while inspiring your team to thrive in this fast-paced location.
Directly report into: House Manager.
Key Responsibilities:
- Cultivate an atmosphere of unparalleled hospitality, ensuring regulars feel at home and new guests feel welcomed.
- Provide coaching and professional development for your barista team.
- Lead inspiring and engaging coffee-related meetings or training sessions as needed.
- Represent your team at Head Barista meetings with the Senior Coffee Team.
- Proactively meet with the Coffee team to exchange insights and ideas for improvement.
- Ensure every coffee and drink meets WatchHouse’s exceptional quality standards, even in high-pressure environments.
- Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of all drinks offerings, recipes, and techniques, sharing this expertise with your team.
- Conduct daily tastings with your team, fostering a culture of curiosity and passion for flavor, quality, and innovation.
- Manage the daily operations of the bar, ensuring standards are upheld and production is efficient.
- Lead by example during opening and closing shifts, demonstrating professionalism and setting the benchmark for performance.
- Oversee stock control, ordering, and wastage management, tackling inefficiencies and maintaining excellent supplier relationships.
- Maintain visual merchandising and retail displays, ensuring high standards of presentation and accessibility.
- Troubleshoot equipment issues, perform basic repairs, and replace filters or parts as needed.
- Communicate with repair specialists and escalate maintenance concerns appropriately.
- Demonstrate passion and expertise in creating vibrant connections with guests, turning visits into memorable experiences.
Key to this Role:
- Live and breathe our core values of Passion, Empathy, Can Do, and Diligence.
- Approachable, positive, and brings energy and personality to every interaction, whether with guests or your team.
- Remain calm under pressure and handle difficult conversations professionally.
- A true coffee enthusiast with a hunger to learn and inspire others about specialty coffee, food, and hospitality.
- From cleanliness to drink quality, you are meticulous and organized, setting high standards for your team to follow.
- You are solution-oriented, proactive in tackling challenges, and adaptable to the needs of your House and team.
- You are patient and supportive, skilled at coaching and empowering others to grow and succeed.
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.
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Head Barista, Bond Street WatchHouse. employer: WatchHouse.
Contact Detail:
WatchHouse. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Barista, Bond Street WatchHouse.
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest coffee trends and techniques. As a Head Barista, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise and passion for specialty coffee, so being well-versed in current industry standards will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully mentored or developed a team in the past. Highlighting your ability to inspire and coach others will resonate well with our values at WatchHouse.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with the local coffee community before applying. Attend events or workshops to network with other baristas and coffee enthusiasts, which can provide valuable insights and connections that may benefit your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you handle high-pressure situations. Given the busy environment at Bond Street WatchHouse, demonstrating your calmness and problem-solving skills during peak times will be crucial in your interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Barista, Bond Street WatchHouse.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Head Barista position. Understand the key responsibilities and the qualities they are looking for in a candidate, such as leadership, passion for coffee, and exceptional customer service skills.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in the coffee industry, particularly any leadership roles or barista experience. Emphasise your ability to mentor others and your knowledge of coffee preparation techniques, as these are crucial for this role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific examples of how you embody their core values of Passion, Empathy, Can Do, and Diligence. Show how your previous experiences align with the responsibilities of the Head Barista position.
Showcase Your Coffee Knowledge: In your application, demonstrate your passion for coffee and hospitality. Include any relevant certifications or training, such as SCA training, and discuss your approach to maintaining high standards in drink quality and customer service.
How to prepare for a job interview at WatchHouse.
✨Show Your Passion for Coffee
As a Head Barista, your enthusiasm for coffee should shine through. Be prepared to discuss your favourite brewing methods, coffee origins, and any unique experiences you've had in the coffee industry. This will demonstrate your genuine love for the craft.
✨Emphasise Leadership Skills
Highlight your experience in mentoring and coaching others. Share specific examples of how you've developed team members or improved team dynamics in previous roles. This is crucial as you'll be leading a team in a fast-paced environment.
✨Prepare for High-Pressure Scenarios
Expect questions about how you handle stress and maintain quality during busy periods. Think of examples where you've successfully managed a high-pressure situation while ensuring exceptional service and product quality.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Discuss your approach to managing daily operations, stock control, and equipment maintenance. Being meticulous and organised is key in this role, so provide examples of how you've maintained high standards in previous positions.