Senior Barista

Senior Barista

Full-Time 25000 - 30000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
WatchHouse - Borough Market

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the bar team, ensure top-quality drinks, and maintain equipment.
  • Company: Join WatchHouse, a vibrant coffee house in Borough Market.
  • Benefits: Free drinks, lunch, monthly coffee gifts, and 30% off food.
  • Other info: Great career progression opportunities and supportive managers.
  • Why this job: Be part of a passionate team and inspire others with your coffee knowledge.
  • Qualifications: Experience in hospitality and a love for specialty coffee.

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

This summer, we’re proud to open the doors to our new House in Borough Market, one of London’s most iconic and characterful neighbourhoods. Known for its rich culinary heritage and bustling market culture, the area blends historic charm with a vibrant, contemporary energy at the heart of the city.

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 250g 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 employer: WatchHouse - Borough Market

At WatchHouse, we pride ourselves on being a people-first employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture in the heart of Borough Market. As a Senior Barista, you will enjoy exceptional benefits such as free coffee and lunch, monthly coffee gifts, and access to best-in-class training, all while working in beautifully designed spaces alongside passionate professionals. With a strong focus on career progression and a supportive management team, you'll find ample opportunities for personal and professional growth in an environment that celebrates individuality and excellence.

WatchHouse - Borough Market

Contact Details:

WatchHouse - Borough Market Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Barista

Tip Number 1

Get to know the company culture before your interview. WatchHouse values passion, empathy, and diligence, so show us how you embody these traits in your previous roles. Research our coffee offerings and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to our vibrant atmosphere.

Tip Number 2

Practice your barista skills! If you can, whip up some of your favourite drinks at home or visit a local café to brush up on your techniques. Being able to demonstrate your coffee knowledge and skills during the interview will definitely impress us.

Tip Number 3

Network with current or former employees if you can. They can provide insider tips on what it’s like to work at WatchHouse and what we look for in a Senior Barista. Plus, it shows us that you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us that you’re proactive and keen to join the WatchHouse family. Don’t forget to highlight your leadership experience and passion for coffee!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Barista

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

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your love for coffee and hospitality shine through. We want to see how passionate you are about creating amazing experiences for our guests!

Be Yourself:We value individuality at WatchHouse, so don’t be afraid to show your personality in your application. Share your unique story and what makes you a great fit for our team!

Highlight Your Experience:Make sure to detail your previous barista experience and any leadership roles you've had. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and educate others, so let us know how you’ve done that before!

Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of joining our team, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to see your application and get you on board!

How to prepare for a job interview at WatchHouse - Borough Market

Know Your Coffee

As a Senior Barista, you need to demonstrate your passion for coffee. Brush up on different brewing methods, coffee origins, and the latest trends in specialty coffee. Be ready to share your favourite drinks and how you would educate your team about them.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

This role involves training and developing the bar team, so be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in leadership. Share examples of how you've motivated a team or handled difficult conversations, showcasing your ability to foster a positive work environment.

Emphasise Your Attention to Detail

WatchHouse values cleanliness and organisation. During the interview, highlight your meticulous nature and how it contributes to the quality of service. You might even want to mention specific systems or practices you’ve implemented in past roles to maintain high standards.

Align with Core Values

Familiarise yourself with WatchHouse's core values: Passion, Empathy, Can Do, and Diligence. Prepare to discuss how these values resonate with you and provide examples from your experience that demonstrate your alignment with them. This will show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.