Job Description

Job Summary

I am currently looking for a keen and reliable worker to start in January 2026. Ideally, you'll be happy to work weekends, with opportunities to pick up extra shifts during school holidays, bank holidays, and busy periods.

We are a brand-new cafe in the heart of Rendlesham Forest. I've been operating from a mobile coffee trailer here for the past three years and am now moving into a permanent unit. It's truly an amazing place to work, and I'm looking for someone who appreciates the surroundings and has a passion for making coffee, serving people with a smile, and giving their best.

This role is an important one. You'll be the first member of staff (apart from myself) in the cafe, and we'll be working closely together. I need to be able to rely on you fully. Over time, I'll be looking for the skills and attitude needed to potentially run the cafe without me being there. Essentially, I'm looking for someone who can grow into a manager's role in the future, with higher pay and higher responsibilities. For this, you need to be impeccable.

I can't express enough how wonderful it is working in the forest -- starting the morning with a great coffee in a beautiful location. If you're someone who wants to enjoy their work and the perks that come with it, this role is perfect for you.

That said, we do get very busy. I'm used to working at full speed for 6-7 hours at a time. It's not always like that, but when it is, we need to work well together to keep the flow going. I'm very relaxed about how you get on during quiet moments -- I don't mind you being on your phone or having a coffee -- but when there's work to be done, I expect it to be done. If you're on your phone while the worktops are dirty or a customer is waiting and you haven't acknowledged them, that's when it becomes a problem.

At first, you'll be learning the payment system, taking orders, and handling small requests from customers and myself. This is where we'll build good communication and get into the swing of things. Then, I'll expect you to start preparing food alongside the orders. We serve simple hot food that takes less than a minute per item, so there's nothing too complicated. Eventually, I'll teach you how to make barista-style coffee and run all operations of the cafe. You're getting the opportunity to get ahead and secure your place at the top -- I genuinely want you to succeed, and I'll do everything I can to help you.

Looking ahead, the cafe will eventually be open 7 days a week. I believe we'll be able to do this by mid-next year. Rendlesham Forest is being upgraded with a new seating area, new walking trails, and lots of exciting improvements. Once that's in place, I'll be changing the style of the food, improving preparation, and offering more options. My goal is to make this site a real hotspot. Everything is moving in that direction -- and the key to making it work is

you

.

Duties

Serve customers with a warm, professional attitude Take orders accurately and efficiently Prepare and serve a variety of food and drinks, including coffee, teas, sandwiches, and snacks Assist with simple food preparation in line with food safety standards Maintain cleanliness and organisation of the cafe, counters, and kitchen area Restock supplies during service Maintain high hospitality standards, engaging positively with customers and addressing enquiries confidently

Requirements

Experience in catering, hospitality, or serving is helpful but not essential -- training will be provided Basic knowledge of food safety is an advantage Barista or restaurant experience is a bonus Excellent communication skills and a friendly demeanour Ability to work efficiently both independently and as part of a team Flexibility during busy periods, including weekends A proactive attitude toward cleanliness and organisation Above all: excellent customer service. The day-to-day skills can be taught. Being respectful, kind, and patient -- even on days when you're not in the mood -- is what matters most.
Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From 12.50 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 12 per week

Benefits:

Employee discount Free parking
Work Location: In person