Job Description

About Bartons:

Bartons isn't just a coffee shop -- it's a local favourite nestled in a superb, vibrant community not far from Tower Bridge in Bermondsey. Since opening, we've prided ourselves on creating a warm and inviting atmosphere where quality and customer satisfaction are at the heart of everything we do. At Bartons, we believe in making every cup of coffee a remarkable experience for our patrons.

Job Overview:

We are seeking an experienced and confident Head Barista to lead our passionate team. As the Head Barista, you will ensure every coffee meets our high standards for quality, consistency, and presentation. You'll manage a dynamic team in a busy environment, maintain strong customer engagement, and ensure fast, smooth service throughout the day. You'll also keep the team productive during quieter times, ensure customer tables are kept clear, and breaks are taken at times that suit the flow of the business.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead, support, and develop a team of coffee enthusiasts with clarity and consistency. Maintain excellent coffee standards, including:

Dialling in

- Adjusting grind size, dose, yield, and time to get espresso tasting right.

Espresso calibration

- Regular tasting and tweaking based on bean freshness and environment.

Milk texturing

- Steaming milk with proper temperature and microfoam for both taste and presentation.

Latte art

- Confident in basic and advanced designs (heart, rosetta, tulip, swan).

Bean knowledge

- Understanding origin, roast profiles, and flavour notes.

Alternative brewing

- Familiarity with V60, AeroPress, or batch brew.

Basic machine maintenance

- Daily cleaning, backflushing, gasket replacement, pressure/temp checks. Operate and maintain high-spec equipment including La Marzocco espresso machines, Mythos 1, and Mahlkonig grinders. Ensure team efficiency and bar flow:

Speed and consistency

- Making great coffee quickly, even under pressure.

Workflow management

- Keeping the bar tidy, efficient, and logical.

Stock control

- Monitoring usage, ordering supplies, and reducing waste.

Opening/closing

- Handling float checks, setup, shutdown, and cleaning routines. Lead front-of-house standards: Ensure tables are cleared and cleaned promptly. Ensure customers are greeted, engaged, and asked for feedback. Handle complaints and issues professionally and proactively. Supervise staff and keep the team focused:

Task delegation

- Ensuring all staff are productive, even during quieter periods.

Training and mentoring

- Teaching new baristas and coaching ongoing improvement.

Break management

- Scheduling breaks based on business needs, not convenience.

Skills & Qualifications:

Proven experience as a Head Barista or in a similar leadership role. Strong technical skills in all areas of espresso preparation and service. Confident with La Marzocco machines, Mythos 1, and Mahlkonig grinders. Excellent leadership and people management skills -- clear, fair, and direct. Strong customer awareness and attention to detail. Calm, organised, and confident under pressure. Passionate about great coffee, high standards, and consistent delivery.

Perks & Benefits:

Employee discount at Bartons. Involvement in community events and initiatives. Opportunity for personal and professional growth within the business. Access to a wellness programme to support your well-being.

Join Us:

If you're passionate about great coffee and love the idea of leading a team that feels more like family, Bartons is the place for you. Apply today and help us continue to serve joy -- one cup at a time.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 30,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Discounted or free food Employee discount
Ability to commute/relocate:

London, Greater London: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:

Barista: 4 years (required)
Work Location: In person