Head Barista

Restaurant Associates UK; Greater London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension scheme

Career Pathways and MyLearning

Digital GP & wider healthcare benefits

Travel discounts with major providers

Discounts on groceries

Job summary

Restaurant Associates UK is seeking a Head Barista in King’s Cross, London. You will lead the coffee operation, set service standards and inspire a high‑performing team in a fast‑paced environment.

The role emphasizes outstanding customer service, coffee expertise and leadership to deliver exceptional experiences for clients and guests at a premium site.

Qualifications

• Experience as Head Barista or senior barista in a leadership role.
• A passion for coffee, espresso extraction and milk texturing.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to train and mentor team members.

Responsibilities

• Lead the barista team to deliver outstanding service.
• Prepare and serve high‑quality coffee with consistency.
• Set standards for coffee prep, equipment use and service.
• Train and develop team members to raise performance.
• Manage day‑to‑day coffee operation and stock impact during busy periods.
• Maintain cleanliness, hygiene and equipment care; monitor waste.

Skills

Leadership

Coffee expertise

Customer service

Team training

Stock management

Job description

Head Barista – King’s Cross, London

Passionate about coffee? Love leading a team? Ready to take the lead and raise the bar? We’re looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Head Barista to join Restaurants Associates UK at an exciting, high-profile site in the heart of King’s Cross, London. This is a fantastic opportunity for a coffee enthusiast with a flair for outstanding customer service and a passion for quality to take the lead in a vibrant, fast-paced environment. You’ll be at the heart of the operation, setting the standard for exceptional coffee, creating memorable customer experiences and inspiring a team to deliver their very best every day.

What You’ll Be Doing

As Head Barista, you’ll lead the coffee operation, ensuring every cup is crafted to perfection and every customer receives a warm, friendly and professional experience. You’ll combine your technical coffee expertise with strong leadership skills to keep service running smoothly, maintain consistently high standards and create a positive team culture.

Your Responsibilities Will Include

• Leading, motivating and supporting the barista team to deliver outstanding service.
• Preparing and serving high-quality coffee and other beverages, ensuring consistency in taste, presentation and quality.
• Setting the standard for coffee preparation, equipment use and excellent customer service.
• Training and developing team members, sharing your knowledge and passion for coffee.
• Managing the day-to-day running of the coffee operation, ensuring efficient service during busy periods.
• Maintaining excellent standards of cleanliness, food safety, hygiene and equipment care.
• Monitoring stock levels, supporting ordering processes and minimising waste.
• Building positive relationships with customers and colleagues, creating a welcoming and engaging atmosphere.
• Resolving customer queries professionally and confidently.
• Identifying opportunities to improve service, introduce new ideas and enhance the overall coffee experience.
• Leading by example and promoting a culture of teamwork, professionalism and continuous improvement.

What You’ll Bring

• Previous experience as a Head Barista, Senior Barista or in a similar leadership role.
• A genuine passion for coffee, with strong knowledge of coffee preparation, espresso extraction and milk texturing.
• The confidence to lead, coach and develop a team.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• A proactive approach to stock management, cleanliness and operational standards.
• A positive attitude, attention to detail and a commitment to delivering exceptional quality.
• The ability to inspire others and create a supportive, high-performing team environment.

Benefits

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

About Us

Restaurant Associates provides brilliant hospitality through our food, drink and services. We work with our partners and collaborate with our clients to achieve great things together. Every day, our teams of passionate hospitality professionals strive for excellence in delivering employee dining and hospitality to some of the UK's leading workplace as well as inspiring exceptional experiences in iconic cultural and heritage destinations.

Job Reference: com/1510/44018009/52839825/SU #RA Group

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!