Head Barista

This is a special and rare opportunity for an experienced Barista to shape the coffee program and lead the daytime operations of a brand-new concept from the ground up.

About Studio Coffee (Arcade):

Studio Coffee is a brand new hospitality concept launching in the heart of Covent Garden, and we are looking for a passionate and experienced Head Barista to join our new brand and help shape its culture.

By day, Studio Coffee is a low-fi vinyl listening café — a place where exceptional coffee, matcha, music culture, and thoughtful hospitality come together. By evening, the space transitions into a craft cocktail and wine bar, creating a venue that evolves throughout the day and into the night.

Alongside the café experience and baked goods, we will offer a curated grab-and-go selection of juices, functional soda’s, craft beer and natural wines for guests looking to enjoy high-quality coffee and products on the move.

About The Role:

The Head Barista will be the key leader responsible for the day-to-day café operations at Studio Coffee. Reporting directly to the Bar Manager, you will oversee the coffee program, lead the barista team, and ensure every guest receives exceptional service and beautifully prepared coffee, matcha’s, teas and other beverages.

In this role, you will play a central role in shaping the culture, quality standards, and rhythm of the café, while helping prepare the venue for its transition into evening service.

What You’ll Be Responsible For:

Coffee Quality & Craft

• Lead the specialty coffee program using our ModBar system.
• Dial in espresso and maintain quality throughout service.
• Train and coach the barista team to deliver consistently excellent drinks.
• Maintain equipment care and calibration.

Day-to-Day Café Operations

• Set up and daily opening of Studio Coffee.
• Run the daytime service and manage workflow behind the bar.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation, and presentation.
• Manage the grab-and-go offering to ensure it remains fresh, stocked, and visually appealing.

Team Leadership

• Lead and mentor the barista team.
• Support onboarding and training of new staff.
• Create a positive, collaborative team culture.

Guest Experience

• Deliver warm, knowledgeable hospitality.
• Engage customers through coffee and music culture.
• Create a welcoming environment that reflects the Studio Coffee identity.

Operational Support

• Assist with ordering, inventory, and stock management.
• Support the transition from café service into evening bar service.
• Work closely with the Bar Manager to maintain operational excellence.

What We’re Looking For:

Essential:

• 2+ years experience in a senior barista or head barista role
• Strong specialty coffee knowledge and espresso skills
• Experience leading a team in a busy café environment
• Passion for hospitality and guest experience
• Strong organisational and communication skills

Bonus Points:

• Experience working with ModBar or similar systems
• Interest in music, vinyl culture, and creative hospitality venues
• Experience helping launch or build a new concept

Why Join Studio Coffee?

This is a chance to be part of something unique in London’s coffee scene.

Studio Coffee blends coffee, music, and nightlife culture into one seamless space. You’ll be pivotal in shaping the identity of a brand-new venue and brand in one of London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. You’ll be working with:

• Best-in-class coffee equipment (ModBar)
• Exceptional coffee from Plot Roastery
• A creative team building a distinctive hospitality concept

And most importantly — you’ll have the opportunity to help define what Studio Coffee becomes.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary (based on experience)
• Opportunity to lead a coffee program in a new concept
• Career development within a growing hospitality group
• Industry training and coffee education
• A creative working environment centred around coffee, music, and culture