Hi! Please read the whole text and respond to the list of questions at the bottom.
Browns of Brockley is a neighbourhood coffee shop established in 2009, with two other shops in Forest Hill and Dulwich, both opened in 2020. We are looking for baristas across all three sites. Experience working in similar speciality cafes is essential; we will provide some specific training where needed but you will need to be familiar with dialling in espresso and pouring latte art, like the photos attached.
You will be responsible for providing great, genuine customer service whilst being able to produce drinks to a consistently high standard. Whilst this is a barista role, we employ all-rounders who are also happy to assist in the daily operations of the café, ensuring compliance with company standards across all areas. As well as beverage preparation, this includes customer relations, assistance with deliveries, following H&S procedures and being able to work as a team, efficiently and reliably.
Ideally you will live nearby and be able to arrive promptly for early shifts (and enjoy early finishes!) without relying on public transport. Being situated in local neighbourhoods, we know most of our customers by name, have seen their kids grow up, know to ask how their new job is or how their holiday was. But also if somebody is visiting the area we know what to recommend, how to get to the post office, which train platform they need.
We’d like to give everyone a weekend day off here and there, but with weekends being our busiest time, full availability every day is essential.
Shifts are usually just 7 hours long, so a 5-day role totals 35 hours a week. Rotas are published on Tuesdays for the following week. Everyone receives an employment contract and we endeavour to give people the hours they need. Anyone requiring more hours may be sent to the bakery/warehouse to assist with stock, bakery tasks etc.
Discounts available in affiliated local businesses Salthouse Bottles and Joyce bar.
Starting rate is £13.15ph for a 6-8 week probation, up to £13.50ph on successful completion, then £13.70ph once you’re fully coffee-trained and able to pour latte art consistently on shift. (We are putting all wages up in January in line with London Living Wage).
If you have the right experience and genuinely like customer service, please get in touch. Make sure your CV has relevant experience, but also provide a cover letter introducing yourself, outlining why you want to work with us, and including answers to the following questions:
• Do you have the Right to Work in the UK? (If no, unfortunately we cannot take you on).
• Do you drink coffee, and can you tell us a bit more about your interest and experience in modern coffee, including espresso dialling-in and latte art?
• How many hours a week are you looking to work?
• Weekends are our busiest time which is why we ask that applicants are fully available over weekends. Do you have any other commitments that would mean you’re unable to work on certain weekdays and if so, which days? (If you have a regular commitment on a weekend day, unfortunately we cannot take you on).
• Do you have any plans, projects or holidays in the next year longer than a week, or any upcoming changes to your availability?
• Where do you live, and are you easily able to travel to any of our three shops in Brockley, Forest Hill and Lordship Lane?
• If you were to be successful when would you ideally start working with us?
• When would you be able to come for an interview at Browns of Brockley, 5 Coulgate St SE4 2RW, between the hours of 10am–2pm Mon-Fri?
