Common Ground is a bustling, much-loved independent café in Stroud Green, known for exceptional coffee, a globally inspired menu, and a welcoming setting. We care about quality, sustainability, and community—and we take pride in creating a space where both our team and customers feel at home.
We’re looking for a passionate, skilled, and hands-on Head Barista to lead our coffee offering, train and support the team, and help maintain our reputation for great drinks and warm, efficient service.
☕ The Role:
As Head Barista, you’ll lead the coffee bar and drinks service—making sure every espresso, flat white, and iced matcha meets our standards. You’ll coach the FOH team, maintain equipment, and play an active role in creating a smooth, friendly customer experience. You’ll also work closely with our FOH Manager and contribute to bar/drinks operations more broadly, including menu ideas and service setup.
This is a hands-on role where teamwork matters—when needed, you’re happy to muck in with the rest of the team, whether that’s running food, clearing tables, or cleaning down at close.
🔑 Key Responsibilities:
Deliver consistently high-quality coffee across all shifts
Train and support the team to build their confidence and consistency behind the bar
Maintain equipment to a high standard and ensure others treat it with care
Collaborate with the FOH and kitchen teams for seamless service
Contribute to wider bar/drinks service—including juices, teas, sodas, and wines
Bring ideas to evolve our drinks offer and retail coffee sales
Lead by example with positivity, pace, and professionalism
💡 What We’re Looking For:
A genuine passion for coffee—you love both the craft and the culture
At least 3 years of barista experience, ideally including Head Barista time
Strong technical skills—confident with dialling in, troubleshooting and latte art
Experience with La Marzocco machines and Mahlkönig grinders (or similar)
A great team player who helps bring out the best in others
Calm under pressure, thrives during a busy weekend rush
Happy to help across the floor when needed
Bar experience is a bonus but not essential
🎁 Perks & Benefits:
💷 Pay between £15.50–£17 per hour (base + tronc), depending on tronc level and shift pattern 🌱 Friendly, welcoming team culture ☕ Free food and coffee on shift + 50% discount when off-duty (for you and a friend!) 🚀 Opportunity to shape our drinks offering and play a key role in a growing café
📩 How to Apply:
If this sounds like your kind of role, we’d love to hear from you! Email your CV and a short note to [email protected] telling us why you’d be a great fit.
Looking forward to hearing from you! 📍 www.commongroundlondon.co.uk 📷 @commongroundlondon
