Head Barista, Queer-Owned Café & Bar, in New Cross

Head Barista – Corner New Cross

Average 32 hrs a week (two weekends a month on rotation), starting from £13 ph (reviewed with experience) Hello there! We’re Corner New Cross a queer-owned coffee shop and creative space in New Cross, London. We’re on the lookout for a Head Barista to join the Corner family and help lead our coffee offering. If you’re passionate about great coffee, community vibes, and working in an inclusive, artsy environment, keep reading!

Who We Are

Corner New Cross is an LGBTQIA+- led neighbourhood coffee shop, cocktail bar and exhibition space all rolled into one. By day we serve excellent espresso, bakes and cakes; by night we shake cocktails and host events. We’re a welcoming hub for our community, a place to meet friends, enjoy local art and feel at home. No corporate buzzwords here; just good coffee, good people and genuine hospitality.

About the Role

As our Head Barista, you’ll be the coffee champion at Corner. Here’s what you’ll actually do day-to-day:

Craft amazing coffee using our La Marzocco Linea PB (2-group) and Mahlkonig e65s gbw, brewing with Elsewhere beans. Dial in each morning, steam silky milk and show off a bit of latte art during the rush. Lead the team: share coffee know-how, train new baristas and set the tone for friendly, consistent service when the GM’s off-site. Keep it running smoothly: manage stock of beans, milk and supplies so we never run dry, and jump in if the kit needs a quick tweak. Maintain the vibe: greet regulars by name, welcome newcomers and keep the space feeling safe and joyful for our queer community (playlist-curation skills welcome!).

About You

We’re after someone who’s not just skilled but a great fit for our vibe. You’ll click with us if you:

Have 2+ years’ barista experience in an independent café and know your way round espresso, milk and machine maintenance. Are keen to guide a small team without any drill-sergeant energy. Live in (or know) New Cross / SE14 and care about local community life. Actively champion LGBTQIA+ spaces, whether you’re part of the community or a loud ally.

Bonus points: handy with basic food prep, enjoy posting the odd reel or story, or fancy picking up an evening cocktail shift for overtime. If you also hold a Level 2 Food-Hygiene & Allergen Awareness certificate, that’s also advantageous but if not, training will be provided.

What We Offer

Pay: from £13 per hour, reviewed with experience. Tips: fair share on top of hourly pay. Perks: all-shift coffee, staff discount on food & cocktails. Freedom: pitch new coffees or events, your ideas matter. No mega-corporate nonsense: independent ownership, flexible approach, bosses who actually listen.

Ready to join the Corner crew and take charge of our coffee machine? The click apply with a short intro and your CV, no formal cover letter needed.

Already dropped us a line before? Nudge us again if this position sounds right for you, we don’t want to miss anyone.

Applications open until filled.