How to Become a Barista

Overview of the Barista Role

A Barista is the title given to a coffee shop employee. It entails making a range of drinks, most of which contain coffee. Baristas are also tasked with keeping workspaces clean and tidy, showing great customer service, and taking customer payments.

It is important for a Barista to have good time management, an aptitude for learning and memorising things, good attention to detail, and an ability to work under pressure during busy periods.

If you’re looking for something in hospitality, a Barista role might be just what you’re looking for to start on this career path.

Barista Dress Code

The dress code for a Barista can vary depending on the company. However, neutral colours, loose-fitting shirts, relaxed pants made of durable fabric and sensible shoes with no open toe are safe choices for any Barista role.

Barista Responsibilities

As a Barista, you will be responsible for several tasks outside of making drinks for customers. These will include cleaning, cash handling while taking orders, and stock replenishment.

Barista Tips

A clean work area is essential to a Barista. Spills and slips can be very dangerous, so be vigilant in keeping the area tidy and danger-free. Be mindful of customer orders and remember any additional needs or requirements such as dairy alternatives.

Qualifications and Skills of a Barista

Being a Barista comes down to the skills you learn and your experience. As a Barista, you will need a good understanding and execution of time management and customer service, as well as implementing any training you receive.

Customer Service

The most important part of any hospitality job is great customer service, so remember to be polite and in control of any situation. Sometimes customers will not be happy with the service they’ve received, so keep a level head and deal with the problem calmly.

Greet customers with a smile and listen carefully to their needs. Some customers' dietary requirements will be different from others, so it is important to pay attention to what they are asking for.

Barista Training

As a new Barista, you will always receive on-the-job training, including health and safety training, hygiene and sanitation training, and coffee knowledge.

Some drinks will require special additions, such as foams and decoration, all of which should be learned during on-the-job training, as well as maintenance and understanding of the espresso machines.

It is important to stay vigilant with health and safety, to keep your environment as risk-free as possible.

Time Management

There are frequent rush periods during any hospitality and catering job. Because of this, it is important to not become overwhelmed by a rush of customers. This is why time management is important; it is up to the employees to make sure that the customer has somewhere to sit, and that the seating areas aren’t cluttered with cups and other items from previous customers.

Baristas are required to take orders, make drinks and food items, and clean up, and doing these things requires time management.

Duties of a Barista

Other duties of Baristas include cash handling while taking orders, cleaning equipment after use, and of course, serving customers. All these skills will become second nature to an experienced Barista.

Preparing and Serving Orders

Once a customer selects their order it is your responsibility to make it. Does it require sugar-free syrup? Do they require a milk alternative? These are things you must remember while preparing drinks.

Table service might also be required, and sometimes trays can be heavy. Remember to be safe while carrying anything through the shop to avoid spills and dangers and be aware of your surroundings.

Cleaning Equipment

You might have seen Baristas when you visited a coffee shop, cleaning milk steamers. It is important to keep these things in working order while performing regular tasks. Espresso machines are large, and you will receive training on how to properly maintain these machines.

Cups, saucers, glasses and plates are just some of the dishes and cutlery that a Barista will use. These will need to be collected and cleaned after use so that they can be safely reused again.

Cash Handling

It is common for customers to pay for their orders with cash. As such, you will learn how to use a cash register to collect cash and give change. Be mindful of the amount of change your customer needs, as they must be given exact change.

Handling cash also comes with risks such as counterfeit currency. You will be shown how to spot this type of cash during your training.

Barista Career Progression and Advancement

If you’re looking for more responsibility in your role, it’s possible to progress into roles such as Manager, or if you enjoy what you’re doing, but want something more, there’s always the opportunity to find another career in hospitality.

Pathways to Cafe or Coffee Shop Manager

If you’re happy where you work but want progression, then looking into Management roles is always viable. Start by showing that you’re capable of taking on bigger tasks like stock management, or team lead roles. Improve your coffee-making techniques and show an aptitude for passing on knowledge to new Baristas.

Have excellent customer service and be capable of dealing with any issues presented to you.

Gain knowledge and understanding of financial management and budgeting, which you will use for stock management and hiring.

Hospitality Career Progression

After spending time as a Barista, you might have gained an interest in other parts of hospitality and catering, and many skills you’ve learned will be transferable. Writing a Barista CV detailing your experience will be your first step into other hospitality careers.

Perhaps you’re interested in becoming a Bartender or a Kitchen Porter with progression opportunities as a Chef. There are plenty of paths to choose, and having your customer service and time management experience will help you on your way.

FAQs on Becoming a Barista

How Long Does It Take to Become a Barista?

With training, you will learn the basics of being a Barista in a couple of weeks, after that it is down to experience and confidence.

Do You Need Prior Experience to Become a Barista?

No, many companies will take on new employees with no experience and train them on the job. Having experience is just a bonus.

How Much Does a Barista Earn in the UK?

A new Barista can expect to earn in the region of £16,000 - £22,000 per year, this figure can increase with experience.

What Does a Barista Do?

A Barista makes and serves coffee and other beverages, as well as other tasks such as taking payments and customer orders.