Barista

Role overview

Join a community-focused coffee team in Eastbourne and help create a welcoming Starbucks experience through excellent service, expertly prepared beverages, and quality food and retail products. This position sits within Cobra Coffee, a Starbucks UK franchised partner, where the emphasis is on customer connection, team support, and maintaining a positive work-life balance with room to grow.

What you will do

• Prepare beverages, whole bean coffee, and food items consistently in line with recipe and presentation standards.
• Support day-to-day store processes, including opening and closing duties, cash handling, and safety and security routines.
• Step in to help teammates during busy periods so the store continues to run smoothly.
• Learn your store and regular customers so you can anticipate needs and respond to them effectively.
• Deliver warm, memorable customer service by putting the customer first and building genuine relationships.
• Keep the workspace clean, tidy, and well organised for both customers and partners.

What the employer is looking for

No previous barista experience is required. The main requirement is a genuine enthusiasm for customer service and a desire to bring positive experiences to customers. The role suits someone who is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and is willing to learn, adapt, and contribute to a team.

Benefits and rewards

• 28 days of paid holiday each year, including Bank Holidays.
• Unlimited brewed coffee and English breakfast tea during shifts.
• Discounted handcrafted drinks and food while on shift.
• 30% off bottled drinks and impulse items during shifts.
• One selected food item for £1.50 per shift.
• 30% discount on all food, drinks, merchandise, and gifts when off shift.
• 30% green apron discount at participating Starbucks stores.
• Access to third-party savings, including 20% off in Southern Co-op food stores.
• Life insurance coverage.
• Comprehensive training, including coffee knowledge and access to an online learning platform for ongoing development.
• Clear internal progression opportunities.

Working pattern

Store hours may include early mornings, evenings, and weekends, depending on business needs.

Recruitment process

The hiring journey includes application, CV review, telephone interview, right-to-work document verification, interview plus in-store experience, and then offer and onboarding.

About the team

You will become part of both the Starbucks and Cobra Coffee communities. The business values care in how it operates and aims to support colleagues with development opportunities and a healthy balance between work and personal life.