You probably cannot get more of an informed point of view than Jason Atherton at the moment, and in an interview in the Caterer magazine last week, they asked him about how he manages to maintain his standards with all the openings of restaurants he has had recently. One of the answers was about the […]
‘When systems fail, chaos reins’ – Jason Atherton Read More »
I feel a bit silly that we have only just started doing this. Perhaps every other cafe out there does it already and we are just a bit behind. The question was raised, how many shots do we get per kilo and how do we prove it? The fact is, that question has always been
Shots Per Kilo – SPK’s – The Value in Numbers Read More »
A very good manager I worked with a long time ago taught me this. If something is wrong or broken, fix it immediately. If something needs to happen to make the work of your staff all that easier, do it as soon as possible. If you need a new piece of equipment that will improve
Get it Fixed – Why getting things sorted quickly is so important Read More »
When I first worked in London in the mid 90’s, my main job was at a restaurant on Sloane Square, the old Oriel. We were paid £20 per 8 hour shift but we made tips (which were not included in the bill, but were discretionary) from our own sections, which we shared with the bar
London Living Wage Employer – Kaffeine is accredited Read More »
As we finished for the Christmas break, two of our ‘legend status’ staff members finished up at Kaffeine, Julia and Blazej. Julia: Julia has been working at Kaffeine since August 2011, primarily on service. Julia’s hair styles were one of the most noticeable aspects about her, but was also even more important was the rapport
Kaffeine Legends – Julia Cornish and Blazej ‘Blaze’ Stempin Read More »
Karolina left us this week. Does that sound dramatic? It’s meant to, as Karolina ‘Special K’ has joined a select group of staff who are qualified Kaffeine legends. Those who have worked here, made their mark, made their impression and given their time, passion and energy to the business. Those who will always be remembered.
Kaffeine Legend – Karolina ‘Special K’ Malinowska Read More »
‘Oh Jerry…’ ‘Poor Jerry’, ‘Jerry behind please…’ ‘Can you wash Jerry please?’ ‘Jerry’s been left in his own mess again’. Anyone who has worked here over the years will know who he is. I’m pretty sure it was “the legend that is Rhea’ that named him back in August 2009. I had searched and searched
Kaffeine Legend – Jerry the Juicer (2009 – 2013) RIP Read More »
What is one of the most important aspects of operating a food business? To be very blunt, it is most probably making sure you do not make your customers very ill (or worse) with your food. It’s quite a responsibility. It’s also to ensure that for your staff and for your customers you are operating
Food Safety – The responsibility of not making people really ill (or worse) Read More »
Nervous anticipation last Tuesday night as we rolled up to Square Mile roastery for the final of the London Latte Art challenge. We knew we had arrived at the right place as stereotypically, there were quite a number of fixed wheel bikes, tattoos and bearded men hanging around. Square Mile’s new events room was ready,
London Latte Art Smackdown – #smackdown13 – The Finals Read More »
When I was 21 years old, I moved from an outer suburban pub to a 100 seat cocktail bar adjoining a brand new 300 seat restaurant in the inner suburbs in Melbourne. It was my first real city job. I started as a barman, and the bar manager’s name was Eddie. He admitted many years
The Art of Peripheral Vision – An Explanation Read More »
