Café Recruitment in London
London's specialty coffee and café scene is among the best in the world, and the permanent staff who power it need to be exceptional. Whether you need a Head Barista who can lead a team and build a loyal following, or a café manager who runs a tight operation, Cookaburra finds the right person for the long term.
Get in TouchWhy Use Cookaburra to Recruit for Your Cafes Venue?
We recruit permanent café staff across all roles, from Head Barista and senior kitchen staff to café managers and front-of-house leads. Every candidate is assessed against the specific pace, style and standards of your café before we make a recommendation.
Cookaburra is a London hospitality recruitment agency founded by someone who has worked the industry from the ground up, starting as a dishwasher in Perth at 16, through to Michelin-starred kitchens in London. Every placement is permanent, and every recommendation is personal.
We don't fill seats. We find people who fit.
The SHRM Workforce Research (2023) found that 68 per cent of hospitality workers leave within their first year. A bad hire costs up to three times the role's annual salary, and key positions in London sit unfilled for an average of six weeks. Permanent recruitment, done well, solves all three problems at once.
Permanent Only
No temp placements. We build teams that stay.
Industry-Led
Founded by a hospitality professional, not a generalist recruiter.
No Placement, No Fee
You only pay when we find the right person.
London-Based
Local knowledge, city-wide reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Cookaburra charge for hospitality recruitment?+
Cookaburra operates on a no placement, no payment model. You only pay a fee when we successfully place a candidate. There are no upfront costs, retainers or ongoing fees.
How long does the recruitment process take?+
Most placements are completed within 2–4 weeks of taking a brief. We present a curated shortlist of personally vetted candidates rather than bulk CVs, reducing the time you spend screening.
What happens if a placement doesn't work out?+
All Cookaburra placements come with a rebate period. If a placed candidate leaves within the rebate window, we will conduct a replacement search at no additional cost.
Do you only recruit permanent roles?+
Yes, Cookaburra specialises exclusively in permanent hospitality placements across London. Permanent recruitment builds teams that stay.
More Venue Types We Recruit For
Let's Talk About Your Next Hire.
Book a free 15-minute call or send an enquiry. We respond within one business day.