Polka Theatre in Wimbledon seeks Café Assistants (casual contract)
· Are passionate about food and delivering excellent customer service.
· Would like to work for a pioneering national theatre for children.
· Are available during the weekends and some weekdays for casual work.
This is a casual worker contract based on hourly rate of pay.
We are looking for Café Assistants to join our team in our purpose-built café in Wimbledon to assist with the preparation and serving of food and drink and welcoming customers to Polka.
You will work, with enthusiasm and energy alongside our Café Chef / Manager in our purpose-built cafe in Wimbledon. Our unique cafe is part of Polka Theatre, which is a registered charity, with any profit going back into the charity’s work. You will be one of the first staff members people see when they visit Polka so, as well as preparing and serving food and making drinks, the role will involve lots of face-to-face communication, answering queries and helping people in a positive way.
You will have some experience in a similar environment, including experience working with the public. Barista experience is beneficial but not essential.
Salary: £14.80 per hour (London Living Wage) plus holiday pay.
Hours: you need to be available to work weekends with some weekday shifts. Polka Theatre is open Tuesday to Sunday each week and hours are worked according to the needs of the theatre’s venue and performance and schedule and, therefore, no minimum weekly hours are guaranteed. Schedules are completed two weeks in advance and shift length may vary slightly depending on the length of the performance.
Polka's commitment as an equal opportunities employer means we are keen to encourage applications from people from the Global Majority, people across the gender spectrum and people who self-identify as disabled, who are underrepresented in our sector.
Polka is funded by Arts Council England, London, registered charity number 256979.
For a Recruitment Pack with more information about who we are and what we're looking for in this role plus how to apply please visit our website. https://polkatheatre.com/jobs/
Deadline for applications: Monday 27 July 9am
Interviews: week commencing 3 August 2026
Ideal start date: in Aug/ Sep
About Polka
Polka Theatre is a pioneering and unique children’s theatre venue, staging exceptional productions and developing industry-leading Creative Learning experiences which are accessible for all children to enjoy. In 2024 we won the UK Theatre Award for Most Welcoming Theatre, as well as Merton Best Business. In 2025 we received our first Olivier Award nomination!
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: £14.80 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
