Experienced Counter Assistant
Café at the Library – National Library of Scotland, Edinburgh
Full Time – 40 Hours per Week
£14.00 per hour and upwards, depending on experience
Cygnet is looking for an enthusiastic, organised and highly motivated Counter Assistant to join our team at the beautiful Café at the Library, located within the National Library of Scotland in the heart of Edinburgh.
This is not an entry-level role. We are seeking someone with a wealth of hospitality experience who can confidently run the front of house, keep calm under pressure, and provide outstanding service to the thousands of visitors who pass through our doors.
About the Role
Working within a busy visitor attraction, you will be the face of the café. You will take pride in delivering a warm Scottish welcome, maintaining excellent standards, and ensuring our customers receive efficient and friendly service every time they visit.
Our menu focuses on quality and freshness, including:
- Freshly prepared food
- Home-made soups
- Freshly baked scones
- Artisan pastries
- Premium coffee and speciality teas
- Cakes and sweet treats
- Seasonal food offerings
No two days are the same, and we are looking for someone who enjoys being busy, takes initiative and genuinely loves hospitality.
What We're Looking For
The ideal candidate will be:
- Experienced within a busy café, coffee shop or hospitality environment.
- Exceptionally organised and able to prioritise effectively.
- Fast, efficient and able to think on their feet.
- Hands-on and happy to lead from the front.
- Self-motivated with a positive attitude.
- Friendly, approachable and professional.
- Confident working independently and as part of a team.
- Able to manage the front of house operation with ease.
- Reliable, punctual and flexible.
- Passionate about delivering excellent customer service.
- Experienced in operating tills and handling cash.
- Comfortable working during busy periods whilst maintaining high standards.
- Knowledgeable in food hygiene and allergen awareness (training certificates desirable).
Main Responsibilities
- Providing outstanding customer service to all visitors.
- Taking food and drink orders accurately and efficiently.
- Preparing and serving high-quality coffees, teas and other beverages.
- Serving fresh food, pastries, soups and baked goods.
- Maintaining the presentation and cleanliness of the counter and seating areas.
- Handling cash and card transactions.
- Replenishing stock and ensuring displays remain attractive and well stocked.
- Supporting with opening and closing procedures.
- Assisting colleagues across all areas of the café when required.
- Maintaining excellent food safety and hygiene standards at all times.
- Creating a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for visitors and colleagues alike.
What We Offer
- Competitive training pay starting from £14.00 per hour, with higher rates available depending on experience.
- Full-time permanent position.
- A supportive and fun working environment.
- Daytime hours with excellent work-life balance.
- The opportunity to work within one of Scotland's most iconic cultural institutions.
- Training and development opportunities within a growing independent hospitality business.
- The chance to be part of a team that genuinely cares about quality, service and its people.
Working Hours
40 hours per week
Café opening hours are:
- Monday – Thursday: 9:00am – 6:00pm
- Friday – Saturday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Sunday: Closed
If you're experienced, energetic, customer-focused and ready to hit the ground running, we'd love to hear from you.
Join Cygnet and help create memorable experiences for every visitor who walks through our doors.
Pay: £14.00-£16.00 per hour
Experience:
- Hospital: 4 years (required)
- Food handling: 2 years (required)
Work Location: In person
