Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

What’s it like working in a cafe?

30 replies

TsunamiSurfer · 02/08/2026 18:10

Shamelessly posting here for traffic - what’s it like working in a cafe?
I have no hospitality experience but a strong customer service background.
it would be for 3 x 4 hour shifts a week which would fit perfectly around school and family commitments.
i want to hear your good, bad and ugly.
its a local family owned business

OP posts:
ElevenBells · 02/08/2026 18:22

More physically demanding than you’d expect. No chance to sit down but if your shifts are 4 hours max it shouldn’t be a problem if you’re reasonably fit. If it’s a smaller cafe you might be expected to turn your hand at all jobs: waiting tables, food and drink prep, cleaning and pot wash. I worked in a cafe for 5 years as a student job but I loved it. Customers and colleagues were great and I’d say I prefer it to any graduate job I’ve had since!
Tips are much better if you work in a proper restaurant which I also did. But I hated the late hours and having to serve people who were pissed. Much prefer serving teas and coffees 😊

pinkandwhiteroses · 02/08/2026 18:20

It's a lot more physical than people imagine.

pimplebum · 02/08/2026 18:19

Filthy
your nails get soft with all the bleach and detergents and constantly wipe wipe wiping and wringing of cloths ideal if you can moisturise snd wear latex gloves

you need v good footwear ( trainers) on your feet as you do about 50k steps

you need to practice your sweet smile and enless patience the genersl public are lovely and tiresome

Tekknonan · 02/08/2026 18:13

My experience is years ago, but it was very hard work. Because cafe owners can't afford to employ too many staff, I was always on the go, taking orders, clearing tables, delivering orders, checking everything was OK, dealing with complaints, keeping a pleasant smile on my face when someone was being rude and unpleasant. I didn't like it, but some people do. But it is hard work and quite stressful when it's busy.

aWeeCornishPastie · 02/08/2026 18:11

Following