03/11/2025
It's been 25 years since Karen last worked in a café, and wow, she's got fresh respect for anyone who’s on their feet all day.
On Saturday, she swapped the iMac for a coffee machine to provide an extra pair of hands to her good friends Lauren and Geoff at their brilliant cafe: Altitude Coffee Bar in Cranleigh, Surrey. If you’re anywhere nearby, go. Fantastic team, warm service, and seriously good coffee.
It was a blast. Her feet were killing by the end, but she loved it. Chats with customers, that buzz of being constantly on the move, and the quiet satisfaction of seeing people leave just that little bit happier.
And it got us thinking. There are lessons that those of us that spend hours behind a desk can learn from a shift in a busy coffee shop:
1. Service mindset wins, no matter what your industry. A warm hello, remembering someone’s name, going the extra mile. It transforms the experience. Applies just as much to corporate clients as it does to cappuccinos.
2. Pace and presence matter. You’ve got to be quick on your feet in the fast-paced World we live in, but also fully tuned in. That combo is magic when you get it right.
3. Every detail adds up. From the way a cup’s handed over to how quickly you wipe the counter, it all matters. Clients and customers notice the small stuff, even if they don’t say it out loud. Get the details right and the experience just feels better.
You can see exactly why Altitude has so many loyal regulars: the team know their names, their orders, and how to make them feel at home.
She’ll be back if you need a hand in future Lauren and Geoff... though next time in better shoes.
