Fresh faces. Fresh energy!
This week we met two of our fabulous newbies who are both working at our original and busiest site in Earl’s Court. We caught up with them both to find out how they were settling in.
Meet Rosa
First up we speak to Rosa. Rosa is 15 and the youngest member of the OU dream team. She’s just finished school and is with us over the summer.
Hi Rosa, thank you so much for chatting with us today. How did you find out about Over Under?
I’m local to the area and I knew the Over Under branches as I’d seen them around. I loved the theme of the shop and the pink and black just drew me in. As a customer going in they had great music and just a great vibe, it seemed fun.
I came in and spoke to Gina, (our Head of People) and she was just really bubbly and friendly.
What made you apply for the role?
I just walked in very confidently (the vibe of the place did that to me) and said “are you guys hiring,” Gina said yes, so I gave her my CV.
This is my first actual proper job and it’s been perfect. Gina got back to me and was really helpful. Because of my age, I had lots of questions, I didn’t know about National Insurance numbers or anything. But everyone was very welcoming, it’s been a great first job.
What were your first impressions when you did your trial shift?
I was at West Brompton for my trial shift which is very different from Earl’s Court because of the speed.
But I was greeted by Amaar and Kim, they seemed to have a great friendship. Kim showed me how to use the till and how to serve customers. They let me be independent which I loved. It was great and positive, everything flowed easily.
Kim said that she would get back to me and then Gina was in touch. The whole process was very simple, I had no trouble.
You’ve been here for around a month or so now, what do you enjoy the most about working at Over Under?
I think it’s the excitement. Working in Earl’s Court, it’s so busy, you don’t know what to expect, it’s super packed and you don’t know how many customers you're going to get every day. As much as it’s crazy, it’s a good crazy.
People I work with are all very chilled, they aren’t intense like working in an office or something. We can still have fun and make friends with the customers that come in, it’s like a family. Your first job is so important and it’s been a very good first job so far.
Thanks so much for your time Rosa. We’ve loved speaking with you and I promise you we didn’t pay her to say all this.
Meet Angi
Angi is 18 and has grown up in North-west London. She has recently finished college where she was studying fashion. Her dream job is to be a fashion journalist, but for now, we’re lucky to work with her. She joined the OU team in May and she’s been working hard from the second she walked through the door.
So Angi, tell us how did you find out about Over Under?
Before this, I worked at Costa and I wasn’t happy, it was really stressful and the pay wasn’t great. I took a week off work for my birthday and then came back and was made to feel bad for taking time out. So I thought, I can get another job.
I typed ‘cool coffee jobs in London’ into google and Over Under came up. I saw the application on the website but thought that just sounded long, so I found Ed’s number and called him up directly. He put me in touch with Gina (our Head of People Ops) and the rest is history.
What were your first impressions when you did your trial shift?
I trailed in Earl’s Court and thought this is a really cool shop but was like wow this is the most hectic job, but now I enjoy it being busy.
I did my training in Ladbroke Grove and didn’t want to leave at the end of it. I love the Ladbroke Grove team, but now I’m so happy I’m in Earl’s Court. I credit George for all my food training, it’s thanks to him that I'm so good at food.
Now you’ve been here for a couple of months, what do you enjoy the most about working here?
The team! Even though it’s hard work and sometimes I have to get up at 5:30 am, I never wake up dreading that I have to go to work. We work hard, but we’re still having fun. It’s a great atmosphere to work in and I feel like I’m going to hang out with my friends.
It’s the complete flipside of most hospitality jobs: 9/10 jobs hospitality jobs are overworked and underpaid. We work hard, are paid well, and worked in accordance with our ability.
You are 100% appreciated for what you do and there are so many opportunities to move up. I’m already getting the opportunity to learn and grow and I’ve only been here a short time. Not many places would give an 18-year-old that opportunity. It makes work worthwhile and it has a huge impact on your health. I’m having fun while making money and working hard.
Thank you for your time Angi and thank you so much for your kind words, we’re so glad that you enjoy working here!
Test your OU Knowledge
Now we’ve had a chat with both Angi and Rosa, we decided to put their OU knowledge to the test, they had 60 seconds to answer as many questions as possible. Check out how they got on.
Angi vs Rosa
What year did the company start?
Angi: 5 years ago
Rosa: Pass
Why is the business called Over Under?
Angi: Because it’s Over by day, Under by night?
Rosa: I think its because you can be Over and then be Under. Y’know Over Under!
Where does our coffee come from?
Angi: Colombia and Brazil
Rosa: Colombia
How many seconds should an espresso shot be?
Angi: 28 - 31 seconds
Rosa: Pass
What type of cups do we use?
Angi: Fully compostable
Rosa: Paper
What are the brand colours?
Angi: Pink and black
Rosa: Pink and black
How many people work at Over Under?
Angi: 75
Rosa: Around 100?
How many shops do we have?
Angi: 7
Rosa: 5
How many coffees does Earl’s Court serve each day?
Angi: Pass
What’s the most popular menu item at Over Under?
Angi: Reuben toastie.
Right we’re out of time, well done both of you. Rosa, you answered 8 questions and got 3 correct. Angi you answered 10 questions and got 8 of them right. Congratulations, you are this week’s winner.
Rosa: I promise I’ll swot up and get more right next time!
Angi: I thought I did quite well!
We’re very lucky to have Rosa and Angi as part of our OU dream team. You can keep up to date on what the team is up to by following us on Instagram. Or if you’re interested in joining the crew, check out our latest vacancies and get in touch today.