Meet the team: Scott Bainbridge – Cafe Operations Manager

At Huddle, our spaces are all about connection, community – and of course, great coffee! Behind every perfectly brewed cup is a northerner who keeps things running with a smile, a plan and definitely a good joke or two.

Meet Scott Bainbridge, Huddle’s Café Operations Manager – overseeing our three cafes in Hammersmith, Fulham and Wimbledon – and the driving force behind the hospitality magic at Huddle.

Last week, we sat down with Scott to understand more about his role at Huddle and how he keeps all of our members fueled with caffeine throughout the working week.

Q. Hey Scott, please introduce yourself in a few words.

A. Hello! I would describe myself as a friendly northerner with a passion for great coffee and making London smile one joke at a time.

Q. What’s your role at Huddle and what does an average day look like?

A. I look after the operations for the hospitality side of Huddle, which includes everything from launching our three cafes over the past year to managing daily operations and additional services, such as catering and event support – all made possible by an incredible team of 12 people!

Typically you’ll find me in one of the Huddle cafe’s, tapping away at a laptop, making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible.

Q. What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

A. For me, the most rewarding part of the job is building relationships – whether with customers or our team. It’s about bringing a smile to someone’s day and creating a workplace and community where people genuinely want to be.

Since launching the Huddle cafes, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some truly wonderful people, like Bob, a retired fireman who was once stationed at what’s now our very own Fire Station Cafe in Wimbledon. (Read more about Bob here. )

Q. How would you describe the Huddle community in three words?

A. Engaging, Fun – and coffee lovers! (Sorry, it’s 5…)

Q. Do you have a favourite location?

A. 3 Shortlands in Hammersmith will always be my home as it’s where it all began…but Fulham is a bit closer to home!

Q. What sets Huddle apart?

A. We’re not just a coworking space, although we do that really well! Each Huddle location comes with its very own café, offering a laid-back spot to catch up with the team, fire off a few emails or just treat yourself to a great coffee and slice of our infamous banana bread.

One of the best parts? How these spaces can spark growth, from a one-man band tapping away in the corner of the cafe to a fully-fledged business with their own private office. That’s the kind of growth we love to see. And being part of that journey is what Huddle’s all about.

We’re proudly woven into the fabric of the Huddle community, but the cafés also have a life of their own. That means we get the best of both worlds: supporting members with catering and events, whilst also being a proper local hangout for the wider neighbourhood. Whether you’re in for a meeting or just mooching in for a brew, you’re always welcome.

Q. Do you see any trends shaping the cafes?

A. Our goal is to be part of your morning routine. The friendly face before your first Zoom call! Fresh batch brew coffee is really taking off lately – its honestly the best coffee we serve (in my humble opinion).

We’ve also seen some pretty niche drinks flying out the door faster than you’d think, including both iced and hot banana lattes (a firm favourite of Wimbledonians!) strawberry iced tea and matcha everything – particularly iced with peach and coconut milk. Whatever keeps people coming back, we’re here for it.

Q. What do you have in the pipeline for Huddle?

A. We have a summer of BBQ’s planned for Huddle members (because nothing says British summer like burgers and brollies) and a whole host of events lined up for Hammersmith, Fulham and Wimbledon.

Behind the scenes, we’re working on some exciting new projects and we’re expanding our catering services in Fulham and Wimbledon too, so whether it’s a working lunch or event spread, we’re your go to.

We are also expanding our collaboration with The Rooftop Farm, selling produce grown on the roof of Wimbledon Quarter – such as microgreens, herbs, mushrooms and honey. (Find out more about The Rooftop Farm here).

Q. What are you passionate about outside of work?

A. As a newly crowned garden owner, my green fingers are out and I’m pacing the lawn like the old man I’ve clearly become. Give me a sunny day, a trowel and cuppa and I’m absolutely living the dream!

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Thanks, Scott! Make sure you give him a cheery wave next time you’re popping into a Huddle café. And were sure any gardening tips wouldn’t go amiss either! 😉