Barista of the Month - Caitlin, Janus Deli - April 2026

Meet Caitlin from Janus Deli, our Barista of the Month for April! Caitlin serves every cup with skill, heart, and a smile, believing great coffee can truly make someone’s day.

What’s your name and where do you work?
My name is Caitlin and I work at Janus Deli.

How do you start your day before a shift?
I usually start my day with a quick coffee at home and a good breakfast to get some energy. Then I head in a little early to settle in and get ready for the day ahead.

What’s your favourite part of working at the café?
My favourite part is definitely the people. I love chatting with regular customers and working alongside a great team while making coffee all day.

Do you have any tips for perfecting latte art?
Consistency is key. Make sure your milk texture is smooth and silky, and pour with confidence while keeping the cup angle steady. Practice definitely makes a huge difference.

What’s your favourite Paradox blend or origin, and why?
My favourite is the Poker Face blend. I love the balance of flavours and how well it works with milk while still having great character as a black coffee.

How do you dial in the coffee each morning?
I start by pulling a few test shots and checking the yield and extraction time. Then I taste the espresso and make small grind adjustments until the flavour is balanced and sweet.

What do you look for when adjusting the grind?
I mainly look at the shot time, flow rate, and taste. If the shot runs too fast or slow, or tastes sour or bitter, I’ll make adjustments.

Do you prefer filter or espresso at home, and why?
I usually go for filter at home because it’s simple and highlights the coffee’s flavour really well.

What’s your go-to coffee order when you’re not working?
When the weather is warm, I love trying different flavoured cold brews. While when it’s cooler, I like to stick to the basics; a flat white.

What’s a fun fact most people don’t know about you?
Even on my days off, I still end up at a cafe somewhere… I guess I really can’t escape coffee!

Give Caitlin a visit @janus_deli and say hello!