Ikuno Hashinaga
London ,United Kingdom
Summary
Japanese Food & Beverage professional with 5+ years of hands-on experience across pastry, specialty coffee and hospitality in Japan and the UK. Combining practical experience as a maker with strong product knowledge and customer communication, bring a hands-on understanding of food and beverage products and Japanese food culture to the UK market.
Overview
1
1
Certification
5
5
years of professional experience
Work history
Barista & Pastry chef
Wolk coffee
Richmond , United Kingdom
2025.10 - Current
- Prepare espresso-based drinks and filter coffee while maintaining consistent quality.
- Recommend and sell specialty coffee, including retail beans, using knowledge of flavour profiles and tasting notes.
- Develop pastry products with consideration for café’s coffee offering and overall customer experience
Pastry chef
Klear labs
Notting Hill , United Kingdom
2025.04 - 2025.04
- Developed and produced Vegan and gluten-free cakes and baked products.
- Contributed to product development and seasonal menu creation
Pastry chef
Jiyugaoka bakery
Tokyo , Japan
2022.01 - 2025.03
- Developed gluten-free rice flour breads and cakes.
- Created seasonal products
- Created production and customer guidance materials
- Managed daily Instagram content
- Worked under Michelin-starred chefs, producing plated desserts to high standard
Education
A-Levels - Pastry skills
L’Ecole Vantan Pastry College
Tokyo 2020-03
Skills
- Recipe & Product Development
- Production & Quality Control
- Specialty Coffee & Retail Sales
- Flavor Profiling & Tasting Notes
- Product Knowledge & Customer Communication
- Japanese Food & Beverage culture
- Event Support & Product Introduction
Certification
Food Hygiene & Safety Level 2
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
- Developed ~70% of gluten-free rice flour breads and cakes for a Japanese bakery.
- Supported Japanese food and cultural events in the UK, introducing products and engaging with customers while contributing to a three-day sales target .
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
HYPER JAPAN 2026 — Product & Customer Engagement
Introduced Japanese whisky through product knowledge, flavour profiles and cultural background.
DISCOVER SHOCHU 2026 — Product & Industry Engagement
Introduced Japanese shochu to buyers and drinks professionals, covering ingredients, production, regional characteristics and drinking styles.
Timeline
Barista & Pastry chef
Wolk coffee
2025.10 - Current
Pastry chef
Klear labs
2025.04 - 2025.04
Pastry chef
Jiyugaoka bakery
2022.01 - 2025.03
A-Levels - Pastry skills
L’Ecole Vantan Pastry College