It may be the six million dollar question, but where can you get the best coffee in the UK? At Hotelympia on the 23rd February, the top ten Baristas (professionally trained individuals skilled in the art of espresso preparation) in the land will battle it out at the final of the UK Barista Championships in a bid to reveal exactly that. Everyone has their favourite venue for a good cappuccino, latte or espresso, and how that drink tastes, smells and feels is ultimately down to the proficiency of the Barista.
There are around 2000 professionally trained Baristas in the UK and the final of this prestigious event will be the culmination of six regional heats held in London, Scotland, Northern Ireland, The South West, Wales and Merseyside, and The North, during January. The winner of the final will represent the UK in the World Barista Championships in Berne, Switzerland in May 2006.
Ron Chesterton, Co-ordinator of the UK Championships explains the importance of a Barista: -
“The skill of a Barista is crucial to the quality of the coffee experience for the consumer. Whether it is as a simple espresso or a more exotic coffee based drink such as a cappuccino, the characteristic of the final drink lies purely in the skill of the Barista.”
During the event each competitor will serve the judges four espresso’s, four cappuccino’s and four espresso-based alcohol free signature beverages of their own creation within a defined 15 minute period. The judges will score these on the criteria of taste, presentation, technique and personal presentation.
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