London: Following the huge success of the recent regional heats the UKBC will be hosting the grand final of the UK Barista Championships at the IFE 07 exhibition, Excel, London on Sunday 18 th March.
The regional winners, together with the three highest scoring runners up from the entire competition will go head-tohead to compete for the much coveted title of UK Barista Champion, and the chance to represent the UK in Japan at the World Barista Championship.
James Hoffman, the current UK champion took first prize in the regional heat with his doughnut inspired espresso. Other signature drinks in the competition included a chai espresso from Edmund Buston, the newly crowned Midlands champion and many other wonderful concoctions that could be on a menu in your favorite coffee shop soon.
The event, organised by the UKBC and the Speciality Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE) is sponsored by a number of leading industry business’s (logos below), who support the competition and the baristi involved.
Searching for the ultimate coffee experience is precisely what the World Barista Championships is all about. Quite simply, we want to put the very best barista talent to the test to discover people at the height of their powers in mastering their craft. John Sherwood, Executive Coordinator of the UKBC comments:
“The level of skill and enthusiasm throughout the regional heats was exceptional. We are expecting to see some really special signature drinks and a very high level of professionalism from the baristi competing in the final. The opportunity for the winner to represent the UK in Tokyo really is a fantastic incentive! Previous winners of both the UK and World title have gone on to become leading names in the barista and coffee community”.
The UKBC finalists who will be competing are as follows –
Se Gorman - N. Ireland Edmund Buston - Midlands Louisa Henry - Northern Hugo Hercod - South West Graz Moroni - Bristol &. Wales James Hoffmann - London Ryan McHugh - Scottish
The three next highest scoring runners up nationally who will also compete and are all from Northern Ireland are – Jon Armstrong Subi Tweed Nedya Ika Nacheva Petkova
The speciality coffee industry has experienced huge growth in the past 5 years, with Barista Championships taking place in 38 countries around world in 2007. The champion baristas from each of these countries will be competing in Tokyo in August 2007 for the chance to be crowned World Barista Champion, a much coveted title currently held by Klaus Thomsen of Denmark. UK Barista Championship Final Sunday 18th March. IFE, Excel London
Keep an eye out for James Hoffman and Se Gorman on a soon to be screened edition of TV’s ‘Ready Steady Cook!’
Editor’s notes – The Specialty Coffee Association of Europe is the leading trade body for the Specialty Coffee Association in Europe comprising of about 1000 members in over 70 countries. Its goal is to develop a forum for exchanging information and promotion through education for the participants of the Coffee Industry who have a commitment to quality and sustainable prices for the growers.
