Coffee Masters: U.K. Barista Championships

The U.K. Barista Championship is the U.K.'s premier coffee competition and showcases barista perfection. The Gentlemen Baristas are delighted to announce that we have another rising star percolating among us - Nicole Chan - who competed yesterday with the aim of representing the U.K. at the World Barista Championship in Athens in June 2023. Under the watchful eye of Roosa, our Head of Production (who mentored last year’s winner, Claire!), Nicole did brilliantly.

Competitors had just 20 minutes of off-stage practice, ten 10 minutes stage prep, followed by seven minutes competition time to present: two espressos and two milk beverages. Which is a tall order to say the least, regardless of experience. Nicole and Roosa chose a Colombian Pink Bourbon coffee from Nestor Lasso, which went through a washed Anaerobic fermentation process, which was then roasted at our very own East London roastery. It’s truly delicious and will be available to you lucky people - as a limited-edition speciality roast - very soon. So, watch this space!

We’re so proud of Nicole for such a fantastic presentation and for taking the initiative to put her goals into action. She achieved a tip-top score of 122.5 (go Nicole!), managing to continue her presentation smoothly, with professionalism and composure, despite a 45-second interruption due to a microphone malfunction!

We can’t wait to see Nicole compete again soon - this is just the start of her wonderful journey. Many thanks to Roosa, as well as Alex, Dimitri and the roastery team for supporting Nicole throughout this process!