Three BaxterStorey baristas have been recognised amongst the best in the UK, earning a place in the semi-finals of next month’s UK Barista Championships – the UK’s leading coffee-based competition.
Don Altizo, Jana Slamova and Keiran Carney all came within the top 12 at regional heats earlier this month and are now preparing to compete in the semi-finals on 9th April. Leading the way within the foodservice sector, 25% of the top twelve entrants are from BaxterStorey. They are the only baristas from the foodservice industry to have made it to this stage of the competition.
Tim Sturk, head of coffee training and development at BaxterStorey said: “This is the fourth consecutive year BaxterStorey has reached the semi-finals, testament to our commitment to both quality coffee and staff development. In fact, Jana is currently ranked number one female barista in the UK following her success as last year’s competition.”
The regional finals required competitors to demonstrate their knowledge of coffee, presentation and preparation skills and all round ability in a series of challenging rounds. Contestants were asked to make four espresso, four milk-based drinks and four signature drinks. The BaxterStorey competitors wowed the judges with distinctive flavours including Afghanistan red raisins, natural cocoa butter and white mulberry to create their signature drinks.
Tim added: “We are dedicated to supporting our team at the highest level and our unique Barista Academy provides them with a thorough understanding of the history of coffee, the coffee bean journey, the importance of the quality of milk, machine maintenance, recipe management and customer service. Ultimately, it gives them the skills needed to create an outstanding cup of coffee and it is this expertise, along with their passion for coffee that is shining through at this year’s Barista Championships.”
Following the semi-finals of the 2016 UK Barista Championship, the six top scorers will go on to compete in the final on 10th April. The winner will represent the UK at the World Barista Championships in June.