Consisting of two heats and a final, the competition is structured in three stages - an espresso course, a cappuccino course and a free style course, where competitors will present a drink from their own cafe menu to judges. Entrants will be tested on their coffee knowledge, grinding skills, coffee machine use and milk preparation techniques throughout.
The top three performers from each heat will go head-to-head in the final on 2 October, before the winner is crowned and offered the role as Bartlett Mitchell’s leading barista.
The event, devised by Bartlett Mitchell’s coffee brand manager, Miguel Camara, aims to recognise the skills and talents of its baristas and follows significant investment into developing the company’s coffee offering as part of its new growth strategy.
Camara said: “This competition has been put together to celebrate the baristas within our business. We know that being a barista isn’t just about making coffee anymore. It is really important for our baristas to take our customers on a journey of coffee whenever they serve them a cup.”
Wendy Bartlett, executive chairman, Bartlett Mitchell, added: “Our baristas are the final link in a chain that starts from the coffee bean, grown by our farmers. Our desire to create an outstanding coffee experience for our customers is underpinned by our investment in our barista training academy.
“By holding a barista championship we are sending a clear message to our baristas and wider team that excellent coffee standards are the norm at our business. We are grateful to Miguel for pulling all of this together and we’re very much looking forward to the event.”
The competition begins on 1 August in London, with the second heat taking place on 2 August in High Wycombe and the final event the day after international Coffee Day – 2 October also in High Wycombe.
For more information, visit: http://www.bartlettmitchell.co.uk/foodie-blog/looking-forward-first-bartlett-mitchell-barista-championship/