HOFFMAN RETAINS UK BARISTA CHAMPIONSHIPS TITLE
The UK Barista Championship 2007 came to an exciting end on Sunday 18th of March at the IFE at the ExCel Centre Docklands with James Hoffman of La Spaziale once again wowing the judges and taking the much coveted title. James's high standards in both the technical and sensory areas were matched by his signature drink, using a centrifuge to extract doughnut flavoured "milk" to combine with espresso – as we have said previously, creativity was high!
UK Barista Champion James will now be taking a trip to Tokyo at the end of July to compete against over 40 other
countries' best baristi to potentially become the best barista in the World – no small feat.
Se Gorman from Café Krem in Newry, N. Ireland came in a close second only 29.50 points behind James’ 721 point winning score with 691.50. Se impressed the judges with his general flair throughout the presentation and his signature drink using a combination of liquorice and coffee.
In an excellent third place came Edmund Buston from Clifton Coffee, with 682 points. It was possibly a relief to wife Emma that he didn't win as their first baby is due the weekend of the WBC !
Steve Penk from the UKBC committee commented ‘I honestly believe that the overall standard of the baristas in the final was amazing. The standard of UK baristas has grown dramatically over the last 2 years and I think in James we have a real chance at the WBC’.
The UKBC Committee would like to thank all the sponsors, entrants and their teams for their support throughout the competition without whom it wouldn't have been the huge success we have seen this year.
All thoughts now turn to the Caffé Culture Show on 22nd & 23rd May where the SCAE UK will be organising a series of workshops and lectures.
Another date for your diary is the 11th April when James and Se will be head to head again on BBC TVs Ready, Steady, Cook program !