Six talented hotel baristas went head to head last month in the Millennium Copthorne Barista of the Year Final, an event organised by Douwe Egberts and Millennium Copthorne Hotels.
Held on 30 October, following regional heats across the country, each finalist was given 30 minutes to impress the judges with their barista skills and present a signature drink of their choosing. The judging panel included Phil Page of Millennium Copthorne as well as Jon Hodson and Lynne Baker of Douwe Egberts.
The Berryccino
Miroslav Fabry, of Millennium Copthorne Hotel Mayfair, emerged victorious with his signature drink the Berryccino – a delicious mix of forest fruits and coffee that can be enjoyed as a layered drink or stirred through to create a unique flavour fusion.
Miroslav said: “I’m very excited to present this new signature drink. Working with coffee I have noticed that there are a limited number of mixes available that include fresh fruits, so I decided to bring these natural ingredients into my coffee making.”
As well as the coveted title of Barista of the Year, Miroslav also received £500 in holiday vouchers and a top of the range home espresso machine. One of the lucky contestants will also have their signature beverage added to the hot drinks menu across the entire Millennium Copthorne estate.
Martyn Bell, Marketing Manager for Douwe Egberts Professional said: “It is great for Douwe Egberts to be involved in a competition that recognises the abilities of so many talented baristas. Miroslav is a deserving winner of this accolade and it’s fantastic that we’ve been able to work alongside the Millennium Copthorne to identify and reward this hard working barista.”
For more information on the Douwe Egberts Professional and Millennium Copthorne Barista of the Year competition, email euan.thomas@demb.com.