BaxterStorey has set a new precedent following the recognition of two of its baristas at the 2017 UK Barista Championships final regional heat this month in London. The two competitors join three further BaxterStorey baristas at the semi-finals of the Championships next month; for a total of five semi-finalists – the most from any single company to progress this far in the history of the competition.
Kieron Carney, Jana Slamova and Don Altizo were placed first, second and fourth respectively, taking three of the four top spots and progressing to the semis, which take place on 19th and 20th August in Bristol. They follow in the footsteps of two BaxterStorey in-house rising stars, Derek Buckley and Amanda Lo who competed in Manchester & Glasgow heats respectively.
Tim Sturk, head of coffee training and development at BaxterStorey said: “This is an outstanding achievement for our baristas and BaxterStorey, demonstrating why our training and mentoring programmes are so revered.
“To have five baristas through to the semi-finals is not only unprecedented in the history of the Championships but totally unheard of within our industry. Eight of the top 16 semi-finalists come from independent roasteries so for our baristas to have come this far is a real reflection on how hard they’ve worked throughout their training and we’re really proud to see them recognised.”
This is BaxterStorey’s fifth consecutive year to be represented in the semi-finals, with Don, Jana & Kieron, all having reached this stage of the competition before and Jana and Don progressing to the top six last year.
This year, the regional heats required participants to create four identical espressos, four identical milk beverages and four signature beverages. This demanding section of the competition required each barista to create a unique drink using carefully selected coffee as a base. The BaxterStorey baristas then got creative incorporating flavours including The BaxterStorey baristas then got creative incorporating flavours from cane sugar juice, panella and vanilla pods to melted chocolate and fresh compotes.
The ultimate winner of the 2017 UK Barista Championship final will have the honour of representing the UK at the World Barista Championships in Seoul this November.