UK – Hounslow barista wows judges with drink innovation to win top speciality drink title at Costa international final

A Hounslow barista has wowed a panel of judges including Costa’s Master of Coffee Gennaro Pelliccia, TV chef Phil Vickery, and food writer Rose Prince with his brand new drink innovation.
Kungku Gurung, 24, who has worked at the Heathrow Premier Inn Costa store for 7 years beat stiff competition from some of Costa’s most accomplished baristas around the world to be awarded the Speciality Drink title at the Champion of Champions final held at Vinopolis, London.
Kungku impressed the judges with his innovative new drink creation, the Doppio Cortado Chocolate Indulgence. Developed by Kungku and his team, the drink combines espresso coffee with a blend of Kungku’s homemade milk and white chocolate, topped with pouring cream and sprinkles of Belgian chocolate.
In addition Kungku was also awarded 2nd place in the event’s overall Barista of the Year competition beating thousands of Costa baristas across the globe for the title. He wins a two-night break to a Costa inspired location of his choice along with a trophy.
The 24 year old barista said of his win:
“I can’t believe I’ve won this title with my speciality drink. It’s been great having all of my team come and support me today, it’s given me great confidence in my skills as a barista. I’m glad that all of my development work, creating my own chocolate recipe and really perfecting my drink has led to me being awarded this title and to come second in the overall Barista of the Year competition is just overwhelming!”
Head judge Costa’s Master of Coffee Gennaro Pelliccia said of Kungku:
“Kungku did a fantastic job against some outstanding competition. His drink creation was so creative and really brought out the flavour of the chocolate and coffee combination, with his indulgent recipe. I know our drinks development team have been watching today, so who knows the Doppio Cortado Chocolate Indulgence could be coming to a Costa near you in the future!”
Kungku joins a list of prestigious Barista of the Year winners including 2012 winner Victoria Stewart who inspired and helped develop Costa’s Chocolate & Orange Mocha Latte that successfully launched into stores last year, and 2013 runner-up Tatum Clews who was promoted to a senior training role following her success in the competition, coaching and developing Costa’s baristas of the future.