Skilled baristas are currently preparing for the Midlands heat of the UK’s most prestigious barista competition, the UK Barista Championships, run by SCAE UK (Speciality Coffee Association of Europe – UK chapter). The heat takes place Sunday 23 November 2014.
This year, the Midlands heat will be hosted by the University of Warwick, which has just been voted “University of the Year 2014” by both the Times and Sunday Times newspapers, at their prestigious Warwick Arts Centre. Wholly owned by the University, Warwick Arts Centre is one of the largest performing and visual arts complexes in the UK outside London and situated at the very centre of the University campus.
The heat will see twenty baristas gather to demonstrate their brewing prowess. Each barista will have fifteen minutes to make four espresso, four cappuccino and four espresso based non-alcoholic speciality drinks. The drinks are judged by two technical and four sensory judges, who between them will assess everything from technical knowledge to taste balance.
Tony Howard, Director of Strategy and Development (Food & Drink) at the University and a SCAE Technical Judge, said “I am delighted that the University of Warwick has been selected to host the Midlands heat. We are the only university in the UK to have taken part in this year’s London Coffee Festival as well as having award-winning baristas on our team, so I am really proud of what we have achieved so far. It’s incredibly important that events like the SCAE Barista Championships are well supported to help promote the skills that go into brewing exceptional coffee. We’re delighted to be hosting this year and helping to recognise this talent.”
For competitors and guests wishing to stay overnight on Saturday 22 November, the University is offering bed and breakfast at its Training and Conference Park at the discounted rate of £75. Simply visit https://bandb.warwick.ac.uk/ to make your booking. Please enter “Scarman” as the area and “BARISTA14” as the promotion code. The Training and Conference Park was an award winner in the Meetings & Incentive Travel (M&IT) Awards 2014.
UK – University of Warwick hosts Midlands heat of the SCAE Barista Championships
