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Crowned champion: Matthew Roberts collects the winner’s cheque from SSP UK CEO Tony Keating and Chief Organiser, SSP’s Graziano Moroni |
UK. Caffè Ritazza employee Matthew Roberts was crowned UK Barista Champion at the recent SSP UK National Barista Championships.
Held in London on 30 March, the 2010 Championships, created by travel catering specialist SSP UK, recognised and celebrated the quality coffee offer within the travel retail environment.
Competing at Dickens Inn in London’s St Kathryn’s Dock, Roberts and seven other finalists had to produce four espressos, four cappuccinos and a signature drink. The finalists performed in front of industry experts under strict time conditions.
Roberts’ delivery and drinks earned top marks for technical ability, presentation, consistency and taste balance. His speciality coffee, the Chilli Mocha, “showed creativity and an innovative use of flavours,” said the judges.
SSP UK CEO Tony Keating said: “Coffee is extremely important to our business and achieving superb standards is imperative to demonstrating that we are the food travel experts. I was blown away by the passion, flair and expertise each finalist has shown – this is what helps us to deliver our promise.”
Commenting on the win, Roberts said: “I can’t believe I have won the title of UK Barista Champion at the SSP awards. I am chuffed to bits to have been recognised for doing something I absolutely love. I am looking forward to representing the UK in the upcoming Caffè Ritazza World Championships.”
Roberts collected the prize of a European weekend break and £500 spending money courtesy of event sponsor Stanco.
Chief Organiser and SSP UK National Coffee Champion Graziano Moroni said: “˜We have seen some amazing displays of originality and imagination, and every one of these finalists deserves to be here today. The standard of the skills that Matthew has displayed from start to finish has been exceptional.”
East Midlands Airport Barista Jurate Skarzauskate was placed second and Elizabet Bozhinova from Dublin Airport was third.
The Caffè Ritazza World Championships will be held in September.
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Roberts’ speciality coffee, Chilli Mocha, earned top marks for technical ability, presentation, consistency and taste |
