Finalists of a Cumbrian coffee roastery’s first ever professional barista championships have been revealed.
The team at John Farrer & Co in Kendal launched the championships in April.
Since then, over 20 professional Baristas from coffee shops across the region have been pitting their knowledge and skills against each other across the six heats, as the competitors fought it out to secure a spot in the final on October 2.
Competitors were put through their paces during a two-hour test of their professional knowledge and skills. Judges, including Farrer’s barista trainer Michaela Hudson, assessed each of the competitors across several criteria, including how they went about setting up their workstations, to how well they produced a signature coffee-based alcohol-free beverage of their choice.
The six finalists, who will be competing on October 2 at Farrer’s dedicated barista training suite at its Kendal Roastery & HQ on Shap Road for the overall title of Farrer’s Barista Champion 2024.
The six finalists are:
- Charlie Edgar from Lowther Castle & Gardens, Newtown, Penrith
- Luke Klein from Boaters Bar, Bowness
- Nina Hibberd from Bay View Garden Centre, Carnforth
- James Greenwood from Freshers Café, Ambleside
- Emma Cartwright from 2 Sisters Café, Plumgarths
- Katie Jackson from Brew Brothers, Kendal
The judges for the finals will be Beverage Standards Association trainers, John Skinner, and Martyn Herriott, in conjunction with Farrer’s general manager Rob Baines, head roaster Che Oxenham and trainer Michaela Hudson, who between them will decide who will be crowned the Farrer’s barista champion 2024.
The championship winner will receive the winner’s trophy for a year, a Sanremo Zoe Two Group Compact Espresso Coffee Machine worth £5,000 for their business, the opportunity to make their very own coffee blend and a three-day City & Guilds Level 2 VRQ Course and hamper with Farrer’s coffees and more.
The runner-up will receive a runner’s up certificate, a one-day BSA Level 1 Course, and a hamper brim full of Farrer’s coffee and tea-related goodies. Each of the four other finalists will also receive a selection of Farrer’s goodies marking their achievement in getting to the final.
Rob Baines, Farrer’s general manager, said: ‘’It’s been a closely fought competition so far with some serious coffee brewing skills being showcased. Now all that remains is for us to see who will claim the overall title – good luck to each of our finalists.’’
