News: Rotherham students compete in the National UK Barista Championships

Two students at Rotherham College of Arts and Technology (RCAT) recently had the opportunity to compete in the regional heats of the National UK Barista Championships at Lincoln's Drill Hall.

NVQ Level 3 Food & Beverage Service student Hannah Bleu Roe and NVQ Level 3 Hospitality Supervision student Firas Wazany went on to represent the college after achieving first and second place during the college's in-house Barista competition where they were required to produce four espressos, four cappuccinos and four of their own signature speciality drinks in just 15 minutes.

The in-house competitions were sponsored by Katie Evans at the Heavenly Coffee Company in Dinnington and scored by a panel of judges including, David Veal of Cafe Sienna in Hellaby - Executive Director of the Speciality Coffee Association of Europe, and Former Chairman of the Beverage Standards Association (BSA), Kenneth Cooper - National Coordinator for the UK Chapter of the Speciality Coffee Association of Europe, Maxine Beadsmoore from Derbyshire's Bottle Kiln and former college students Nick Challinor and Shaun Green.

Hannah won first place with her balsamic and star anise macchiato and Firas came a close second with a coconut latte finished with chocolate and both students received certificates for their achievements.

Weeks later they journeyed to Lincoln to take part in the regional heats where they had the opportunity to compete alongside industry professionals and also develop their experience of working under pressure. A number of students from the department also joined them to lend their support, assist with the preparations and pick up some tips from other entrants along the way.

Although Hannah and Firas just missed out on the winning places within the competition, they enjoyed the experience and were able to take away some useful tricks of the trade. They also listened to the valuable advice provided by the judges that they can later use to develop their skills for a future within the hospitality industry.

RCAT website

Images: RCAT