A coffee cart operator from London has been named as the UK Barista Champion at ScotHot in Glasgow, and will now go through to represent Britain in the World Barista Championships.
Gwilym Davies, who runs a handful of independent coffee carts in London and has worked in the coffee industry for over 11 years both in the UK and New Zealand, competed against 24 other semi-finalists to clinch the title.
Each competitor had to create four cappuccinos, four espressos and four of their own signature drinks in just 15 minutes, and were judged on their presentation, professionalism, attention to detail and knowledge of their chosen coffee’s provenance.
Davies impressed the judges with his signature drink of a blend of a Finca San Jose Pulped Natural Red Catuai from Erwin Mierisch and family in Nicaragua, and an El Molino de Santa Rita Washed Orange Bourbon from Jose Antonio Salaverrias farm in El Salvador, with melted unsalted butter, grated orange zest, vahlrona chocolate, muscovado syrup and ground cinnamon to amplify the characteristics of the coffee.
Davies said his win was less about himself and more about everyone working in the coffee chain, including the farmers, “I just quietly make coffee, I love learning about it and I love teaching people how to make coffee,” he said. “I’m excited about representing UK Baristas and helping to increase the profile of the championships amongst customers and coffee shops in London.”
Davies will now represent the UK at the World Barista Championship held in Atlanta, USA on 16-19 April.