The ‘Coffee Olympics’ comes to Bury St Edmunds
The ‘Coffee Olympics’ is underway in Bury St Edmunds and what is more it is free to watch and there is free coffee.
The UK barista championships has come to Bury St Edmunds for the first time thanks to hosts Butterworth and Son on Moreton Hall who roast and wholesale their own coffee.
There are four UK heats before a semi final and final in London.
The third heat is taking place at The Apex in Bury St Edmunds today and tomorrow.
Baristas get just 15 minutes to make four expressos, four cappuccinos, and four expresso based non-alcholic drinks of their choice.
“It is the coffee Olympics,” said Rob Butterworth, from Butterworth and Son. “It is the most prestigous competition in the coffee industry,
“There is the potential that someone here can not only win the UK title but go on to compete internationally in Melbourne.
“The Coffee industry is growing and there are a lot of skills that can be developed to improve that growth – these two days are about showing some of those skills.”
Jessica Darnell and Lucy Newell from The Coffee House on Moreton Hall were among those enjoying the event.
“For anyone involved in the coffee industry this is a massive thing and it is great to have it in Bury St Edmunds.
“There are people here from all over the UK. It is about picking up tips and helping generate that passion for coffee.
“This is the whole reason we set up our business, that passion. Since the recession more and more people are going out for a coffee and a slice of cake as their treat, perhaps instead of going out for a meal.”
There were plenty of nerves, and applause as day one got underway.
Magda Grzelka, 25, featured in our video, works for Taylor Street Baristas in Mayfair.
“The preparation was much more nerve wracking than the actual making of the drinks. I thought it would be more stressful but I was ok apart from a shaky hand with my cappacunios.”
She said she has been a barista for four years but decided she was not ready for the competition until now.
The competition returns tomorrow - so why not pop in for a coffee.
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Weather for Bury St Edmunds
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 3 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 4 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: North west
