The London Coffee Festival to host Coffee Masters in 2015

Allegra Events will launch the inaugural Coffee Masters barista competition at The London Coffee Festival, to be held at the Old Truman Brewery in London, from 30 April – 3 May 2015. The new fast-paced barista competition will see top baristas from across the globe compete for the Coffee Master title and a $9000 cash prize. Coffee Masters is a timed, multi-disciplinary barista competition that showcases a barista’s broad range of skills. Over three days, 18 baristas will take part in Cupping, Brewing, Latte Art, The Order Challenge, The Signature Drink and The Espresso Blend challenge in a knockout-style championship. Ludovic Rossignol, Head of Events, Allegra Events, said the overall winner will be an all-rounder who can excel in all disciplines. “The winner must have creativity, passion, skills, knowledge and personality – these are what make a Coffee Master,” said Rossignol, in a statement. Rossignol said this new competition model would provide the audience with a front-row seat to witness world-class baristas competing in a unique, vibrant and highly entertaining one-on-one competition. “Coffee Masters will add to the overall buzz and excitement of the London Coffee Festival and complement the mix of experiential, interactive festival features already existing,’ said Rossignol, in the statement. “There will be immediate judging, live commentary and an instant winner.” Rossignol said the competition is designed to be entertaining yet educational: “We wanted the competition to showcase the expertise, craftsmanship and dedication needed to work in some of the best coffee shops in the world. It is our hope that the competition will also promote and advance the barista profession.” Baristas can enter the competition by submitting a one-minute video presenting a Signature Drink. Contenders will be chosen based on the level of creativity, passion, skill and personality evident in the video.