Kaczmarek has worked as a team leader at the Bristol Aerospace Centre since May 2017 and has been a barista for just over two years.
Each finalist created a total of twelve beverages including 4 espressos, 4 milk-based drinks and 4 signature drinks. These were evaluated by a judging panel, who marked competitors on skill and taste, as well as overall presentation techniques.
After her win, Kaczmarek said: “Competing in this competition has been a new experience that has pushed me out of my comfort zone and hopefully gives me confidence when approaching new challenges within my career and an ability to believe in myself.”
The judging panel was led by Graziano Moroni, head of coffee for Bewleys UK, and included Lara Hunter Rodwell, Dayana Coppini and Arthur Leaf, all of which hold SCA Qualifications and are previous competitors of UK Barista championships.
When announcing the winner, they cited Kaczmarek’s excellent barista skills, unrivalled enthusiasm for specialty coffee, creativity and flair as the deciding factors.
The winning beverage designed by Kaczmarek was an innovative interpretation of a breakfast cereal in coffee form. She infused milk using honey, toasted hazelnuts, peanut butter and malt to create a rich flavour.
Lawrence Shirazian, managing director at Aramark Food Services UK said: “We are all absolutely delighted with Karolina’s win. It’s a fantastic result that underlines the expertise of our baristas in serving up the very best specialty coffee.
“It was a truly fantastic day to be a part of; the passion, time and hard work that each finalist demonstrated throughout the months leading up the final did not go unnoticed. I couldn’t be more proud of the strong barista’s we have throughout the UK.”
Second place went to Leeds Barista Ayse Selcuk, who has been a Barista since November 2017