Bristol-based Kaczmarek – team leader at the Bristol Aerospace centre – took home the winning title for her ‘high level of innovation, skill and incredible attention to detail.’
Her ‘truly unique’ signature drink, Good Morning Sunshine, was praised for being ‘an innovative interpretation’ of breakfast cereal in coffee form, comprising honey, toasted hazelnuts, peanut butter and malt.
She said: “I thought it would be great to combine the flavours of many people’s favourite breakfast using the sweet milk that is left behind in your cereal bowl.
“So I infused the milk using honey, toasted hazelnuts, peanut butter and malt to create the rich flavour.”
All contestants were judged on their level of skill, appearance, taste and serving skills and had to make four espressos, four milk-based drinks and four signature drinks.
Kaczmarek added: “The quality at these finals was immense – all of the coffees served on the day were really outstanding.
“The standards required from the judges is extraordinarily high, so I’m delighted and humbled that I was chosen as the overall winner of western regional heats.
“Next stop is the final – fingers crossed!”
Second place winner Charlie Hall, of Brecon Beacons Tearooms (Wales), made a signature drink called ‘Daioni Cymraeg’ (‘Welsh Goodness’ in English) made using homemade syrup with the same flavours as a traditional Welsh cake.
Aramark director of operations, Kate Holder, commented: “We’re very proud of our Brew School graduates who brought a seriously impressive, innovative range of signature coffees to this regional final.
“The skills on show were of exceptional quality, which is testament to the training and support that Aramark provides its baristas.
“Each participant produced some genuinely unique signature coffees – all evoking memories of people, places or experiences.
“We’re now looking forward to the grand final which is promising to be quite the showcase of talent.”