Taking place during the company’s inaugural ‘Coffee Carnival’ (Clerkenwell, London), the annual competition tests a ‘broad spectrum’ of barista skills and is split into three sections: an espresso, cappuccino, and freestyle course.
Reigning Barista Champion, Kirilova, who works at a Bartlett Mitchell client site in Kent, said: “I really can’t believe it. I worked so hard and I just can’t believe I managed to win.
“I’d like to thank all of my team and managers for supporting me throughout the competition and every day at work. This is amazing and I’m really shocked and happy.”
As part of her prize, she will attend Specialty Coffee Association’s (SCA) two-day Barista Camp in Portugal this September.
Impressing judges, including: Bewley's trainers Ricardo Alesso and Dayanna Copini; Bewleys head of coffee and UKBC judge, Graziano Moroni; and Bartlett Mitchell senior team members, were fellow award winners:
- Best customer service: Luis Marques
- Best milk course: Kristina Kirilova
- Best espresso: Kristina Kirilova
- Best signature drink: Maria Barrottu
Miguel Camara, coffee brands manager and Coffee Carnival organiser, said: “The calibre of this year’s finalists was impressive. Our baristas are going from strength to strength, learning more each year and taking inspiration from coffee and flavour trends.
“The final scores were very close. The winning competitor, Kristina Kirilova, was strong in every challenge. She demonstrated everything we look for in our baristas: passion, pride and personality.”
Bartlett Mitchell chief executive Ian Thomas added: “I am delighted at the success of our first ever coffee carnival.
“Serving exceptional coffee is a differentiator and crucial to build customer loyalty and increase sales. Events like this inspire our team members to want to serve better coffee every day”.