The B.B.C returns

The regional heats Each participant is given 15 minutes practice time and then a further six minutes to produce two cappuccinos and two espressos. (Coffee will be supplied) Timed separately the barista will then have to produce a total of five drinks consisting of two cappuccinos, an espresso, a latte and a hot chocolate, these drinks are then to be presented to the judges all together. Each participant will be judged on basic technical, presentation skills and speed of service. Regional heats will be held at Caffe Society, Leeds on 14 October, Masteroast, Peterborough on 20 October, Lavazza, Uxbridge on 28 October, Beyond the Bean, Bristol on 4 November and Scotland TBC on 11 November. The finals Each finalist will choose any number of five single origin coffees to blend as they wish and are given one hour to prepare. They will then be given a further eight minutes to produce two espressos and two cappuccinos. Prior to the finalist choosing their coffees, a representative from Masteroast will give a ten minute explanation about the five single origin coffees the finalists will be using, pointing out their origins, flavours etc, this will be followed by a coffee based quiz in the style of Who 'Wants to be a Millionaire'. Finalists are then back on the machines to produce a signature drink using general items made available - Information regarding the signature drink ingredients will be posted out prior to the final. The final stage will be a speed test; all five finalists are timed over five minutes to produce as many espressos as they can in the allotted time. The four contestants that produce the most will then go head to head in a further two rounds. A judge will either pass or fail the drinks as they are produced, looking for minimum standards; if the minimum isn't met, the drink will not count towards the final total. The final will be held at the Caffe Society offices in Leeds on the 18th November. The original Brasilia Barista of the Year Competition came to an end back in 2003 and has been re-named The Brasilia Barista Challenge.