The family-owned, independent Coffee Shop Kona Blue Coffee &
Deli at Highcross Leicester is taking the art of coffee making to
the extreme today by staging a competition to create the most
artistic latte, with a cash prize up for grabs for its most
creative barista.
'Latte art' is made by pouring steamed milk into a shot of
espresso to create patterns and designs on the surface of the
drink, with baristas from the Highcross coffee shop challenged to
make two lattes (complete with art), two signature drinks and two
macchiatos in eight minutes. The winner will then progress to Kona
Blue's national final.
Lee McEwan, manager of lower-mall based Kona Blue, said: "The
latte art competition is a great way for our staff to show off the
expertise they use every day at Kona Blue and we're looking forward
to discovering the brand's most artistic Barista.
"We set exceptionally high standards and take great pride in the
way we present our cups of coffee at Kona Blue. Our very own
exceptional Josh Turner, former contestant of the UK Latte Art
Championships, along with our director and co-founder Julie Turner,
will be judging all entries and they are both expecting to see some
great designs."
The top two winners of the Leicester heat of the competition -
taking place at 6pm today (January 24) - will go on to compete at a
final at the Derby store on February 16, which will be judged by
Kona Blue's, Peter James, who roasts all of the chain's coffee
using Europe's first environmentally friendly roasting equipment
and using ethically sourced coffee purchased direct from the
farm.
Sam French, marketing and events coordinator at Highcross said:
"Kona Blue is a very popular café at Highcross and the latte
art competition is a great initiative to encourage competition and
expertise amongst the staff.
"We're looking forward to seeing who will come out on top and
hope that our Highcross winner has got what it takes to go all the
way and win the final next month."
The Highcross store is one of three Kona Blue Coffee & Deli
stores in the UK. Each store specialises in seasonal expressos,
fine coffees, locally sourced produce, and fresh sandwiches.