Banbridge barista shoots for the stars

‘The cream always rises to the top’ - is a saying that couldn’t be more apt than for one Banbridge latte-artist, David Wilson, as he ascends through the heats of the Starbucks barista championships.

David, a past pupil of New-Bridge Integrated College and Coffee Master at Starbucks Banbridge, came first in the Northern Ireland heats.

His success then continued to the regional championships in Edinburgh, where he was tested over four disciplines - bar skills, coffee tasting, signature beverage and a coffee quiz, before taking a first for his signature beverage.

“I was tested on all sorts of things such as my coffee knowledge and presentation of beverages,” said David.

“As part of it, I had to design my own signature beverage and it was this that won for the region. I could use anything I wanted from the store, and the drink I created was a chocolate caramel flat white, so I called it a ‘charamel’!

“Some people had designed very elaborate drinks, but I decided to try and keep mine simple and to the point - something that could be easily made on a busy Saturday and this idea seemed to appeal to the judges.

“I loved taking part in the competition. You take back so much - you get so many fresh ideas and gain so much confidence in your own skills.”

Handcrafting deliciously perfect beverages is something David takes a particular pride in and it requires great attention to detail.