For the world’s best Costa barista has been named as Klara Rohel, who crafts coffee at the Roadchef Annandale Water Services.
Klara, who lives at St Ann’s, is full of beans after being named Costa’s 2015 Barista of the Year Champion last week at the global final at Tobacco Dock in London.
The 26-year-old has worked at the motorway services for 15 months and beat stiff competition from Costa’s most accomplished baristas from around the world to gain the accolade in the tenth year of the international championship.
She said: “I’m still in shock that I have won Barista of the Year.
“The whole journey has been amazing and I was so honoured to even reach the final.
“I’m very grateful to my family and friends and to my Costa colleagues who have given me so much support along the way.”
Klara impressed Costa’s master of coffee Gennaro Pelliccia, celebrity chef Phil Vickery and esteemed restaurateur and cookbook author Dipna Anand in each of the stages of the final.
The showstopper of the competition was Klara’s signature drink— the Peanut Long Macchiato.
Judges said Klara poured her own personality into the drink, displaying her talent, imagination and skill.
She also impressed the judges by creating 11 perfect espressos in a one-minute espresso race against her eight fellow competitors.
Head judge Gennaro Pelliccia said: “With over 30,000 Costa Coffee baristas around the world Klara did a fantastic job against outstanding competition.
“She has everything we look for in our baristas: someone who possesses true pride, passion and personality.”
In addition to taking home the coveted trophy, Klara was also awarded a ten-day trip for two to a country with a Costa connection of her choice.
