A barista from the north east has won the title of Global Latte Art Champion in an international competition, becoming the only person in the UK to have ever achieved this accolade.
Sarah Dickinson, who works at the Costa Odeon store at intu Metrocentre, won 1st place in the ‘Latte Art Showstopper’ section of Costa Coffee’s 12th annual Barista of the Year competition that attracts entries from 64 countries world-wide, representing over 17,000 baristas. Entrants competed in a variety of categories including the coveted title of Barista of the Year, in addition to Free Pour, Signature Drink and Latte Art sections of the contest.
Sarah, 28, from Consett, Co. Durham, who has been a barista for over three years at the Odeon intu Metrocentre branch of Costa, initially submitted her signature ‘Unicorn’ design to the first round of the competition, hoping that her original creation might grab the judges’ attention.
A panel of experts selected 6 entries in her category, which were showcased on Costa Coffee’s website and social media channels, inviting the public to vote for their favourites.
Sarah was delighted to be chosen as one of final three contestants, and to join 15 finalists in a three-day experience at Costa’s London roastery headquarters, culminating in the high profile final held at London’s prestigious 8, Northumberland Avenue venue, hosted by TV presenter and reality star Jeff Brazier.
“I can honestly say these were the most nerve-wracking days of my life so far!” Sarah admitted, “We were all thrilled to be in the final, and had an amazing tour of the Basildon roasterie which was really interesting and informative, as we are all passionate about our careers. We were then filmed making our creations and interviewed for videos that were shown at the final the next day. Having to make my latte art live to an audience of over 2,000 people was quite an experience, and I was numb when it was announced I had won – I was just happy to have made it to the final! I have always loved unicorns and anything remotely mystical, and I even have a unicorn tattoo that clearly brought me good luck on the day!”
Sarah’s proud manager at Costa Odeon, Clair Riley, added:
“All of the staff at Costa Odeon intu Metrocentre were right behind Sarah; this is an amazing achievement which is very well deserved. We all watched the live streaming of the final and shed a few tears when Sarah won. The team here are just like an extended family and we are absolutely thrilled and so proud of her achievements. To be the only person in the UK to have won this award is absolutely awe-inspiring!”
Since the announcement of Sarah’s success, she has been invited to teach Latte Art Masterclasses at venues around the UK, and she has her heart set on becoming a Barista Trainer. In the meantime, regular customers are celebrating by enjoying her signature Unicorn drinks.