2026 Barista Championships

This month we crowned the winner of our 2026 Barista Championships following an exhilarating showcase of coffee craft, creativity and technical excellence.

Held at our new training centre, The Learning Loft in Bermondsey, the annual competition celebrated the talented baristas who elevate the coffee experience for our clients and guests across the business every day.

More than 20 baristas competed across five high-energy heats, each bringing skill, focus and a clear passion for exceptional coffee. Competitors were challenged to produce three distinctive latte art designs — hearts, tulips and rosettes — with every cup assessed for symmetry, foam quality, precision and milk wastage.

Using coffee from headline sponsor Ozone Coffee and state-of-the-art Victoria Arduino espresso machines and grinders, each barista had just two minutes to create their coffee.

The fast-paced format demanded composure, creativity and exceptional technical control under pressure. The result was a visually striking and highly competitive event that brought out the best in every participant.

A dedicated live-streaming area gave supporters a front-row view of the action, while the judging panel brought together Brandon Coyle from Ozone Coffee, Rachel Hill from Good & Proper Tea and Keilin Harper from Delicious Ideas.

Julia Hiu Tung Chan delivered the winning performance to claim the 2026 title and a Sage Barista Express espresso machine. Samira Medjkoun secured second place, with Rohan Rajbanshi taking third.

Julia Hiu Tung Chan, Head Barista at Restaurant Associates in central London, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be crowned the 2026 champion. It means so much to see the daily practice and attention to detail pay off. Since joining Restaurant Associates last year, I’ve received incredible encouragement from colleagues and guests, and the championships gave me the perfect opportunity to challenge myself, connect with other talented baristas and enjoy the experience. A flat white is my favourite drink to create: achieving the perfect 0.5 cm depth of microfoam while producing detailed latte art takes real precision. For me, mastering those technical details is how I show the care and passion that goes into every cup of specialty coffee.”