Congratulations to Paul Stephens of Brighton’s very own Redroaster Coffee House (far right of the photo) for helping the British team win the much coveted European Coffee Challenge in St. Petersburg this week. The team, which also includes the 2010 UK latte art champion Neil Le Bihan of Exchange Coffee (second from right), fought off tough competition from both the Ukrainian and Russian teams, who finished in second and third respectively. The competition involved the full range of professional coffee skills. After being assigned a particular brewing method they had to select suitable green coffees, then blend, roast and brew them in front of a panel of expert judges. The UK team won a cupping (tasting) round and also came first at sorting unroasted coffees for defects. Each team’s presentation skills were also assessed and their relevant coffee photographs even included an espresso cup they resourcefully made out of snow!
