Oliver Isiuwa wins Vacherin barista competition

Oliver Isiuwa has won foodservice firm Vacherin's London Barista Coffee Championship competition.

A barista at the caterer's Battersea Power Station contract, Isiuwa demonstrated exceptional technical skills, knowledge and coffee flair to take the title at the final held at Maudsley Learning's Ortus event centre in Camberwell, London.

The barista competition was developed in recognition of the growing coffee culture in London and to highlight and reward the talents of Vacherin's own baristas.

The finalists were challenged to produce two espressos, two cappuccinos and two lattes within a ten-minute period, with the judging panel marking them on technical execution, balance of flavour and presentation.

The overall passion and dedication of the barista was also taken into consideration as demonstrated through coffee knowledge and customer service.

Simon Macfarlane, Vacherin's head of operations, commented: "The overall standard of the finalists, and indeed all the competitors throughout the competition, was incredibly high and I congratulate them all.

"I was hugely impressed by their positive attitudes, capabilities and commitment to excellence across the board, from presentation and taste through to technical skill. As a result, the winning margin was extremely tight but Oliver executed his latte art to perfection and it was this that won the judges over and ultimately clinched him the title."

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