February 9, 2011 1.47 pm This story is over 163 months old

Drill Hall wakes up to coffee enthusiasts

Coffee competition: Coffee fans and shops battled it out to be crowned winner of the Barista Championships in Lincoln.

The UK Barista Championships 2011 hosted their annual North and Midlands heat of the competition in Lincoln on February 9.

Coffee shops and enthusiasts flocked to Lincoln Drill Hall to watch 13 entrants battle it out to get a place in the national final, which will take place in London.

The search for the best barista in the world this year will take place in Bogota, Colombia in June.

Baristas taking part in the competion had 15 minutes to impress a variety of judges with their coffee blends, while being assessed on attention to detail, creativity and signature.

The event, ran by SCAE UK, was organised by Lincoln’s 100 year old cafe, Stokes Coffee.

Below are The Lincolnite‘s photos of barista Howard Barwick of Absolute Coffee from Leeds, impressing judges with three different blends.

The stage for the contestants is set.

Howard grinds down the coffee beans to his chosen consistency for his first drink.

The tasting panel of judges await the coffee.

Howard makes the blend for one of his signature coffees.

Even how the coffee machinery is used is scrutinised by judges.

Serving up the last coffee for the panel.