Brit Costa barista wins runner-up prize at international final in London

An Isle of Man barista was ‘pipped at the post’, coming an impressive second place in a competition to find the best Costa barista in the world on Wednesday (23rd October) at the international finals in London

Szilard Hathazi, (28), competed with 7 of Costa’s most accomplished baristas from around the world to be named runner-up at the Champion of Champions final held at Vinopolis, London. He scoops a Barista of the Year trophy, a two-night break for two with spending money to a Costa-nominated destination and an i-Pad Mini as his runner-up prize.

The 8 finalists were tested on their ability to produce a technically perfect cup of hand-made coffee and their knowledge and understanding of the industry. They were also judged on their overall performance, flair and passion for coffee, and on their creativity by inventing their own signature drink.

Szilard, who won the Speciality Drink Category, impressed the judges with his own speciality drink, a Cassis Cortado which combines Blackcurrant, Chocolate and Ristretto. The barista, who has
worked at the Sea Terminal Store in Douglas for two and a half years, said: “I still can’t believe it. Barista’s from over 330 stores originally entered this competition so to come second in the Champion of Champions final is just amazing. I am passionate about coffee and I have had a great time so I would like to say a big thank you to the team at Costa and all my customers who supported me on what has been an unforgettable journey.” 

Head judge and Costa Master of Coffee Gennaro Pelliccia said of Szilard:

“Szilard did a fantastic job against some outstanding competition. He’s just what we look for in our baristas: someone who possesses true Pride, Passion and Personality about their coffee.”

Joining Gennaro on the panel were celebrity chef Phil Vickery and food television personality Stefan Gates. Vickery said of the competition:

“Judging Costa’s Barista of the Year 2013 competition has really opened my eyes to the exceptional skill and dedication displayed by Costa’s Baristas. I have been particularly impressed with the Barista’s creativity creating and developing their speciality drinks for us today and I now know what goes into a decent cup of coffee and will appreciate it so much more! Szilard simply ticked all the boxes for us: he was personable yet professional, and his skills shone throughout.”

Gates added,

“This year’s competition marks my second time as a Barista of the Year judge and the finalists have certainly lived up to my expectations and more this year. It has been brilliant to see how skilled these Baristas are and see personalities take centre stage at such an esteemed event for the Costa brand. I’d like to wish Szilard and all of the finalists the best of luck in their future careers.”

Szilard joins a list of prestigious Barista of the Year finalists including 2012 winner Victoria Stewart who, along with 2012 finalist Rob Pound inspired and helped develop Costa’s Chocolate & Orange Mocha Latte that successfully launched into stores this Autumn.

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