Search for perfection goes to finals

A HUDDERSFIELD barista is crafting the perfect cup of coffee in an attempt to be crowned Costa’s Barista of the Year 2011.

Desmond Lea, 30, of Marsh, who works at the Huddersfield Kingsgate shopping centre branch of Costa, will compete against top coffee-makers at the UK regional finals in Leeds on September 7.

He won the Yorkshire heats of the competition earlier this month.

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Mr Lea who joined Costa in November, 2007, said: “I made it to the finals of the Barista of the Year competition last year and, I must say, I feel a lot more confident this year.

“I’ve stepped up my game, I feel the drink I’m making is a championship drink and I’m bringing something new to the table; I will be doing something that no other finalist has done before.

“I’m getting married next year, so to win a holiday for two would be a perfect wedding present.”

As part of the competition, the baristas will have to prepare their very own speciality drink.

Mr Lea will make a salty caramel mocha drink called A Moch Salt.

The winner will head to Costa’s Roastery in London for the global Champion of Champions Final in October.