Claire Wallace, from Assembly Coffee, is the new Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) UK

Barista Champion 2022. Claire achieved the top score in a highly charged Championship Final, hosted by coffee machine sponsor La Cimbali, at Events 270 on 14th May.  

The two-day event saw six finalists prepare four espressos, four milk and four signature beverages in fifteen minutes using the Cimbali M200 traditional espresso machine, which was used live on stage and in the practice area at each phase of the competition, from the initial heats through to the grand finale.

Competitors are scored on sensory and technical elements and Claire achieved the highest score to clinch the title.

Will Woodhouse-Banks, from Taylors of Harrogate was runner up with third place going to Ian Kissick from Formative Coffee.

Claire, who came second in the UKBC 2020, is the first female to win this prestigious award and will represent the UK in the World title (WBC) at Melbourne in September.

“The journey to winning the UKBC has been incredibly hard work but also incredibly rewarding, and I’m so excited to get to represent the UK at Worlds in Melbourne,” said Claire on collecting the trophy. “I couldn’t have done it without the help of my team. I hope that we’re heading towards a future where more of the exceptional women from our industry get the opportunity to represent the UK on a global stage!”