Laura Floyd winner of annual barista championship

Laura Floyd has been announced as the winner of BM’s 2023 barista championship following a hotly contested final held in Camden.  Laura works as head barista at one of BM’s London contracts, and has previously won the BMBC (2017).  

Beverages included three courses, split between espresso only, milk beverage and signature drink that highlights the espresso flavours and aromas.

Laura was able to deliver a consistent sensory experience and created a lemonade like drink that enhanced the coffee taste.

Hanna Bevza also from the same contract finished in second and Simona Valentini in third place.

Based on the format of the UK Barista Championship and held at the Victoria Arduino showroom (the caterer’s coffee machine partner), competitors were set the challenge of serving four single espressos and four single milk-based drinks, finishing with four signature drinks within 15 minutes.

 The judging panel was made up of BM directors, support team members, operations management, supplier partners and external guests.

 Laura Floyd the winner said 

“I’m proud of myself for going out of my comfort zone again, and winning was even more of a shock this time. 

“Having been a judge, I know that anything can happen in a competition.

“I met some great characters through the competition and the support from everyone was amazing. I’m glad I’ve done it.”

Miguel Camara, head of coffee and tea, BM said

“We’re so proud of all our finalists who dedicate themselves to coffee excellence day-in, day-out at their respective client sites and got to show off their skills as well as learn from each other at this year’s barista championship. It has been heart-warming to see the camaraderie, how quickly the finalists bonded and have supported each other during the competition. Laura has demonstrated tenacity and courage for coming back and putting her skills to the test again.

 The BM barista championship, or BMBC, was launched in 2017 to celebrate BM’s coffee partnerships as well as Perkee, BM’s premium coffee brand, which was developed in collaboration with Nicaraguan-based co-operative Soppexcca in 2016.