WORLD-CLASS PERFORMANCE FROM HASKINS

An in-house barista from Haskins is a cause for celebration with a world-class performance at an international competition.

Michaela Wilson, a barista from Haskins' Southhampton branch, is the cause for celebration after coming third in the Global Barista of the Year competition.

For 14 years, Costa Coffee and Haskins have partnered together, with Haskins being the only garden centre group in the UK to serve their coffee in its restaurants.

The Global Barista of the Year competition has run for 15 years, with competitors completing national and regional heats, before moving onto the final competition.

Wilson competed over the two-day event in April that focused on creativity and customer service skills with a speciality drink 'Autumn Walks', a pumpkin-spiced coffee. Wilson was among six international entrants, ranking highest in the UK.

“The final was massively nerve-wracking but went well," Wilson says. "The speciality drink element of the competition is one area where I don’t think I could have done anything differently. Being able to represent Haskins at such a prestigious event was a brilliant opportunity, and I am grateful for the support from my West End centre team, which has enabled me to develop as a coffee expert in my time with the company.

"Overall, it was a fantastic experience to have and one that I will be proud of and remember for many years to come. I cannot wait to bring my learnings and experiences from this event back to my role at Haskins’ West End centre."

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