A Wrexham coffee shop barista is in the running for a national title – thanks to a new signature brew.
Lewys Jones who works at the Costa coffee outlet within the Odeon cinema at Eagles Meadow Shopping Centre, is now off to Leamington Spa for the next heat of the competition which could see him eventually crowned Costa’s UK champ.
The 24-year-old, who has a master’s degree in fine art, says he’s passionate about coffee and delighted to have made it to the next round of the Costa Barista of the Year competition.
He said: “My manger, Claire, put my name forward and I’m really pleased. I have worked at Costa in the Odeon at Eagles Meadow for more than five years now and love my job.
“I would like to work within the art world but I like job security and I can still follow my passionate for art in my own time. I just enjoy talking to our many regular or new customers and we have a great team here at Eagles Meadow.”
Lewys said: “I competed against baristas from across the region which includes Liverpool and Cheshire. That was for Odeon franchises across the region.
“The next round at Leamington Spa will be even harder. The eight competitors have to make several different coffees as well as a coffee using our own recipes.”
“I’ve come up with a drink using coffee brewed in a cafetiere with orange and cinnamon topped off with a shot of star anise infused espresso.
“Although we are in summer, it’s something of a winter warmer. I like using a cafitiere as it is how I was introduced to coffee and it’s what I use at home.”
The assistant manager at Costa in the Odeon at Eagles Meadow, Joanne Jubb, says Lewys deserves his success as he is absolutely passionate about coffee.
She said: “It’s a real confidence boost for Lewys and really well deserved. The coffee he has created is sensational and we are all really backing him to do well at Leamington Spa and to go on and land the national final.
“Lewys enjoys meeting customers and working with coffee and he is an important member of the Costa team here at Eagles Meadow.”
Eagles Meadow manager Kevin Critchley is a regular at Costa.
He said: “I’d like to congratulate Lewys for his victory and I’m sure he will do well at the next round in Leamington Spa.
“The Costa franchise in the Odeon Cinema at Eagles Meadow is really popular and I know there are a great many regular customers who enjoy relaxing over a cup of coffee or meeting friends there.”
“It’s always nice to see committed staff do well and it will be wonderful if Lewys can bring back the Barista of the Year title to Eagles Meadow.”
To learn more about Eagles Meadow including go to www.eagles-meadow.co.uk
