2015 UKBC Competitor Joe Meagher, Flat Caps Coffee

SprudgeLive’s coverage of the 2015 United Kingdom Barista Championship is made possible by direct support from La Spaziale UK. All of SprudgeLive’s 2015 barista competition coverage is underwritten in partnership with Square and Urnex Brands. 

We’re proud to serve as official media partners of the Speciality Coffee Association of Europe–UK Chapter, who produce these extraordinary events.

We reached out to each of the 2015 UK Barista Championship competitors prior to their routines, to learn a bit more about them as competitors and coffee pros. We hope you enjoy these interviews!

Name: Joe Meagher

Company: Flat Caps Coffee

Number of years behind the bar: 5

Number of competitions: 4
3 UK Barista Championships (this is my 4th)
1st year won best cappuccino at regional level but didnt progress futher (2012)
2nd year finished 4th in UK finals (2013)
3rd year finished 5th (2014)

Competition Coffee: 2 coffees. Finca Escocia and La Illusion both from El Slavador.

Competition Milk: Jersey herd.

Signature Beverage: Tonka bean and red alaea salt infused espresso, lime and goji berry tea mixed with cucumber soda.

Secret Weapons: Individual espresso service

Playlist: All My Friends – LCD soundsystem
You Wish – Nightmares On Wax
The Heat – Jungle
Walk On The Wild Side – Lou Reed

Routine Theme: Just Aawesome coffee served well!

Total Practice Hours: God knows

Coach(es): This year I have 2.
Gordon Howell, owner of The Attic and Harlequins Coffee in York.
Seth Taylor, roaster at Reunion Island in Toronto, Canada.

They both wish they were me.

Fashion: Paul Smith
Thomas Pink
Reis
Levi
Nike
Versaci
All Saints

Additional notes: Rather than learn a script as in previous years, I have decided to learn all about my coffee and ingredients. The speech will just happen on the day (hopefully). I’m hoping this will put my passion and personality across more rather than a pre-determined script.

Also, I drive a classic mini.

Social Medias: @FlatCapJoe