Trading Post Brighton head barista to compete in coffee competition

Louis Harrison, head barista and production roaster at Trading Post Coffee Roasters in Brighton, will be competing in the heats of the 2023 competition.

The southern regional heats will take place at the Chichester Assembly Rooms and includes coffee experts from across the south of England.

Louis Harrison will compete in the championships next month (Image: Louise Morley)

Louis has worked at Trading Post, which has cafes in Brighton's Ship Street, Sydney Street and Kensington Gardens as well as other sites across Sussex, for two years.

He said: “I started my career in coffee in the same way many do, as a means to make some money while studying.

“During my time working behind a bar, pulling shots and steaming milk, I began to appreciate the detail and technicality behind the barista’s craft.

“There was far more to it than initially meets the eye, and I quickly understood how much of the barista’s skill is reflected in the finished drink.”

Louis has been preparing for the competition for months by experimenting with speciality coffees and perfecting his brewing skills.

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The UK Barista Championship is an annual event which is divided into regional heats, with the winners going on to compete in the national finals.

Baristas prepare and serve a range of coffee drinks to a panel of judges to showcase their skills and knowledge.     

Trading Post Coffee Roasters has coffee shops across Brighton including this one in Kensington Gardens (Image: Trading Post Coffee Roasters)

Louis added: “I fell down the coffee rabbit hole - reading books and watching videos and I learnt about how interesting and exciting this simple drink could be.

“I took on roles in training, maintenance, and roasting and I became more passionate about performing to the absolute best of my ability.

“I explored different coffees, and learnt to appreciate all the subtle differences between every drink I came across.”

Leading up to the heats, Louis has worked closely with the team at Trading Post Coffee Roasters to choose the best coffee he can.

“I can’t wait to present it,” said Louis.

“With sweetness and clarity at the forefront, I’m confident that as a team we’ve worked to develop an espresso and routine that the judges will love, and will be a strong contender on the day.”

The competition will take place on February 10, 2023.