Success is brewing for one Douglas coffee shop employee.
Szilard Hathazi has been named the best barista in Costa’s individual franchise estate, which includes more than 330 outlets.
And he is now set to compete against Costa UK regional finalist winners in the UK finals in Telford next month in a bid to compete in the world final.
Szilard, who works in the Sea Terminal outlet in Douglas, created espressos, lattes, cappuccinos, flat white coffees and his own speciality drink to impress the judges.
But he still has some way to go to secure a place at the Champion of Champions finals at Vinopolis in London on October 23.
Originally from Romania, the 28-year-old lives in Douglas and has worked for franchise-holders Fancy A Coffee for the past two and a half years.
During this time he has developed his coffee making skills by creating a variety of coffees as well as his own speciality drink, Cassis Cortado, which combines blackcurrant, chocolate and ristretto.
Szilard said of his success: ‘People in the Isle of Man have a special appreciation for coffee and many of my customers share in my passion which is fantastic.
‘I love keeping up to date with current trends and trying new and innovative things with coffee. I can’t wait until the final next month when I hope to be in the top three and get a place in the Champion of Champions final.’
Asked how he learnt his trade, Szilard said: ‘We do in-store training and I was trained by the manager in the 65 Strand Street shop two years ago.
‘To become a barista I had to complete a written test about Costa and then a practical test. We have to make all the drinks to a high standard.’
If Szilard is crowned overall champion he will win a 10-day trip for two, with spending money, to a country of his choice with a Costa connection.
And ever dedicated to his trade, he said that he would like to go on something of a busman’s holiday where he could find out more about coffee – possibly Brazil!
The Costa Barista of the Year competition first launched in the UK in 2006.
It operates on a global scale where contestants from all of Costa’s 28 international markets can compete for the Champion of Champions title.
Previous finalists have helped to influence future drink ranges, working alongside specialists to develop the chocolate and orange mocha latte drink, launching this September.