Bransholme coffee king Rob's Spanish success

A BRANSHOLME barista has brought a touch of Spain to a coffee shop in Hull.

Rob Pound is officially the best coffee-maker in central England after wowing judges with his Spanish influenced beverage.

As well as demonstrating his skills in creating a variety of coffees, the barista also created his own drink – the Magdalena Macchiato.

Rob, 20, who works at Costa Coffee in Kingston Retail Park, won the firm's Barista Of The Year 2012 regional heat after he created espressos, lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites and his speciality drink.

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He said: "I'm really shocked to have made the final heat.

"I studied Spanish at university, which brought to life my love of Spanish culture.

"I observed that local people enjoyed a Madeleine biscuit with their morning coffee so, with this in mind, I created a drink that would complement that breakfast ritual.

"I'm really looking forward to building on the Magdalena Macchiato for the final."

The drink is a traditional macchiato infused with flavours of lemon and vanilla to bring out the aromas of the espresso.

He will now compete against other top coffee- makers in the "champion of champions" finals in London on Wednesday, October 24.

Rob, who has been working at the shop for two years since moving from the Beverley outlet, won the Hull area heat of the competition before landing the regional title.

He said his experience of last year's competition has helped him progress further this time.

"I am much more confident now and have learnt a lot of new techniques," he said.

"It is a really nerve-racking experience knowing you have someone looking over your shoulder and marking you on everything you do.

"The regional heat was pretty intense but I was confident my creation was good enough to win.

"I had tried a number of other options that hadn't gone so well but I was really pleased with how this one turned out."

Matt Smith, manager at the shop, said Rob is valued member of his team.

"Rob is great to have around and is currently helping me train the staff," he said.

"I nominated him because of his hard work and because he is a talented coffee-maker.

"It is a fantastic drink he has created and I am sure it will be good enough to win the competition.

"We are keeping our fingers crossed everything goes to plan in the final."

Rob is hoping his Magdalena Macchiato and coffee-making skills will be enough to win the competition and see his creation placed on Costa's menu across the country.