2012 will see the first ever Speciality Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE UK) UK Barista Regional Championships (UKBC) to be held in East Anglia, hosted by local company Mad About Coffee and held at The Space Norwich on Saturday 3rdMarch.

Richard Norman, managing director of Mad About Coffee says

"It’s about time Norfolk was able to host the UKBC Regional championships and we are excited at the prospect of putting Norwich on the coffee map!"

The SCAE UK runs the UKBC championship each year in each UK region for Baristas to pitch their coffee making skills against each other for the prestigious title of UK Barista Champion of the Year, the finals of which are held at the London Coffee Festival. The winner of this will then go forward to represent the UK at the World Barista Championships WBC. Richard himself has participated in the championships a number of times and is the proud owner of a Regional silver award.

Launching alongside the UKBC is the first of the annual Norfolk Coffee Festival, to run in conjunction with the competition and is open to the public. The day will offer a variety of participants, food, and free advice plus, of course, a great cup of coffee! Richard states,

"It’s a fantastic networking opportunity for all those in the coffee trade and a great day out for families and coffee enthusiasts alike."

In hosting the Norfolk Coffee Festival and Championships this year, Mad About Coffee welcomes the small local independent traders to run alongside the larger established companies to provide an exciting mix of opportunity across the Coffee and Hospitality field. For further information on the Norfolk Coffee Festival please contact Mad About Coffee on 07970 291 448

Jill and Olly

www.thespacenorwich.co.uk