Barista Showdown names Central Coast coffee making champion

It was like the coffee lovers version of a MasterChef pressure test when six Central Coast baristas competed in a tension-packed showdown.

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It was like the coffee lovers version of a MasterChef pressure test when six Central Coast baristas competed in a tension-packed ‘barista showdown’ on Monday at Terrigal.

There were a few flustered moments and some shaking hands as the six finalists vied for the Expresso Coffee Specialists 2017 Champion Barista crown.

During this test, contestants had to make three types of coffees for the panel of judges — an espresso, a cappuccino and a creation of their own.

Finalist Tyson Spessot of Coast Bar and Restaurant in action.

Ultimately Annabelle Molney of Secret Cafe at Charmhaven won the showdown.

Coffee connoisseur and award-winning restaurateur Stefano Manfredi was on the judging panel. He grew up above an espresso bar in northern Italy and has his own premium cafe blend coffee range, Espresso di Manfredi — so he knows a thing or two about what makes good coffee.

“In the 20 years or so that I’ve been associated with the Central Coast — attitudes to coffee have changed a lot,” Mr Manfredi said.

Coffee creation by finalist Tyson Spessot of Coast Bar and Restaurant, Gosford Waterfront)

“People from Sydney have brought new skills to the area,” he said.

“People now expect the same quality of coffee you can get in metropolitan Sydney.”

Mr Manfredi said he was impressed with the skill level of the competitors.

“The standard is very good — competitions like this focus on the individual and encourage them to achieve a high standard,” he said.

“That raises the standard for everyone else too.”

Stefano Manfredi makes some judging notes during the competition.

Other judges were Head of Innovation and Education for Hemro Group (Anfim Coffee), Daniel Hofstetter, Product and Tehnical Manager at Bombora Coffee and Water Supplies, Joe Le Mura, and Hobbs Expresso Coffee Specialists Phil

St Clare.

Watching the action was last year’s winner Francis Elliott who was just 17 when he took out the 2016 title.

The winner was Annabelle Molney from Secret Cafe at Charmhaven.

He was working at Norah Head’s Running Late at the time.

The self confessed “coffee crazy” barista said the Central Coast coffee scene was becoming more sophisticated and people were more accepting of specialist coffees.

His signature coffee last year was a white jasmine and elder flower iced long black which demonstrated the changing culture.