London Latte Art Smackdown 2014 - #smackdown14 - Lead Up Part Two

So here we are, the first week is upon us already and the amazing news is that at this time (10 pm Friday night), there are only five spaces left on the final heat night, November 11th *Updated Saturday 4 pm – One Space left* . Yes, we already have 47 of London and beyond’s baristas competing in the 2nd annual Latte Art Smackdown and are pretty sure we will get the full 48.

So there will be 12 per heat, with the heats to be held at Kaffeine every Tuesday night from October 21st, with the top three going into the final to be held at Square Mile Roastery on Tuesday November 18th.

We are very lucky to have had prizes donated by the amazing Coffee Hit and also Square Mile (and are also open to others donating prizes if you wish) and the full entry pool of £480 will be split amongst the top 3. That is a bit of cash for Christmas.

Cafes already competing include:

Prufrock

Kaffeine

Curators

Dose

The Fields Beneath

Artisan

Terrone

Taylor Street Baristas

Her Majesty’s Coffee

Dose

(and others I cannot remember at this time but will update later)

We also have three judges per night allocated from some of the legends of the London Coffee scene including Glenn Watson as lead judge, Oli Bradshaw, James ‘I won last year’ Bailey, James Hoffman, Marty Latham, Pete Garcia, Andrew Tolley, Phil the Bass Player, Tim ‘Styles’ Williams and Jeremy ‘Etchgate’ Challender.

So what are the rules? A full rules sheet will be available on the night of competition, but here is a breakdown (which may be subject to slight changes).

• Double shots in a 5 oz flat white bowl cup – shots poured by a Kaffeine barista
• Competitor to steam their own milk, then split into two jugs and pour their best latte art
• Rosettas, Tulips and Hearts only
• Bottom of latte art to be at 6 o’clock on the cup with the handle to the right hand side
• Barista to present both cups and choose their best one.
• Judges to judge on symmetry, contrast, presentation, cleanliness, dribbles (or lack of) etc etc.
• Next barista goes and does the same thing.
• Judges choose best barista and that barista goes into the next round

There is to be no:

• Running
• Jumping
• Bombing
• Diving
• Etching
• Swans
• Rude Things
• Kissing

Supporters are welcome each night, we will have cheap beers available and some food. Entry is from 7 pm onwards and heats kick off from 7:30 pm with estimated finish up about 9:30 pm.

If you still wish to compete and have not yet entered, you can either come into store or call us up and pay over the phone. This is going to be a great event and a great opportunity on so many levels, we hope to see you there.

In the meantime, please enjoy this weeks menu, as we will enjoy bringing it to you.

Peter Dore-Smith
Director
Kaffeine Ltd
66 Great Titchfield st.
15 Eastcastle st.