BARISTAS battled it out at Merry Hill’s Copthorne Hotel when it hosted a coffee-making contest organised by Douwe Egberts.

The multi-national coffee company teamed up with Millennium Copthorne Hotel Group to offers its employees a chance to win its Barista of the Year accolade.

Baristas from across the group descended on Merry Hill’s Copthorne Hotel for the South/Midlands regional heats on Thursday August 14 which invited Copthorne staff to demonstrate their coffee-making skills and creative flair by creating a personal signature drink.

Candidates were asked to prepare three drinks for each member of the judging panel including a cappuccino; espresso and the signature hot drink of each candidate’s choice.

Six regional finalists will then battle it out again in front of expert judges in the grand final in Slough in October.

Martyn Bell, marketing manager for Douwe Egberts Professional, said: “The judges will be looking for great preparation and flair, presentation, aroma, taste and consistency as well as machine operation and maintenance.”

The winner will scoop the prestigious Barista of the Year, £500 worth of holiday vouchers and chance to add their signature drink to the hot beverages menu across the Millennium Copthorne estate.