Dublin Airport barista wins world title

A
BARISTA at Dublin Airport has become a world champion after taking the top
prize at a major event in London.

Ziad
Nakhoul, who manages the Upper Crust coffee shop in Terminal 1 Arrivals, was
the overall winner at the SSP Caffè Ritazza World Barista Championships.

He took
first place after producing what the judges described as four

“faultless

?
espressos and cappuccinos.

The
event is designed to recognise excellence and reward achievement among
employees at SSP’s worldwide chain of coffee houses.

Caffè
Ritazza International Franchise Director and competition organiser Stuart
Coombes described Ziad as

“a great barista

? and said his performance was
outstanding.

Lebanon-born
Ziad, who has worked for SSP at Dublin Airport for 11 years, went on to produce
a signature drink called Oriental Sensation.

Inspired
by the flavours of the Middle East, his drink features espresso accented with
rose syrup, cardamom and fennel garnished with chocolate.

He said
he would use his prize money to treat himself to a coffee machine for his home.

“I
really enjoy learning from competition and I love the challenge,

? he said.