Local barista wins gold medal

CLONTARF barista Maggie Lach has been crowned Sodexo UK and Ireland Barista Champion for 2013.

This is the first time that Ireland has taken home a gold medal from the Sodexo UK and Ireland Salon Culinaire.

Maggie, who is originally from Poland and now lives in Clontarf, has been employed at Aviva Dublin for the last six years and is head barista at the busy Costa Coffee unit.

After winning the gold medal at the All-Ireland Salon Culinaire in Dublin, she was invited to take part at the UK and Ireland Salon held at Royal Ascot Racecourse.

There were 10 contestants and the competition was divided into three sections.

The first was to serve the Salon attendees with coffee; the cupping section was next and the section involved the creation and presentation of three drinks – an espresso, cappuccino and a signature drink, all of which had to follow World Barista Championship rules.

Maggie said she was very nervous at first but had great support and soon settled into the competition.

“When I was announced the winner, I was very happy,

? she said.

“Because I usually get very emotional in these kinds of situations I was surprised I didn’t cry.

“My first thought was that this is what I should stick with. I’m good at this. This is who I am, and this is what I should continue to do. Winning the gold was a great feeling.

?