After earning second place in the 2026 UK&I Barista of the Year competition, Shani Wallace, 19, from Costa Coffee’s Nugent Shopping Park store, Orpington, is set to represent the UK at the sixteenth Costa Coffee Global Barista of the Year competition, taking place on the 24th and 25th March 2026.
Shani impressed judges in the UK&I competition with her precision, creativity, and passion for coffee, crafting Costa Coffee’s signature drinks to exacting standards and creating her original speciality drink, the Neapolitan Latte, which highlighted both her flair and technical expertise.
At the global final, Shani will join fellow UK&I finalists Charlie Denton (first place from Costa Coffee’s Wakefield Drive Thru store) and Brandyn Kazali (third place from Costa Coffee’s Crowthorne store) to compete against baristas from the UAE, Poland, and China. Over two days, the finalists will face four challenging rounds, testing their skill, creativity, and precision in coffee-making.
“I’m thrilled to take my UK&I experience to the global stage,” Shani Wallace, barista from Costa Coffee’s Nugent Shopping Park store. “Competing alongside talented baristas pushed me to be creative and precise, and I’m proud to represent London and my store. Every coffee I make is crafted with care, and I’m excited to share that passion on an international stage.”
Costa Coffee’s Barista of the Year competition celebrates people, skill, and care, highlighting the dedication of baristas who craft every cup with expertise and heart. The global finals are a showcase of talent from Costa Coffee’s worldwide community of over 18,000 baristas.
As the Nation’s Favourite Coffee Shop*, Costa Coffee is always on the lookout for passionate baristas to join the team. Visit your local Costa Coffee store to ask about job vacancies or explore career opportunities online at https://costacareers.co.uk/
