The Shingle Inn Barista of the Year Competition finals returned this year in a more intimate and supportive format, hosted at our Capalaba store. Surrounded by family, friends and peers, our finalists showcased their skills in a relaxed environment.
Signature Drinks
- Grace crafted The Dubai Iced Latte, a luxurious iced creation featuring pistachio spread, kataifi, and a pistachio-rimmed glass that was as beautiful as it was delicious.
- Francisco drew on his Latin heritage for ‘Comfortably Yumm’, a tiramisu-inspired latte made with mascarpone, cocoa and a ladyfinger on the side.
- Oksa impressed with his Creamy Mintley Bandreg, a unique blend of mint, orange zest and coconut milk that delivered fresh, bold flavours.
- Myla took inspiration from a Snickers bar for ‘Nicke’s Delight’, a frappe layered with chocolate, caramel, espresso and peanuts. Sophisticated yet fun, it helped to earn her the title of 2025 Barista Champion!
A Supportive, Relaxed Competition
- Unlike previous years, the finals were deliberately kept low-key. No big crowds, no grand stage… just baristas focusing on their craft. This approach allowed each finalist to showcase their creativity and passion in a calm and uplifting setting.
And the Winner is…
Congratulations to Myla from Grand Plaza! Our 2025 Barista of the Year! Her exceptional creativity, consistency and skill stood out, making ‘Nicke’s Delight’ a drink to remember.
Celebrating all our Finalists
- We couldn’t be prouder of Grace, Francisco, Oksa, and Myla. Each brought unique flavours, cultural inspiration and artistry to their drinks. Beyond the finals, BOTY has had a powerful impact across our network with 26 newly qualified baristas, helping to ensure every cup of coffee meets the highest standards of quality.
Cheers to our talented baristas for another inspiring year of creativity and coffee craftsmanship!