Charlie Denton, barista from Costa Coffee’s Wakefield Drive Thru store has been named the 2026 UK and Ireland Barista of the Year, following a thrilling two-day competition.
Charlie has worked at Costa Coffee for six years, and impressed judges with his creativity, technical skill, and passion for coffee. Competing against 11 other finalists from across the UK and Ireland, he claimed the top spot at the Victoria Warehouse in Manchester.
Over the 3rd and 4th of February 2026, the 12 finalists faced a series of rigorous technical and creative challenges designed to test their coffee expertise. The competition concluded with the creation of an original speciality drink using Costa Coffee’s signature Mocha Italia blend, designed to showcase each barista’s creativity, skills and sensory expertise.
Charlie’s dedication to consistently crafting high-quality beverages with extra care, combined with his speciality drink, the Caramelised Banana and Date Latte, set him apart as an exceptional barista.
Speaking about the win, Charlie Denton, barista from Costa Coffee’s Wakefield Drive Thru store, said: “Winning Costa Coffee’s UK & Ireland Barista of the Year is an incredible honour and something I’m hugely proud of. The competition pushed me creatively and challenged me to showcase everything I love about coffee, and it was an honour to do this alongside some amazingly talented baristas. To represent Wakefield and my store makes this even more special, and this win truly belongs to my team as much as it does to me. I can’t wait to take this passion and experience with me into the Global finals next month.”
Shani Wallace from Costa Coffee’s store in Nugent Shopping Park, Orpington was awarded runner up, with third place going to Brandyn Kazali from Costa Coffee’s store in Crowthorne – rounding out a highly competitive final showcasing barista talent from across the UK and Ireland.
Marta Slipczuk, Core Skills Trainer at Costa Coffee and Head Judge at the Barista of the Year 2026 competition, said: “This year’s finalists demonstrated extraordinary skill, creativity, and passion. Charlie stood out not only for his technical expertise but for the care and creativity he put into every drink. It’s a joy to celebrate the talent and dedication of our baristas, who continue to raise the bar in coffee excellence across the UK and Ireland.”
This is the sixteenth year Costa Coffee has run the UK & Ireland Barista of the Year competition, reflecting the brand’s long-standing commitment to coffee craft, consistent quality, and developing baristas who are experts in everyday coffee rituals. The event is open to all Costa Coffee baristas, offering them a platform to showcase their technical skills, knowledge and passion for coffee.
As UK and Ireland Barista of the Year, Charlie Denton, alongside Shani Wallace and Brandyn Kazali, will now represent the UK and Ireland at the Global Barista of the Year final in March, competing against top baristas from India, the UAE, Poland, and China.
For more information about the Costa Coffee Barista of the Year competition or to join the team, visit:
https://www.costa.co.uk/sustainability/people/our-baristas
