Advisory Committee

ALEXANDER LEHANE

We’re proud to welcome back Alexander Lehane @thewayfaringcoffeehat for his second year as a Jury Member of The Best Coffee Shops UK 2026. Originally from Ireland, Alexander brings a perspective shaped by both deep technical expertise and a broader understanding of the global coffee landscape. As a brewer, taster, and consultant, his work reflects a commitment to precision, sensory excellence, and continuous exploration of the craft. Over the years, he has built a reputation not just through competition and cupping, but through his ability to connect origin, process, and final cup — approaching coffee as both a science and a cultural experience. His curiosity and hands-on approach have taken him beyond the bar, contributing to a more informed and progressive dialogue within the UK and Irish coffee scenes. What makes Alexander such a valuable voice on this panel is his balance of discipline and openness — a judge who understands the technical benchmarks of quality, while also recognising innovation, storytelling, and evolution within modern coffee shops. As he returns to the jury for 2026, he brings continuity, global insight, and a refined palate that continues to push standards forward. We’re excited to have him back at the table. Welcome back, Alexander.

ANDREW WHITWORTH-SMITH

We’re beyond happy to welcome back Andrew Whitworth-Smith for his second year as a Jury Member of The Best Coffee Shops UK 2026! Andrew is widely recognised as a connector within the UK specialty coffee community, bringing together producers, professionals, and coffee enthusiasts through a range of impactful initiatives. As the founder of The Cupping Directives, he has created a platform that champions education, collaboration, and transparency, helping to strengthen the industry from origin to cup. His influence extends across several high-profile projects, including the London Coffee Map, an essential guide that celebrates independent cafés and supports local coffee culture. Andrew also curates The Cupping Room at the Caffè Culture Show, providing a unique space where producers, importers, and coffee professionals can engage in meaningful dialogue and sensory exploration. With a background in consultancy, training, and event curation, Andrew brings a holistic perspective to the jury—combining technical knowledge with a deep appreciation for community, sustainability, and innovation. His return ensures continuity and insight as we continue our mission to recognise and celebrate excellence across the UK’s coffee scene. We’re proud to have his expertise guiding the 2026 awards. Welcome back to the team, Andrew!

DUNCAN LIM

We want to give a massive welcome to Duncan Lim @mrduncanlim for his second year as a Jury Member of The Best Coffee Shops UK 2026. Duncan brings a truly global perspective to the panel, shaped by years of experience across competition, education, and coffee events. As a World Certified Brewers Cup Judge, his approach to coffee is rooted in precision, calibration, and a deep respect for the craft — evaluating not just flavour, but technique, intention, and execution at the highest level. From his early days behind the bar to becoming a coach, mentor, and international judge, Duncan has consistently contributed to raising standards within the specialty coffee industry. His involvement in Latte Art Championships, along with his work in barista training and education, reflects a commitment to developing the next generation of coffee professionals. Through his leadership at Madness Roastworks and his role in shaping Sabah Coffee Events, Duncan has also been instrumental in building platforms that celebrate coffee culture, competition, and community on an international scale. His work with training initiatives such as Coffea Bottega Academy further highlights his dedication to knowledge-sharing and industry growth. What makes Duncan’s return to the jury so valuable is his ability to connect global standards with local excellence — recognising coffee shops that not only deliver quality, but also push boundaries and contribute to the wider coffee conversation. We’re honoured to have his expertise back on the panel for 2026 and look forward to the insight, rigour, and global perspective he brings once again. Welcome back, Duncan!

GRACE TALBOT

Please welcome the one and only Grace Talbot @gajl as a Jury Member of The Best Coffee Shops UK 2026. Grace brings a unique and highly valuable perspective, shaped by her work at the heart of the UK’s coffee event scene. Having played key roles in the evolution of leading coffee festivals, she has been directly involved in platforms that unite some of the most exciting voices, brands, and innovations in specialty coffee. This experience gives her a rare, panoramic view of the industry — from emerging trends and new talent to the evolving expectations of coffee drinkers across the country. Now part of Mio, Grace continues to deepen her connection to the industry, bringing insights that bridge events, community, and the broader coffee ecosystem — from storytelling and brand partnerships to customer experience and cultural relevance. What makes Grace such an exciting addition to the jury is her ability to see the bigger picture: understanding not only what makes a great coffee shop today, but also where the industry is heading next. We’re proud to have her on the panel for 2026 and look forward to the perspective, energy, and expertise she brings. Welcome to the team, Grace!

JONATHAN TOWNSEND

We’re honoured to present Jonathan Townsend @theinstituteofcoffee for his second year as a Jury Member of The Best Coffee Shops UK 2026. Jonathan returns to the panel as one of the UK’s leading voices in coffee education — bringing a perspective grounded in structure, standards, and long-term industry development. As the founder of The Institute of Coffee, he has built a platform dedicated to professionalising coffee training, helping individuals and businesses move beyond passion into true expertise. With a background spanning over a decade in hospitality and specialty coffee, Jonathan has become known for his ability to translate knowledge into real-world impact — from delivering SCA-accredited training to supporting cafés in refining quality, workflow, and consistency. His work sits at the intersection of education and application, where theory meets the demands of a busy coffee shop. Beyond training, Jonathan’s involvement in competitions and assessments has sharpened a highly calibrated approach to quality. He understands not only how great coffee should taste, but how systems, teams, and standards come together to deliver that experience consistently. What makes his return to the jury so valuable is this structured lens: an ability to look beyond the surface and recognise the foundations that define truly outstanding coffee shops — from technical execution to team development and customer experience. We’re delighted to have his expertise back on the panel for 2026 and look forward to the clarity, depth, and professionalism he brings once again. Welcome back, Jonathan!

KRIS SANDLAN

We’re delighted to welcome back the incredible Kris Sandlan @astabarista_ for his second year as a Jury Member of The Best Coffee Shops UK 2026! Kris continues to be a driving force in the UK’s specialty coffee scene and a leader to the industry. From his early days behind the bar to shaping some of Scotland’s most respected coffee experiences, his influence has been both profound and inspiring. As the community manager of Cairngorm Coffee @cairngormcoffee, Kris has played a pivotal role in fostering genuine connections within the coffee world—building not just a loyal customer base, but a thriving and engaged community. His dedication to creative collaboration, barista development, and compelling brand storytelling continues to elevate standards across the UK coffee landscape. Beyond the café, Kris is widely respected for his contributions as a mentor, competition judge, and industry speaker. His commitment to nurturing talent and championing excellence makes him an invaluable voice on our jury panel. We’re honoured to have his expertise and perspective once again. Welcome back to the team, Kris!

LISA LAWSON

We couldn’t be happier to welcome Lisa Lawson – founder of Dear Green Coffee @deargreencoffee and Glasgow Coffee Festival @glasgowcoffeefetival a true pioneer of Scotland’s speciality coffee scene – to The Best Coffee Shops UK jury panel 2026! Lisa’s coffee journey began in Australia, but it was back in Glasgow where she made her mark – launching Dear Green in 2011 with a mission rooted in People, Planet and Product. Managing to get B Corp certification and Roast Magazine’s 2025 Micro Roaster of the Year. From sparking Scotland’s specialty Coffee Revolution to founding the incredible Glasgow Coffee Festival @glasgowcoffeefestival. Lisa champions sustainability, equity and innovation at every step. Lisa brings her world-class standards, industry experience, and passion for progress to our jury panel. We are beyond excited to have her helping us celebrate the UK’s Best Coffee Shops! Welcome to the team Lisa!

SAROJ BALAMI

We’re excited to welcome Saroj Balami @saroj.balami8 to the Jury Panel of The Best Coffee Shops UK 2026. Saroj represents the energy and evolution of the next generation in specialty coffee — a barista whose journey is rooted in both creativity and technical progression. He has developed a strong foundation in precision, symmetry, and visual storytelling — core elements in nowadays coffee shops. Through his experience working with projects such as Lost Paradise and Kavi Coffee, Saroj has been immersed in environments that prioritise quality, innovation, and customer experience — shaping his understanding of what defines a modern, forward-thinking coffee shop. As an SCA judge and trainer, he brings a trained and calibrated perspective to the panel, with the ability to assess coffee beyond surface-level quality — considering technique, balance, presentation, and the full customer journey. His judging experience allows him to bridge both sides of the industry: performance and evaluation. We’re proud to have him joining the panel for 2026 and look forward to the insight, precision, and fresh energy he brings. Welcome to the team, Saroj!