A master coffee brewer from the Republic of Ireland and a great connoisseur of the UK's Coffee Scene, Alexander brings passion, precision, and a true love for the craft. Get ready for expert insights and high standards from this Coffee Consultant, competitor and accomplished taster
ALEXANDER LEHANE
A master coffee brewer from the Republic of Ireland and a great connoisseur of the UK's Coffee Scene, Alexander brings passion, precision, and a true love for the craft. Get ready for expert insights and high standards from this Coffee Consultant, competitor and accomplished taster
ANDREW WHITWORTH-SMITH
Founder of The Cupping Directives - a dynamic platform dedicated to shaping and strengthening the UK's coffee industry, community and culture.
Andrew is involved in many high-profile projects, such as the London Coffee Map which guides coffee lovers to independent cafes, and The Cupping Room at the Caffé Culture Show which connects producers and importers to coffee professionals.
ANDREW WHITWORTH-SMITH
Founder of The Cupping Directives - a dynamic platform dedicated to shaping and strengthening the UK's coffee industry, community and culture.
Andrew is involved in many high-profile projects, such as the London Coffee Map which guides coffee lovers to independent cafes, and The Cupping Room at the Caffé Culture Show which connects producers and importers to coffee professionals.
BARBARA CROCE
Barbara is a true powerhouse in the coffee world – she has been at the forefront of the international coffee industry for over two decades. A certified Q Grader and CVA-accredited cupper. She has built and continues to manage multiple roasteries Gold Box Roastery @goldboxroastery Gold Box Dubai @goldboxdubai, PIONEERED a mobile coffee business Coffee Latino @coffeelatino that grew into a worldwide export success, showcasing her ability to innovate and scale. Building a reputation for pushing boundaries while staying deeply connected to origin and craft. Her sharp eye for detail, commitment to ethical sourcing, and entrepreneurial spirit make her a standout voice in the speciality coffee movement.
With years of hands-on experience in green coffee buying and a proven track record as an entrepreneur, Barbara's perspective will play a key role in recognising the cafés setting new standards in our UK's coffee community.
Having Barbara on the jury is more than an honour - it's a guarantee that quality, authenticity, and excellence will be at the heart of every decision made.
BARBARA CROCE
Barbara is a true powerhouse in the coffee world – she has been at the forefront of the international coffee industry for over two decades. A certified Q Grader and CVA-accredited cupper. She has built and continues to manage multiple roasteries Gold Box Roastery @goldboxroastery Gold Box Dubai @goldboxdubai, PIONEERED a mobile coffee business Coffee Latino @coffeelatino that grew into a worldwide export success, showcasing her ability to innovate and scale. Building a reputation for pushing boundaries while staying deeply connected to origin and craft. Her sharp eye for detail, commitment to ethical sourcing, and entrepreneurial spirit make her a standout voice in the speciality coffee movement.
With years of hands-on experience in green coffee buying and a proven track record as an entrepreneur, Barbara's perspective will play a key role in recognising the cafés setting new standards in our UK's coffee community.
Having Barbara on the jury is more than an honour - it's a guarantee that quality, authenticity, and excellence will be at the heart of every decision made.
BEN LEWIS
UK Latte Art Champion 2025 and 10th in the world!.
From pouring Sonic the Hedgehog into a cup to ranking top 10 in the world, Ben brings precision, passion, and pure artistry to everything he does.
We can’t wait to have his expert eye (and steady hand) help us uncover the most creative, community-driven, and downright delicious coffee spots across the nation.
BEN LEWIS
UK Latte Art Champion 2025 and 10th in the world!.
From pouring Sonic the Hedgehog into a cup to ranking top 10 in the world, Ben brings precision, passion, and pure artistry to everything he does.
We can’t wait to have his expert eye (and steady hand) help us uncover the most creative, community-driven, and downright delicious coffee spots across the nation.
BRYAN SWERWATKA
One of the most recognised and influential figures in the UK Specialty coffee scene – Bryan is the driving force behind roasters, cafés and brand partnerships with Minor Figures @minorfigures – bringing people together through creativity, culture, and a serious love for oat milk.
With over a decade in the Speciality Coffee Scene – Bryan has trained baristas, competed in national competitions and helped to build vibrant café communities across the UK and beyond. From championing sustainability to hosting unforgettable coffee events (and the occasional surprise appearance from his alter ego Auntie Climax), Bryan is an unmistakable presence in the coffee scene – equal part educator, entertainer and advocate!
His deep industry insight, boundless energy, and passion for people make him the perfect addition to this year’s jury. Welcome Bryan – we can’t wait to see your expertise in action!
BRYAN SWERWATKA
One of the most recognised and influential figures in the UK Specialty coffee scene – Bryan is the driving force behind roasters, cafés and brand partnerships with Minor Figures @minorfigures – bringing people together through creativity, culture, and a serious love for oat milk.
With over a decade in the Speciality Coffee Scene – Bryan has trained baristas, competed in national competitions and helped to build vibrant café communities across the UK and beyond. From championing sustainability to hosting unforgettable coffee events (and the occasional surprise appearance from his alter ego Auntie Climax), Bryan is an unmistakable presence in the coffee scene – equal part educator, entertainer and advocate!
His deep industry insight, boundless energy, and passion for people make him the perfect addition to this year’s jury. Welcome Bryan – we can’t wait to see your expertise in action!
DUNCAN LIM
A respected figure in the speciality coffee scene and World Certified Judge in Brewers Cup!. Duncan has done it all - from his barista beginnings to coaching and judging at Latte Art Championships and running the show at Madness Roastworks. When he is not fine-tuning everything for Sabah Coffee Events, you'll find him teaching the next wave of baristas at Coffea Bottega Academy.
With his wealth of experience, deep industry know-how, and passion for excellence, Duncan brings a sharp eye (and an even sharper palate) to the jurying panel. We're honoured to have him on board as we spotlight the cafes that are raising the bar across the UK!
DUNCAN LIM
A respected figure in the speciality coffee scene and World Certified Judge in Brewers Cup!. Duncan has done it all - from his barista beginnings to coaching and judging at Latte Art Championships and running the show at Madness Roastworks. When he is not fine-tuning everything for Sabah Coffee Events, you'll find him teaching the next wave of baristas at Coffea Bottega Academy.
With his wealth of experience, deep industry know-how, and passion for excellence, Duncan brings a sharp eye (and an even sharper palate) to the jurying panel. We're honoured to have him on board as we spotlight the cafes that are raising the bar across the UK!
ESTHER-HOPE GIBBS
The visionary behind Hope Espresso @hopeespresso and Besca UK @bescauk – a trailblazer whose passion for coffee is matched only by her dedication to sustainability, social impact, and excellence.
For her early days behind the espresso bar as a teen to leading social enterprises and training hundreds across the UK – Esther’s story is one of growth, empathy, and unstoppable innovation: Co-director of Manumit Coffee (offering dignified employment to survivors of modern slavery), featured at Caffeine Magazine in ’30 under 30 In the Coffee Industry’, SCA trainer, Licensed Q Grader, Certified TEA trainer! – plus writer for MTPACK Coffee Roasters Education Website and mentor of national business programmes.
ESTHER-HOPE GIBBS
The visionary behind Hope Espresso @hopeespresso and Besca UK @bescauk – a trailblazer whose passion for coffee is matched only by her dedication to sustainability, social impact, and excellence.
For her early days behind the espresso bar as a teen to leading social enterprises and training hundreds across the UK – Esther’s story is one of growth, empathy, and unstoppable innovation: Co-director of Manumit Coffee (offering dignified employment to survivors of modern slavery), featured at Caffeine Magazine in ’30 under 30 In the Coffee Industry’, SCA trainer, Licensed Q Grader, Certified TEA trainer! – plus writer for MTPACK Coffee Roasters Education Website and mentor of national business programmes.
JONATHAN TOWNSEND
Certified ATS trainer and more than a decade of experience in hospitality – Jon has curated his passion into a structured professional offering for those eager to sharpen their coffee skills.
From running SCA accredited courses to judging national barista competitions and helping cafes level up their coffee game – Jon’s passion is unmatched!
With his dedication to quality, a stellar background in coffee education, training, consultancy and community, Jon brings a wealth of expertise that will undoubtedly elevate our community. Let’s give Jon a warm welcome to The Best Coffee Shops UK
JONATHAN TOWNSEND
Certified ATS trainer and more than a decade of experience in hospitality – Jon has curated his passion into a structured professional offering for those eager to sharpen their coffee skills.
From running SCA accredited courses to judging national barista competitions and helping cafes level up their coffee game – Jon’s passion is unmatched!
With his dedication to quality, a stellar background in coffee education, training, consultancy and community, Jon brings a wealth of expertise that will undoubtedly elevate our community. Let’s give Jon a warm welcome to The Best Coffee Shops UK
KRIS SANDLAN
Kris is bringing to TBCS-UK more than a decade of passion, innovation, and leadership in the speciality coffee industry. From slinging shots behind the bar to shaping some of Scotland's most respected coffee experiences, Kris has left an undeniable mark on the UK Coffee Scene. As the driving force behind community management at Cairngorm Coffee @cairngormcoffee, one of Edinburgh's most beloved speciality roasters, Kris has helped cultivate not just a loyal customer base, but a true coffee community.
Whether it's through creative collaboration, barista development, or brand storytelling - his work consistently elevates the standard of what coffee can be.
Kris's contributions to the wider coffee world - from training and mentoring baristas to judging competitions and speaking at industry events - reflect a deep commitment to craft and connection. We're honoured to have him here and excited for the insights, conversation, and caffeinated inspiration he'll bring to the group.
KRIS SANDLAN
Kris is bringing to TBCS-UK more than a decade of passion, innovation, and leadership in the speciality coffee industry. From slinging shots behind the bar to shaping some of Scotland's most respected coffee experiences, Kris has left an undeniable mark on the UK Coffee Scene. As the driving force behind community management at Cairngorm Coffee @cairngormcoffee, one of Edinburgh's most beloved speciality roasters, Kris has helped cultivate not just a loyal customer base, but a true coffee community.
Whether it's through creative collaboration, barista development, or brand storytelling - his work consistently elevates the standard of what coffee can be.
Kris's contributions to the wider coffee world - from training and mentoring baristas to judging competitions and speaking at industry events - reflect a deep commitment to craft and connection. We're honoured to have him here and excited for the insights, conversation, and caffeinated inspiration he'll bring to the group.
NIKOL NOVOTNA
A certified Q Arabica Grader, SCA Sensory Judge, Competition Coach and Roaster, Nikol brings world-class sensory skills, unmatched roasting expertise, and a deep love for exceptional coffee. Originally from Slovakia, she became one of the country's first female Q Graders - proving that talent, passion, and perseverance can break any barrier.
At Watchhouse @watchhouse, she leads the roasting program with precision, shaping the brand's flavour identity and pushing the boundaries of quality and innovation. She's also a powerful advocate for women in coffee, inspiring more inclusion and leadership in our industry.
Nikol will bring us an elite cupping, sensory expertise and roasting mastery - her standards are high, her palate is sharp, and her heart is full in it. A voice for excellence, diversity and innovation. We are honoured to have her on board. Please join us in giving Nikol a warm welcome to The Best Coffee Shops UK!
NIKOL NOVOTNA
A certified Q Arabica Grader, SCA Sensory Judge, Competition Coach and Roaster, Nikol brings world-class sensory skills, unmatched roasting expertise, and a deep love for exceptional coffee. Originally from Slovakia, she became one of the country's first female Q Graders - proving that talent, passion, and perseverance can break any barrier.
At Watchhouse @watchhouse, she leads the roasting program with precision, shaping the brand's flavour identity and pushing the boundaries of quality and innovation. She's also a powerful advocate for women in coffee, inspiring more inclusion and leadership in our industry.
Nikol will bring us an elite cupping, sensory expertise and roasting mastery - her standards are high, her palate is sharp, and her heart is full in it. A voice for excellence, diversity and innovation. We are honoured to have her on board. Please join us in giving Nikol a warm welcome to The Best Coffee Shops UK!
NURGES AL-MUSSAWI
Nurges is the incredible talented Head of Coffee at Spider Monkey Roasters @spidermonkeyroasters. With a deep well of knowledge, a passion for excellence, and a sharp institution for what's next in the world of speciality coffee, she's a true force in the industry.
From her beginnings as a dedicated mentee to becoming a mentor and leader in her own right, Nurge's journey through speciality coffee has been nothing short of inspiration. As barista she found her passion in coffee turning it into her dissertation at university and making her unstoppable career around Speciality Coffee. Her refined palate, laser-sharp attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to customer experience make her the perfect addition to our panel.
Get ready UK - Nurges is here to shake up the Coffee Scene and celebrate the very best brews the country has to offer!
NURGES AL-MUSSAWI
Nurges is the incredible talented Head of Coffee at Spider Monkey Roasters @spidermonkeyroasters. With a deep well of knowledge, a passion for excellence, and a sharp institution for what's next in the world of speciality coffee, she's a true force in the industry.
From her beginnings as a dedicated mentee to becoming a mentor and leader in her own right, Nurge's journey through speciality coffee has been nothing short of inspiration. As barista she found her passion in coffee turning it into her dissertation at university and making her unstoppable career around Speciality Coffee. Her refined palate, laser-sharp attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to customer experience make her the perfect addition to our panel.
Get ready UK - Nurges is here to shake up the Coffee Scene and celebrate the very best brews the country has to offer!
