Back

Riverstone's Barista Championship 2023

Share:

10 November

A Celebration Of Excellence: In a thrilling culmination of skill and passion, Friday 1st of December marked the grand finale of the Riverstone Barista competition, presented in collaboration with our coffee partners, Hej Coffee.

Our panel of judges? A dynamic fusion of coffee connoisseurs, from Riverstone’s Executives enthusiasts to our distinguished residents who appreciate the finer notes of a perfectly crafted brew!

The journey began with heated rounds across our Kensington and Fulham residences, leading five outstanding finalists to assemble at Hej’s roastery in Elephant & Castle for the ultimate showdown.

The competition comprised various challenges, including a speed round, Latte art, a signature drink presentation, and a test of general coffee knowledge.

Among the finalists were exceptional talents from both our concierge and Maria G’s teams, with participants Ahmed Tahir, Kevin Mazot, Claudia Trogu, Raffaele Ragno, and Yohannes Teklehaimanot.

Under the adept guidance of master of ceremonies Mathew Keech from Hey Coffee, and a distinguished judging panel that included one of our residents, the event unfolded with enthusiastic audience support. The competition was fierce, and the scores remained neck-and-neck throughout.

Amidst intense competition, Raffaele Ragno emerged as the crowned champion, securing an extraordinary all-expenses-paid trip for two to Turin. The prize includes flights, accommodation, meals, and an exclusive visit to the Lavazza Museum—a captivating immersion into the rich culture and rituals of coffee.

This competition not only showcased the exceptional talents of our dedicated staff team but also underlined Riverstone’s commitment to fostering a culture of excellence. As a company that values and recognises hard work, we are proud to celebrate our skilled staff team members who contribute to the exceptional service experience at Riverstone.

Here’s to Raffaele, our finalists and everyone who participated — their dedication to the craft is truly commendable!

Related Articles

A cookery class with Denise Phillips

Life at Riverstone is shaped by experiences that bring people together, read about our recent cooking class led by the talented Denise Phillips.

An audience with England cricket legends

Three cricket legends, three fascinating careers, three fantastic events - read all about them here. With Graham Gooch, Mark Ramprakash and Gladstone Small.

A lock up & leave lifestyle

At Riverstone our residents enjoy a lifestyle that many dream of: the ease of simply locking the door and stepping out into the world, whether that’s a weekend in the Cotswolds or a month in Kyoto, they can go with complete peace of mind as we take care of the details.

What is ageism?

Ageism can be felt externally through things like media and healthcare systems, or from within, in the form of self-limiting beliefs. Learn all about it here.

Stay strong, stay standing

How tailored strength and balance training can prevent falls in later life - discover the Stay Strong, Stay Standing program at Riverstone.

At the peak of summer: the power of outdoor spaces

Our private gardens, thoughtfully designed by the internationally acclaimed Andy Sturgeon, renowned for his work at the Chelsea Flower Show and landmark projects across the world, are curated outdoor sanctuaries.

Chocolate tasting with Jennifer Earle

Riverstone Living recently welcomed guests to a delightful Chocolate Truffle tasting event - an intimate, sensory gathering hosted in our Bishops Avenue Marketing Suite, led by cocoa connoisseur Jennifer Earle.

Summer garden parties with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Riverstone Living came alive with the magic of summer last week as we had the privilege of hosting another unforgettable series of Summer Garden Parties at both our Fulham and Kensington residences, celebrating not only the season but the spirit of community, culture, and connection which defines life at Riverstone.

How downsizing can enrich your life

Recently, we explored this concept at an exclusive event with BBC’s Bargain Hunt auctioneer Thomas Forrester. The discussion explored an important topic we all seem to avoid: the emotional and practical benefits of letting go of the past.

Bishops Avenue: a catch up with Christian

We are delighted to introduce our newest General Manager, Christian, who brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to Riverstone. Joining us at our new residence Bishops Avenue, coming soon, Christian is passionate about creating a vibrant and welcoming environment for our residents.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Filled with events, experiences and updates, our timely newsletter keeps you up to date with the very latest from Riverstone.

By ticking the box below, you consent to receiving promotional communications from Riverstone by: