WBC Countdown: Barista Champion of the UK John Gordon

JOHN GORDON
BARISTA CHAMPION OF THE  UK

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Barista Mag:  Before coffee, did you work in a different job or industry, or what did you study in school?

John:  I worked for several years in the security industry

BMag:  How did you get started in coffee?

John:  My fiancee Jessica got me into coffee.

BMag:  What was your first amazing experience with coffee?

John:  A Natural processed Ethiopian Harrar around 8 years ago.

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BMag:  Who has been your greatest influence in coffee? Why?

John:  Steve Leighton, James Hoffmann, Jessica MacDonald, and Anette Moldvaer

BMag:  What would you like to see change about the coffee industry/community?

John:  Less negativity, more positivity.

BMag:  Name a barista you admire, and why:

John:  Sang Ho Park.  He is the most talented barista I know.

BMag:  Besides your own cafe, what cafe do you think everyone should visit?

John:  Colonna & Smalls, Bath, UK ( owned by 2012 UK Barista Champion Maxwell & Leslie )

BMag:  Which coffee producing country you would like to visit, and why?

John:  Ethiopia. My most favorite coffees have been from Ethiopia. I even named my cat after an Ethiopian coffee.

BMag:  What are your interests outside of coffee?

John:  Tattoos, wood turning, fixing things

BMag:  Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

John:  Still in the coffee industry I hope.

BMag:  Is there anyone you would like to thank or who helped you prepare for the WBC?

John:  Jessica MacDonald; Sang Ho Park; the whole team at  Square Mile Coffee Roasters (Best Team in the World)

About Sarah 937 Articles
Sarah Allen (she/her) is co-founder and editor of Barista Magazine, the international trade magazine for coffee professionals. A passionate advocate for baristas, quality, and the coffee community, Sarah has traveled widely to research stories, interact with readers, and present on a variety of topics affecting specialty coffee. She also loves animals, swimming, ice cream, and living in Portland, Oregon.