A Harrogate barista has secured a place on the world stage after winning the UK’s top coffee competition.
Will Woodhouse-Banks, an innovation developer at Taylors of Harrogate, won the national title earlier this year in London.
He will now represent the UK at the World Coffee Championships in Milan from 17th to 21st October.
The 36-year-old achieved victory on his fourth attempt, having previously placed second and third in the national finals.
Competitors are required to present a series of drinks around a chosen theme, which are judged on taste, cleanliness, creativity, technical skill, and presentation.
To prepare, Mr Woodhouse-Banks made more than 1,000 coffees and carried out over 100 full event run-throughs.
Speaking after his win, he said:
"It's been a really intense process training for these championships but I'm super excited to represent everything we've worked on and everything we stand for at Taylors on the world stage."
His theme for the competition focused on the role of trust in relationships within the coffee industry.
He added:
"I need to say a special thank you to my manager and coach Nicola Peacock. Without her support, I wouldn't have been able to achieve any of this."
The World Coffee Championships in Milan will bring together national champions from across the globe to compete for the world title.

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