Energetic baristas compete in the ultimate coffee throwdown at Paddy & Scott's Ipswich Café!

Ipswich is still buzzing with excitement following last week’s Coffee Art Throwdown!

Suffolk’s very own coffee company, Paddy & Scott’s, hosted a fantastic event last Thursday. The legendary ‘The Ginger Barista’, Kit Wilkins-Smith, served as MC, ensuring that guests and competitors experienced an atmosphere more charged than the caffeine being served.

Paddy & Scott’s Waterfront Café in Ipswich witnessed 12 talented baristas going head to head, all vying to be crowned champion for the night. Esteemed judges, including the talented 2024 winner, David Nickerson-Smith, summed up the event perfectly.

"Baristas work in cafes serving great coffee so that customers can enjoy a brew while socialising with friends, holding meetings for work, or simply taking a moment to pause. It is rare that baristas themselves have the opportunity to come together in a community environment with likeminded people.” 

The energy was high, and hints and tips were shared in a fun way. On the night, no one cared who worked for whom; it was all about the skills. Whether it be swan latte art, which Beth from Applaud coffee used to scoop first prize winning a Eureka Mignon Grinder, or a Phoenix pour that Peter from Small Town Café & bakery in Clare challenged himself with.

"All competitors, sponsors, judges, and spectators came together in the most beautiful way. It was lovely to see, and I feel proud to have been part of such a fantastic event," says Kit Wilkins-Smith from Paddy & Scott’s.

Beth Titchie, the barista champion, has worked in the industry for the past 12 years, with many of those years spent at Applaud Coffee Ipswich.

This event exemplifies the true spirit of community. Suffolk University provided Kit with a PA system to ensure his witty words were heard loud and clear, while Conti set up two of their fabulous coffee machines for the baristas to use on the night. The contributions didn’t stop there; LA Brewery showed their support along with other supporters like Moma, Birchall, and IBC Simply, while Jaguar Beverage provided freebies and excellent prizes.

With the bar raised even higher this year, what will Paddy & Scott’s deliver in 2026?! We can’t wait to see.

Congratulations to all who took part, and especially to Beth Titchie, the 2025 Barista winner.

For more information, visit: Paddy & Scott’s Shop