London barista Shani Wallace from Costa Coffee’s store in Nugent Shopping Park, Orpington, has been awarded second place at the 2026 Costa Coffee UK and Ireland Barista of the Year competition, placing her among the top baristas in the UK and Ireland. 

Joining her among the competition’s finalists was Ahmed Rana, from Costa Coffee’s store in the Glades Shopping Centre, London, who impressed judges and finished among the top 12 baristas across the UK and Ireland. 

The two-day competition, held on the 3rd and 4th February 2026 at the Victoria Warehouse in Manchester, tested 12 finalists on a series of technical and creative challenges. Each finalist crafted core coffee drinks to exacting standards and designed an original speciality drink using Costa Coffee’s signature Mocha Italia blend. Shani’s innovative creation, the Neapolitan Latte, and Ahmed’s creative drink, the Lychee Cortado, impressed judges with their innovation and technical flair. 

The result marks a major personal achievement for Shani following months of training and preparation. She said: “I’m thrilled to take second place at this year’s Costa Coffee UK & Ireland Barista of the Year. Competing alongside such talented baristas pushed me to be creative and precise, and I’m proud to represent London and my store on this stage. I can’t wait to bring this experience to the Global finals next month.” 

Talking about the experience, Ahmed Rana said: “Participating in Costa Coffee’s UK and Ireland Barista of the Year has been an unforgettable experience. Competing alongside so many talented baristas was incredibly inspiring, and I’m proud to represent London and my store. This experience has inspired me even more to keep exploring and sharing my love for coffee.” 

Now in its sixteenth year, Costa Coffee’s UK and Ireland Barista of the Year competition reflects the brand’s long-standing commitment to coffee craft, consistent quality, and developing baristas who are experts in everyday coffee rituals. 

The 2026 UK & Ireland Barista of the Year title was awarded to Charlie Denton from Costa Coffee’s Wakefield Drive Thru store. Brandyn Kazali from Costa Coffee’s store in Crowthorne, finished third. 

Next month, Shani Wallace, Charlie Denton and Brandyn Kazali will represent the UK and Ireland at the Global Barista of the Year competition, going head-to-head with the top baristas from from India, the UAE, Poland, and China.   

For more information about the Costa Coffee Barista of the Year competition or to explore career opportunities, visit: https://www.costa.co.uk/sustainability/people/our-baristas