NATIONAL success is brewing for a North-East coffee queen.
Lucy Shilling is the only barista in the region to make it to the final 50 in the race to be named Starbucks’ Barista Champion of Britain.
The competition, now in its third year, received 800 entries across the country.
All contestants were assessed on their coffee making, customer service and coffee knowledge.
Ms Shilling, who works at Durham’s Framwelgate Bridge store, will now go through to a second round in April, where she and her rivals will be challenged to create a signature beverage, demonstrating their creativity and individuality.
The best six entrants will qualify for the national final, with the UK winner announced in late May.
A Europe, Middle East and Africa contest will take place in August.
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