Sustainability
Helping shape the future of coffee
Jul 30 2026 - 5 MIN READ
Congratulations to our Innovation Developer, Will Woodhouse-Banks, who was crowned victorious at the 2025 UK Barista Championship (UKBC) earlier this year and proudly placed in the top 16 at the World Barista Championships in October.
The UK Barista Championship is a showcase of exceptional talent, where each competitor crafts a series of standout beverages judged on taste, cleanliness, creativity, technical skill, and overall presentation. This marked Will’s fourth appearance at the UK’s most prestigious coffee competition—and third representing Taylors.
Will impressed the panel with a compelling theme centred on trust in the world of coffee, brought to life through a series of meticulously prepared drinks.
"
My theme was all about the importance of trust in relationships in the world of coffee. I talked about the trust in relationships with coffee producers that we as a business have worked with for many years and what it means to us.
"Having previously secured third and second place finishes, Will’s determination to complete the set was unwavering, and we were thrilled to see his perseverance rewarded with the national title.
Following the UKBC win in July, Will travelled to Milan in October with colleague and coach Nicola Peacock to compete on the global stage at the World Barista Championship. There, Will joined over 50 national champions in a high-pressure 15-minute performance, preparing four espressos, four milk-based drinks, and four signature beverages—each designed to reflect the competitor’s unique vision and mastery.
"
Competing against 53 other baristas who were all individually the best in their own country was a massive, exciting challenge and experience. I'm so proud of what we presented on the world stage and it was a genuine honour to use that platform to talk about what I'm passionate about and what we do so well at Taylors.
"We’re incredibly proud that Will reached the semi-finals and placed 11th overall in this competitive field. This achievement reflects not only Will’s personal dedication and skill, but also the vibrant coffee culture we foster at Taylors.
To learn more about Will’s journey, we’ve captured a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to roast, prepare, and taste world-class coffee in our ‘Day in the Life’ video:
Congratulations once again to Will for this outstanding accomplishment on both the national and international stage!
