England's best barista is right here in Sheffield
Posted by: Clare Parkin
Lucia Gadau
Nonna's coffee expert takes top prize
Coffee connoisseur Lucia Gadau is celebrating after being named Best Barista in England.
And Sardinia-born Lucia has revealed the secret to her success - checking the weather forecast!
Lucia said: “The temperature and humidly outside can have a dramatic effect on the end result. A wet and windy day can be the death knell for quality cup of cappuccino and only a highly trained barista will know what steps to take to ensure the drink is still the very best.”
Lucia’s passion for coffee making is legendary at Ecclesall Road’s Nonnas where she works.
Nonnas proprietor Maurizio Mori said: “I spotted her attention to detail immediately – if her coffee isn’t one hundred per cent to her liking it won’t be served.
“I’m confident of saying we are now serving the very best coffee anywhere in the county. It’s a huge accolade for us.”
Lucia’s determination to learn and deliver the ultimate blends of coffee have seen her move country twice, learn a new language and even get over the heartache of failed business back in her homeland.
Lucia Gadau said: “I believe in absolute perfection in coffee. So many baristas cut corners and serve poor coffee. They don’t use the correct pressure on the machine, don’t use the correct milk consistency, and don’t handle the coffee correctly – these are all precise skills that takes years to learn.”
41-year-old Lucia first started honing her craft when she was just 18 and living in Sardinia.
Lucia received her award at the glitzy English Italian Awards 2016 held in Manchester.
