A SKILLED young barista from Witney is hoping to be named the best of the bunch as he prepares to take part in a national coffee making competition.

Sam Stanley has become a familiar face at The Fleece for those popping into the town’s pub for their caffeine fix.

He made the spot behind the coffee machine his own, brewing endless cups of perfect espresso, latte and cappuccino every day.

Now he is relishing his chance to win a shot at the title of best barista in the Union Barista Championships in East London today.

The 19-year-old will be going against 11 other hopefuls and, if he wins, will come away with not only the title of best barista but also a coffee diploma course run by the Speciality Coffee Association of Europe and coaching for next year’s UK Barista Competition from world qualified judges.

Mr Stanley, an ex-hospitality student at the City of Oxford College who lives in Witney, said: “I’ve become passionate about coffee and I thought it would be good to see how far I could get.”

Mr Stanley will have to explain to judges what he thinks makes the perfect espresso and then serve one to them.