NATALIE Ashmore is celebrating after being named the UK’s Starbucks Barista Champion.

She was declared the UK winner of the 2016 championship after a three-month process which saw her putting in more than 40 hours learning about the history of coffee, brushing up on her coffee tasting skills and experimenting with new drink formations.

Natalie, 24, is a manager at the Starbucks store in Market Street, Crewe.

She competed against 1,000 of the most skilled baristas from across the country, earned her title with her extensive knowledge of coffee sourcing, roasting and brewing as well as displays of outstanding latte art.

Natalie will now represent the UK in the next round of the competition taking place in London in October, where she will compete against the national winners from across Europe, Africa and the Middle East, with the ultimate goal of being crowned the Best Barista in the World.

Natalie said: “The competition was very tough, but the prospect of competing against the best baristas from across the world was very exciting, despite the pressure now of representing the UK on the international coffee scene.

“I’m obsessed with sharing my coffee knowledge with others, and the Starbucks Barista Championships has helped to really accelerate my understanding of the industry, encouraging what I’m most passionate about.”

Rhys Iley, vice-president of operations for Starbucks EMEA said: “Our Starbucks Barista Championship has been and always will be about celebrating our Partners (employees).

“Natalie showed great skill throughout the competition from her unique signature beverage to her truly personal coffee tasting.

“We are proud to have Natalie represent all that is great about being a Barista at Starbucks UK at our final for baristas from all over Europe, the Middle East and Africa in October.”

Since winning, Natalie has visited the Starbucks Roastery in Amsterdam, learning all about hand roasting and immersing herself in a life experience not to be forgotten.

From tea tastings to coffee pairings, Natalie has learned new techniques which she will take back and share with her team.