LIFE IN A CUP

CRAIG CHARITY NATIONAL BARISTA CHAMPION, 2014

I’m actually a coffee machine technician; I collect, restore and fix machines. I’m good with my hands. As much as I love the final product, I really enjoy the mechanics of it. It all began when I worked as a personal trainer. There was a coffee machine downstairs and when you get up at 4am you need it. I fell in love with coffee. Then my wife bought me a coffee machine and it was like having a new toy. I am now in partnership with Stretta Cafe,

an Italian restaurant in Hillcrest. I own the coffee side of the business — it means I can do what I’m passionate about. My brand, Lineage, is only available here but I do get commissions to design and roast unbranded blends for other coffee outlets.

I’m not at all passionate about food. I’ll supply my guests with the best wine or

whisky, but I’m happy to serve pasta with a packet sauce. The barista competitions are similar to MasterChef — you serve the judges three elements: an espresso, a cappuccino and a signature drink. My signature drink is water from Curry’s Post infused with jasmine, sugar cane and espresso. I travelled to Guatemala to fetch the beans I will be using at the world

championship. I stayed over on Monday, visited the farmer and returned home on Tuesday with 36kg of coffee beans. I am busy trying different roasts in my roastery, which is actually the garage. ......................................................