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MEET THE BSA Member

BARISTA

How and when did you become
a Barista?

Joe became a barista when he was 21
years old, right after he graduated from
Leeds University. I was looking for a job and
I saw this intriguing independent cafe
located opposite Roundhay Park.

The cafe was run by one energetic guy who
did everything himself, from barista to chef to
waiter to cleaner (he even kitted the café out
making the tables, painting and decorating!).

I needed work and he needed a barista, so

he took me on. He invested a lot of time and
knowledge in me, and after a great deal of
practice, I eventually became the "coffee
artist" he needed. I've been hooked on coffee
ever since.

Since moving to Lincoln, I have been a
barista for Stokes Tea & Coffee at their High
Bridge café, a historic Tudor building
synonymous with Stokes Tea & Coffee, as Barista Joe Fletcher from
they have had a café there since 1902.
Stokes Tea & Coffee Lincoln

In three words what
distinguishes the Stokes business? If the café was burning down, what
piece of equipment would you save?
Heritage. Expertise. Passion.
If the Stokes High Bridge Cafe was burning down,
Which technology do you love and I wouldn’t risk my life to save the grouphead, but SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER. 2023 | ISSUE 32

which technology do you hate? I’d like to think I’d grab it on hearing the fire

I love cars and I hate photocopiers. One gives alarm! Okay, it's not the most logical choice, but
me freedom and mobility, while the other just I'm attached to that thing. It's like an extension of
gives me headaches. But that's technology for my hand. I know its weight and quirks…I can't
you. It's a mixed bag. imagine making coffee without it.

www.beveragestandardsassociation.co.uk