It’s no secret that Kiwi and Australian coffee shops are emerging as the City’s new hot spots for a cup of joe. But a little less known fact is that the best barista in the world, literally, sets up shop in East London. Kiwi Gwilym Davies, was the winner of the World Barista Championship (Yes, there is a world barista competition.), an annual competition that took place in Atlanta this past April. Competing with baristas from Canada, Hungary, and Korea, Davies won the coveted prize, pulling shot after shot of perfect espresso.
You can find the affable Davies at a stall at Whitecross Market, just look for the queue of caffeine addicts. Serving Square Mile beans, Davies says that flat whites, the Kiwi-Australian signature drink where the milk is pulled from the bottom, used to be a secret drink among expats. Now the secret is out and people are flocking to the guy who makes them best. Also on offer are baked goods from Flourish Bakery. You can also find Davies on Sundays at Columbia Road Flower Market.
Words and photography by Abby Chau
