JOHN GORDON
BARISTA CHAMPION OF THE UK
Barista Mag: Before coffee, did you work in a different job or industry, or what did you study in school?
John: I worked for several years in the security industry
BMag: How did you get started in coffee?
John: My fiancee Jessica got me into coffee.
BMag: What was your first amazing experience with coffee?
John: A Natural processed Ethiopian Harrar around 8 years ago.
BMag: Who has been your greatest influence in coffee? Why?
John: Steve Leighton, James Hoffmann, Jessica MacDonald, and Anette Moldvaer
BMag: What would you like to see change about the coffee industry/community?
John: Less negativity, more positivity.
BMag: Name a barista you admire, and why:
John: Sang Ho Park. He is the most talented barista I know.
BMag: Besides your own cafe, what cafe do you think everyone should visit?
John: Colonna & Smalls, Bath, UK ( owned by 2012 UK Barista Champion Maxwell & Leslie )
BMag: Which coffee producing country you would like to visit, and why?
John: Ethiopia. My most favorite coffees have been from Ethiopia. I even named my cat after an Ethiopian coffee.
BMag: What are your interests outside of coffee?
John: Tattoos, wood turning, fixing things
BMag: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
John: Still in the coffee industry I hope.
BMag: Is there anyone you would like to thank or who helped you prepare for the WBC?
John: Jessica MacDonald; Sang Ho Park; the whole team at Square Mile Coffee Roasters (Best Team in the World)
