Bristol based company Beyond the Bean has announced its sponsorship of the UK Barista Championship.

Baristas - highly skilled experts in the art (or science) of coffee making - from Warwick to Bristol to Glasgow will be entering the championship, in a competition which will span several months.

The grand finale will see the selection of a winner who will go on to represent the UK at the World Barista Championship in Seattle. Beyond the Bean say they are particularly excited to see that the Southern heat will take place in Bristol, in the famous local landmark that is the SS Great Britain.

The Barista Championship is considered the hardest of the SCAE (Speciality Coffee Association of Europe) competitions. Competitors will have to test their coffee knowledge, as well as considering presentation, preparation and all round barista skills; it's not an easy feat.

And, point out the organisers, with each year that passes the game is getting stronger, the coffee scene is more popular than ever and the heats are attracting more attention than they have before.

"Having supported UKBC as sponsors, judges and committee members for over five years in the past, we took a short break but are now really excited to get back on board", said Helen Ostle, Brand Manager at Beyond the Bean. "BTB are all about supporting UK baristas and this is the time where everyone in the industry comes together. We can't wait for the first heat!"

The first heat starts this Sunday (23rd November) in Warwick.