Barista Legends Smackdown to Farewell First Pour Melbourne

First Pour Melbourne is following in the footsteps of Veneziano Coffee Roasters, relocating from the iconic Bond Street location in Abbotsford to new premises at River Street, Richmond, a move that will see Veneziano’s entire operation come together under the one roof.

To mark this momentous occasion the First Pour will hold its last ever Latte Art Smackdown, ‘Legends’, at the Bond Street site on June 18, featuring some of the biggest names in specialty coffee, each with a personal connection to the First Pour.

Current and past baristas that have worked or trained at First Pour set to compete on the night include:

• Craig Simon - Think Tank Coffee

• Cassie La Penna  - Central Victorian Espresso

• Joe Tynan - CaféImports

• Simon James - Genovese Coffee

• Dave Makin - Axil Coffee Roasters

• Jessie Hyde - Axil Coffee Roasters

• Jade Jennings - Veneziano Coffee Roasters

“The First Pour has made some groundbreaking achievements from the very beginning”, says Craig Dickson, Veneziano’s managing director. “Most notably, First Pour has been a breeding ground for talented baristas and roasters, kickstarting the careers of some of Australia’s most recognised coffee professionals, really cementing it as an industry institution”. 

“In fact, we’ve seen coffee jobs evolve from the days when people simply ‘made coffee’ in what were considered temporary roles, to today’s standard that sees people carving out viable, lifelong careers, crafting coffee and becoming masters of their profession, experimenting and pushing the boundaries to produce the ultimate coffee”, he adds.

“It’s a bittersweet moment for us, so many memories, but also the beginning of an exciting new chapter for what is to come. I am really humbled by the all the barista greats that have committed to attending, however I’m also not surprised. As a tight knit industry we continue to remain in touch, frequently crossing paths and helping one another out where we can”.

The extensive list of current and past First Pour baristas and trainees that have graced the floor include: Dave Makin and Jessie Hyde of Axil Coffee Roasters, Erin Sampson, Jen Marks, Jade Jennings, John-Paul Sutton, Mike Wells and Cassie La Penna of Veneziano Coffee Roasters, Joe Tynan of Café Imports, Simon James of Genovese Coffee, Craig Simon of Think Tank Coffee, Will Priestley of Pilgrim Coffee, Con Haralambopoulos of Gridlock Coffee and Marichi Clarke of Red Star Coffee.

Most recently Veneziano has trained Australia's current Latte Art Champion Caleb Cha of Cafenatics in his campaign to represent Australia in the World Latte Art Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden.

First place receives $4,000 courtesy of Pura Milk, whilst runners up will be awarded $500 cash courtesy of Da Vinci Gourmet, The Little Guy Tamper courtesy of The Little Guy and BeanScene Magazine subscriptions.

LEGEND'S SMACKDOWN

The First Pour - 22 Bond St, Abbotsford

June 18, 5pm - 9pm

Light food and drinks provided

RSVP – Eventbrite “The Legend’s Smackdown”