By Alan Hartney, Starbucks UK & Ireland Coffee Ambassador

Over the last four weeks I have made over 1,000 Flat Whites as I have toured around the UK and Ireland training our partners how to make the perfect Flat White. I have visited places like Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, and of course, my home town, Dublin. It was great to spend time with the teams who were only too happy to show off their amazing skills at making Flat Whites (check out this awesome one from Kat in Edinburgh!). Not only did I get to share some tips and tricks, but I have taken some away with me too.

In case you haven’t heard about the new Starbucks Flat White, it comes from New Zealand or Australia (depending on who you talk to) and is made with two shots of our 100% Fairtrade Espresso and some seriously creamy steamed whole milk which makes it a short drink that packs a punch. If you like your coffee strong, you will like this.

It was a really proud moment for me when we took Flat White national on the 25th January. All the hard work, passion and training was well worth it – especially when you see a customer enjoying your creation. It’s been great. I hope you enjoy your Flat Whites as much as we enjoy making them!

Alan Hartney is the Coffee Ambassador for Starbucks in the UK and Ireland. His role is quite simply the envy of coffee-lovers: to drink it, talk about it, find foods that match it, and travel the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland talking to people about it.

Alan Hartney is the Coffee Ambassador for Starbucks in the UK and Ireland and holds one of the most revered roles within Starbucks. Alan’s role is quite simply the envy of coffee-lovers: to drink it, talk about it, find foods that match it, and travel the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland talking to people about it. Alan was named Coffee Ambassador after competing against over 700 of the company’s Coffee Masters, before being awarded the title at Starbucks Annual Conference in 2009.

Alan, who is from Dublin, has been with Starbucks for almost five years and has earned the title of Coffee Ambassador through years of learning everything he can about coffee. The Black Apron, which is worn by Alan and all Starbucks Coffee Masters, signifies a proven passion and in depth knowledge of coffee, a fine palate and most importantly the ability to help customers find their perfect coffee for every occasion. Alan also works closely with nine regional Coffee Masters, each representing a region in the UK and Ireland, and supports new store openings with training sessions for new partners (employees).

A background in wine gave Alan an early advantage in realising the similarities between coffee and wine tasting, and he is passionate about sharing this knowledge with customers and partners to help them deepen their appreciation of the unique flavours and aromas captured in Starbucks coffee.

The Starbucks Coffee Master Programme – boot camp for bean lovers!

Just like some people are passionate about languages or beautiful landscapes, others exist who hold a deep passion for coffee. We like to think anyone can be swayed by the call of the bean, and that’s why we open our Coffee Masters program up to anyone who joins Starbucks as a Barista; even if they don’t know crema from their cappuccino.

From their first day, partners (employees) are shown the ropes and led down the tantalising path of taste and texture. We take them on a journey to the different growing regions around the world and help them develop a true connoisseurs palate from the start. Not only do they learn the basics about coffee and its rich history, but they are able to craft their own coffee and demonstrate this knowledge to you in-store.

For some Starbucks partners, however, this is simply not enough. They want to breath, sleep and dream coffee and are interested in achieving our highest level of recognition – the Coffee Master. These diligent partners will have to pass five rigorous levels of Coffee Master training, be judged by experts in the field, create perfectly composed drinks and even speak at the annual Starbucks conference.

Because for Coffee Masters, this is their lifeblood, their passion and their mission.

Luckily for you, these masters of overflowing knowledge are also tremendously helpful and willing to guide you to your perfect coffee. Best yet, they’re present in your Starbucks across the UK. So learn about coffee from the best – come meet our Coffee Masters and discover your perfect beverage. (You can spot a Coffee Master in your local Starbucks, as they’re the ones in the black aprons.)