London Coffee Podcast

Daria Bila’s journey to becoming the 2026 UK Barista Champion is about much more than competition. In this episode, she talks about moving from Ukraine to Dublin and then to London, discovering specialty coffee from scratch, and finding a sense of comfort and community in coffee while building a new life. She shares how that journey led her to Formative Coffee, management, and ultimately the UK Barista Championship - which she won on her first attempt. We also look ahead to her preparations for the World Barista Championship in Panama, her connection to Ukraine’s coffee community, and what might come next

What is London Coffee Podcast?

From the creators of The London Coffee Guide and 5THWAVE, Coffee Podcast London is a new interview-led series celebrating the people, passion, and community behind London’s vibrant coffee scene.

Hosted by coffee industry expert Jeffrey Young, each episode spotlights entrepreneurs, seasoned professionals and standout cafes to uncover what it takes to build a successful coffee business or career in London.

From exciting new openings and emerging trends to lessons in leadership, creativity, and starting out on your own - we delve into the real stories behind the cafés, roasteries, and individuals that make London one of the world’s great coffee destinations.