Author: Jake Archer
For their latest coming together, YEEZY and adidas deliver the QNTM in two variations. Both available in a Frozen Blue colour way, YEEZY bring us the QNMT and BSKTBL in two offerings that bring two different experiences wrapped up in a similar aesthetically looking package.
On the YZY QNTM, an upper composed of embroidered mono mesh that provides a soft, resilient thread with a synthetic suede overlay that offers toe protection and durability. Reflective material throughout the inner webbing and heel counter emits light in darkness. The YZY QNTM elevates the cushioning experience with a re-engineered full- length drop-in Boost midsole that provides optimal comfort where consumers need it most. A semi-translucent clear TPU cage wraps the Boost and adds a distinct design element to the model while the herringbone patterned rubber outsole offers optimal traction
Whilst on the BSKTBL, an RPU cage wraps the upper for structure and durability, while the suede toe overlay offers toe protection and durability. The knitted elastic collar provides a premium feel and multi-directional support. Reflective material throughout the inner webbing and heel counter emits light in darkness. The YZY BSKTBL elevates the cushioning experience with a re-engineered full-length drop-in Boost midsole with a high-performance shank that provides optimal comfort where athletes need it most, while the herringbone rubber outsole provides superior traction for dynamic cuts and pivots.
PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THE BELOW!
To enter the QNTM ONLINE raffle (UK only), CLICK HERE!
To enter the BSKTBL ONLINE raffle (UK only), CLICK HERE!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above form, this WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
To sign up to the Online raffle, you will be prompted to complete a pre-authorisation payment of the retail price of the product plus shipping costs. This will be held until raffle completion. Those successful will have their raffle win posted out to the address entered during sign up. Those unsuccessful will see a return of their funds, this can take up to 5 working days from when the winners have been drawn. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!
Please Note: Raffle sign ups WON’T be available in-store. Please use the above forms to sign up for the in-store raffles. Those successful in the raffle will be notified via email with the collection dates. To ensure the safety of both our staff and customers, our store is currently running via appointments only. You will need to Instagram DM us to book an appointment to collect your win within the given dates.
The YEEZY 700 V3 Clay Brown features an upper composed of monofilament engineered mesh with RPU overlays for structure and durability while the bootie construction provides a snug adaptable fit. The RPU cage has glow in the dark features that provide a unique look and feel. This model features no-tie stretch laces for easy on and off wear and comes equipped with a second set of standard laces. The PU encapsulated EVA midsole provides comfort and durability, and the herringbone rubber outsole offers unique design cues and improved traction.
PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THE BELOW!
To enter the ONLINE raffle (UK only), CLICK HERE!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above form, this WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
To sign up to the Online raffle, you will be prompted to complete a pre-authorisation payment of the retail price of the product plus shipping costs. This will be held until raffle completion. Those successful will have their raffle win posted out to the address entered during sign up. Those unsuccessful will see a return of their funds, this can take up to 5 working days from when the winners have been drawn. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!
Please Note: Raffle sign ups WON’T be available in-store. Please use the above forms to sign up for the in-store raffles. Those successful in the raffle will be notified via email with the collection dates. To ensure the safety of both our staff and customers, our store is currently running via appointments only. You will need to Instagram DM us to book an appointment to collect your win within the given dates.
Through out this year, we reached out to the community to learn more about their collections, giving them the tough task of choosing a Top 5. Though some people broke this rule and showed 6, or even came back for a second go, It was really interesting to see such a wide, diverse range of footwear that at the end of the day, suited each person depending on their personal style and their wants and needs when it comes to buying sneakers.
At Footpatrol, we’re no different and now we’re coming to the end of 2020, we thought we’d give you an insight into our current rotations and what we’re wearing at the moment.
Whether it’s old or new, GR or collaborations, bold prints or stripped back colour ways, we are all passionate about sneakers here at Footpatrol so over the next coming weeks, a different member of TEAMFP will share their current rotation of sneakers.
Continuing this journey through our rotations, we now look to a member of our marketing department, Brad. A guy that’s well known for his love of all things Nike Powerwall, Brad has managed to amass a vast array of sneakers within his collection that spans every brand and every style imaginable.
Footpatrol: So why this rotation?
Brad: Basically most people that know me know how much of a Powerwall neek I am so I thought it was time to showcase some other stuff that I have within the collection! Admittedly one Powerwall found its way in but the rest are pairs that I think are mad underrated and overall just cool as hell.
The Nike Airmax 360 Tier – 0 Powerwall is dubbed the rarest out of the pack with there only 96 rumoured to be made. For me it was less to do with the rarity but the quality of the suede/felt type upper. Not only that the 360 designed by Martin Lotti is one of the all time greatest Airmax models no doubt about it, comfortable, aggressive looking and slaps in almost every colour!
The Supreme Flyknit have always been one of those shoes when I was younger I would look at and think wow imagine owning those! With Flyknit technology being so comfortable it’s one of the best shoes to have on you all the time and low key enough that most people don’t clock what they are. The best part about them though is the box, I’m pretty sure they are one of the only if not the only non-sb shoe to come in a Nike SB box.
I think as releases go the Solebox Reebok Workout Low is one of my most prized pairs and it’s not even hyped! A deer friend gave me them as he was looking to clear some old pairs out and after doing some research discovered they were one of the first trainers to feature fish leather (Oki-Ni I think did it first with adi) and was limited to less that 20 odd pairs worldwide. Honestly they are just incredible in hand honestly. The plan is to get them signed by Hikmet Sugoer to make it the real deal, so Hikmet if you’re reading this slide in my dms G.
FP: Is there something you look for in a release before buying it?
Brad: Haha I’m a sucker for Pink, honestly sometimes that inclusion of pink can sway me on a purchase. I’m a huge technology and history buff though so if its got some substance im more than likely find myself potential pulling the trigger. Quality though is always important it’s sad to pay for something that will fall apart or crack on you regardless how much you wanted it.
FP: Give us 3 pairs that you think deserve some attention and love within your collection?
Brad: Nike Hyperadapt 1.0 – I haven’t bust them out in a while and no word of a lie they are one of the coolest shoes ever. I always see people moan about the price of new tech when shoes come out and it makes me wonder how you’d expect for something with so much new tech to be affordable straight off the bat. It has to start somewhere until they can make it cost effective.
Bobbito Garcia x Nike Air Force 1 ‘Pilgrims’ – I’m too scared to wear them, they are so pretty, clean, quality is amazing. It’s just a shoe I want to last forever so they are hiding away until the next time I’m feeling brave!
Nike Air Huarache ‘Escapes’ – I have worn them a grand total of 1 time since owning them for the last 3 or 4 years. The upper peeled away from the midsole and I just never got round to fixing them. In fact that’s exactly what I’m going to try to do before the end of the year!
FP: Tell us about that special model, what is it and why do you love them so much?
Brad: Going through my collection the most common model featured is the Airmax 93. It’s my all time favourite Airmax silhouette purely down to the fact of its PHat bootie of a bubble and the fact it’s design was inspired by plastic milk judges found in local supermarkets. I don’t drink milk or anything but it made me laugh and I have loved it ever since. It’s under appreciated that is for sure.
FP: What is it about the Airmax 93, that catches your eye?
That big bootie of a bubble!
FP: Before you run off! Tell us one new trick you learnt during this year’s lockdowns?
I learnt how to do a 360 pop shuvit on my skateboard.
The YEEZY BOOST 350 V2 features an upper composed of multi-toned re-engineered Primeknit with a post-dyed monofilament side stripe woven into the upper. This model features no-tie stretch laces for easy on and off wear and comes equipped with a second set of standard laces. The midsole utilizes adidas ́ innovative BOOSTTM technology.
PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THE BELOW!
To enter the ONLINE raffle (UK only), CLICK HERE!
To enter the LONDON IN-STORE raffle, CLICK HERE!
To enter the PARIS IN-STORE raffle, CLICK HERE!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above form, this WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
To sign up to the Online raffle, you will be prompted to complete a pre-authorisation payment of the retail price of the product plus shipping costs. This will be held until raffle completion. Those successful will have their raffle win posted out to the address entered during sign up. Those unsuccessful will see a return of their funds, this can take up to 5 working days from when the winners have been drawn. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!
Please Note: Raffle sign ups WON’T be available in-store. Please use the above forms to sign up for the in-store raffles. Those successful in the raffle will be notified via email with the collection dates. To ensure the safety of both our staff and customers, our store is currently running via appointments only. You will need to Instagram DM us to book an appointment to collect your win within the given dates.
In recent times, the ‘Mocha’ or ‘Dark Mocha’ colourway has definitely garnered traction, especially since the release of Travis Scott’s sought after Air Jordan I collaboration in 2019. However, the caffè inspired hue was initially seen on the Air Jordan III silhouette in 2001 and never really reached the hearts of consumers back then and became a forgotten figure throughout the years. Though in 2018, collectors saw the return of the AJIII ‘Mocha’ for the first time and became an iteration that a lot of people wanted.
Then the introduction of the composite colour on the beloved Air Jordan I OG High came to fruition albeit with one of the biggest rap artists currently, Travis Scott. It was the first time seeing the colour display across the timeless classic within a suede material as opposed to the traditional leather. This colour almost became synonymous to the rapper.
For Holiday 2020, Jordan Brand are back with one last Air Jordan I for the year and it doesn’t disappoint. The AJI OG High ‘Dark Mocha’ employs a new twist on a familiar OG colour scheme, the ‘Black Toe’. The upper features a sail leather which sets the canvas for the combination of the black leather in the forefront meeting a soft brown nubuck on the heel. Further black hits are on the Wings logo and tongue tab to give an overall clean and subtle look.
PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THE BELOW!
To enter the ONLINE raffle (UK only), CLICK HERE!
To enter the LONDON IN-STORE raffle, CLICK HERE!
To enter the PARIS IN-STORE raffle, CLICK HERE!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above form, this WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
To sign up to the Online raffle, you will be prompted to complete a pre-authorisation payment of the retail price of the product plus shipping costs. This will be held until raffle completion. Those successful will have their raffle win posted out to the address entered during sign up. Those unsuccessful will see a return of their funds, this can take up to 5 working days from when the winners have been drawn. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!
Please Note: Raffle sign ups WON’T be available in-store. Please use the above forms to sign up for the in-store raffles. Those successful in the raffle will be notified via email with the collection dates. To ensure the safety of both our staff and customers, our store is currently running via appointments only. You will need to Instagram DM us to book an appointment to collect your win within the given dates.
NOCTA, a collection for the collective, has arrived. The form-fitting apparel nods to sport, but is rooted in and inspired by those who roam the streets, those who are on the go and want functional, comfortable and elevated everyday essentials.
The timeless silhouettes and style lines mirror Nike’s evolution throughout the years. For this drop, an aggressive and distinct black and University Gold colour palette makes a striking first impression. A mix of functional and cosmetic details, like reflective-design piping and bevelled Swooshes throughout the collection, add subtle yet distinctive details that complement each other. Each piece is marked with the symbols of NOCTA and the spirit of the night.
PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THE BELOW!
Puffer Jacket – ONLINE raffle (UK only), CLICK HERE!
Track Jacket – ONLINE raffle (UK only), CLICK HERE!
Fleece Pant – ONLINE raffle (UK only), CLICK HERE!
Hoody – ONLINE raffle (UK only), CLICK HERE!
Track Pant – ONLINE raffle (UK only), CLICK HERE!
Mock Neck Top – ONLINE raffle (UK only), CLICK HERE!
T-Shirt – ONLINE raffle (UK only), CLICK HERE!
Cap – ONLINE raffle (UK only), CLICK HERE!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above form, this WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
To sign up to the Online raffle, you will be prompted to complete a pre-authorisation payment of the retail price of the product plus shipping costs. This will be held until raffle completion. Those successful will have their raffle win posted out to the address entered during sign up. Those unsuccessful will see a return of their funds, this can take up to 5 working days from when the winners have been drawn. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!
Conceived by Sergio Lozano, who was working in Nike’s ACG category during the mid ’90s, the Air Max 95 was originally imagined for larger, more powerful runners pounding the pavement and demanding maximum cushioning.
The design took shape via cues from the human body, with a lacing system inspired by a set of ribs, a spine-inspired outsole and a mesh and suede upper representing muscle fibres. This bold inspiration called for a layered upper construction with synthetic suede, stitched and compression moulded for maximum support without bagging out over time.
Mesh overlays provided breathability throughout the entire top of the foot, along with the Air Max 95’s “Speed-Lacing” eyelets, designed to wrap the wearer’s foot from top to sockliner. The shoe’s colours proved just as iconic as its design inspiration. First released in grey hues paired with bright yellow accents, the Air Max 95 wasn’t the first runner to employ a neon hue according to Lozano.
“The neon yellow was not new. It was obviously part of our colour palette. It was also part of our heritage, you know? It’s part of Nike racing heritage.”
The choice of colours also provided maximum contrast to underscore key design functions.
“Let’s use colour to emphasise the technology and some of the functional things we’re trying to do with the shoe”, Lozano recalled.
A first-of-its-kind black midsole also helped to mask dirt after runs. Introduced in 1995 and still going strong, the Air Max 95 that started it all is now set to live on long past its 25th anniversary.
PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THE BELOW!
To enter the ONLINE raffle (UK only), CLICK HERE!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above form, this WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
To sign up to the Online raffle, you will be prompted to complete a pre-authorisation payment of the retail price of the product plus shipping costs. This will be held until raffle completion. Those successful will have their raffle win posted out to the address entered during sign up. Those unsuccessful will see a return of their funds, this can take up to 5 working days from when the winners have been drawn. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!
Bringing back a terrace shoe classic the adidas SPEZIAL range brings its latest rendition of the adidas Manchester 89.
Taking its inspiration from 90s Russian made Handball SPEZIALs, the adidas Manchester 89 is an instant classic with colours also paying homage to the great cities Footballing heritage. With the addition of the brands Mod Trefoil logo featured on both the tongue and heel tab.
KinKai’s presence has been growing rapidly within the UK and hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down. Hailing from Manchester we thought it was only right to bring Kai down to talk about his career and the launch of the adidas Manchester 89.
To enter the ONLINE RAFFLE (UK only), CLICK HERE!
Footpatrol: We are so happy to be able to welcome you Kai to the Footpatrol & Frequent players channel! How have you been?
KinKai: Easy my guy, I’m well thanks! And thanks for having me!
FP: Kai let’s start off with your story, what made you want to get into music and how did that journey develop to the point that it is at now?
KinKai: Since I was young, I’ve had a uniquely creative mind, always knowing that whatever I do, I’ll become a master of it. From high school to church to family parties, music has been around me. I remember hearing all sorts of genres coming from my mums vinyl – just being observant of the energies I was hearing installed a passion in me.
In 2014 after a year in London, I came back to Manchester with KinKai added to my identity, that’s where I began to truly walk this journey. I just felt a calling to it. Its not something I was naturally gifted with, but I’ve worked hard on it for years and still continue to. Oh and the name was influence by King Kai on DBZ.
FP: Looking at listening platforms it looks like you have been using this year to really work on your sound having released your album, A Pennies Worth and most recently your latest single Better. How has it been making music during these difficult times?
KinKai: Yeah, I set motion with the release of the project back in September ’19. A pandemic could never have stopped the ball rolling to be honest. I found the first lockdown easier to create because I’ve never had so much time to enjoy a continuous flow theory. It was divine gift in some ways but at times, it has been very tough to stay focussed.
FP: Have you found this time helpful when it comes to dedicating more time to your production and develop your skill more than you already have?
KinKai: I have you know! Started to pick up a couple of hobbies, like running, keyboards and racing books that have made me a little open minded I guess! I also started a foundation ‘The Salone Empowerment Project’ which focussed on the heritage and well being of Sierra Leonians, especially within the UK.
FP: Have you had the opportunity to do any form of live performance for the release of the album or is that still yet to come for 2021?
KinKai: I’ve had no bookings to be honest. With the help of DJ Gilla and a couple of other friends, I’d planned a little tour! Sadly I never got to announce it. But 2021, we proceed with the progress!
FP: You have also been a part of Future Bubblers as well, could you tell us a bit about the feature you did?
KinKai: Big shouts to Future Bubblers, they have been very supportive of me for a couple of years now. The light isn’t shining enough on them and their support with independent artists around the UK to be honest. The likes of Yasmin Lacey, Forest Laws and myself have been blessed with the opportunity to work with them.
My latest release with them is called ‘Scatty Brain Dump’, produced by Glue70. You can find them on all digital platforms or you can buy the Future Bubblers 4.0 vinyl off Bandcamp.
FP: Now besides music we also wanted to speak to you for the release of the adidas Manchester and the city itself. What does Manchester mean to you?
KinKai: Manchester is home! It’s a place of sunshine through grey skies, rich with history and accomplishments beyond expectations. I think its under appreciated for the hard work that the people have put in to create their legacy and I also think its under appreciated by those that are from here, because there isn’t a city like ours… anywhere on this earth!
FP: Some artists draw a lot of inspiration by the city and people they surround themselves by. Has this been the case for yourself also or have you found your inspiration coming from other places?
KinKai: In some ways yes, because I draw my inspiration mainly from what I’ve observed (usually cartoons), the people I have conversed with and the experiences that life has taught me. Music has been a part of our history since before I was born, to see my peers creating lanes for themselves when times are tough, that’s inspiring.
FP: Well before we let you go KinKai we just want to thank you again for spending some time with us and sharing your story. Before we let you go though is there anything you would like to share with the Footpatrol & Frequent Players followers and readers?
KinKai: Thank you for having me. If you get a chance, listen to ‘A Pennies Worth’, Please do. If you’re on socials, come find me, I love conversations… Stay empowered.
Renewing their partnership once again, Nike have been teaming up with Chitose Abe’s high fashion label sacai since 2015. Ever since the relationship began, she has always brought her signature design to the Nike archive.
Bringing a modern take to some of their most historical silhouettes, Abe began by taking the Air Max 90 and the much sought after Dunk High silhouette and creating a laceless alternative, adding a futuristic spin to these classics. The collection also saw her bring her unique design details of splicing together multiple garments, fusing two into one.
It’s these details that have now made their way into the footwear collection, beginning with the LDV Waffle and the Blazer High, we now have the latest two latest silhouettes to receive this hybrid treatment.
First debuted at sacai’s Paris fashion show back in January, this latest offering see’s the coming together of two running silhouettes that will go down in Nike’s history come together for the first time. The record-breaking Vaporfly meets the 1983 Pegasus running shoe.
After last months launch of the Black/White and Sail/Red colour ways, we now have two fresh new colours for fall comprising of String/Black-Villain Red & Tour Yellow/Gorge Green-Sail.
PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THE BELOW!
To enter the VILLAIN RED ONLINE raffle (UK only), CLICK HERE!
To enter the TOUR YELLOW ONLINE raffle (UK only), CLICK HERE!
To enter the VILLAIN RED LONDON IN-STORE raffle, CLICK HERE!
To enter the TOUR YELLOW LONDON IN-STORE raffle, CLICK HERE!
To enter the VILLAIN RED PARIS IN-STORE raffle, CLICK HERE!
To enter the TOUR YELLOW PARIS IN-STORE raffle, CLICK HERE!
To enter, you’re required to sign up via the above form, this WON’T be available in-store to sign up on.
To sign up to the Online raffle, you will be prompted to complete a pre-authorisation payment of the retail price of the product plus shipping costs. This will be held until raffle completion. Those successful will have their raffle win posted out to the address entered during sign up. Those unsuccessful will see a return of their funds, this can take up to 5 working days from when the winners have been drawn. The raffle is limited to one entry per household! Multiple entries will be cancelled!
Please Note: Raffle sign ups WON’T be available in-store. Please use the above forms to sign up for the in-store raffles. Those successful in the raffle will be notified via email with the collection dates. To ensure the safety of both our staff and customers, our store is currently running via appointments only. You will need to Instagram DM us to book an appointment to collect your win within the given dates.
When we look at sneakers, we can often build connections to lots of different creative industries whether that’s between sneakers and music, sneakers and art or even the craftsmanship itself. For the upcoming launch of the Air Jordan 1 ‘Dark Mocha’, what better place to look than the world of coffee.
Much like the Air Jordan 1 and its on court success, coffee has become steeped in history through its makers and the sheer levels of craftsmanship when it comes to specialist coffee and the different blends and tasting notes you can discover.
To celebrate the upcoming launch of the Air Jordan 1 ‘Dark Mocha’, we took a trip south of the river to Bermondsey to visit WatchHouse’s new Roastery. The team their have become masters in creating a space for each community they call home without losing focus on coffees rich history.
Whilst at WatchHouse, we caught up with the team including UK Champion, Matteo to discuss more about the art of coffee.
Footpatrol: Matteo thank you for spending some time with us. We have been excited to hear more about what you do! Before we get into that though, how have you been?
Matteo: I have been great! Despite the challenging year we have been through, I always try to stay positive and look forward.
FP: So for many people reading this they may be wondering as to what it was that made you get into becoming a Brewer, could you tell us how this all began to come together?
Matteo: I’ll try to tell you the short story otherwise it will take ages. I have always had a passion for coffee since I was a kid. In Italy for my family coffee is tradition, a ritual. Waking up in the morning with the smell of coffee, the family size moka pot after lunch was a must.
At the age of 15 I started to work at seasonal jobs in cafes and that made me approach more about what it means to be a Barista.
In my journey I tried several jobs, coffee related and not, because I needed to explore more of the world and its opportunities.
Moving from Italy to London after my graduation was an enlightenment in my life. I found the possibility to explore more and enrich my passion for coffee. Here is where I could find my passion for manual coffee brewing, understand more of what’s behind this method and the vast range of flavours within coffees.
FP: With this year being a challenging one for many of us, trips outside to grab a coffee have almost become a must to the daily routines. For those who are stuck inside, is there any tips or advice you have for them to make the best brew from home?
Matteo: I believe that using the coffee tools you own with confidence is the most important tip I can give. There are so many tools available right now and you don’t need the most expensive ones to achieve an amazing cup of coffee. Start with getting something basic and with time explore more, and don’t forget to relish the moment because coffee at home tastes better when you enjoy brewing it.
FP: What makes the best bean is there something to look out for when you are buying any or is it more down the process you use to make the coffee itself?
Matteo: I always like to understand what’s inside the coffee bag and get to know the history behind the coffees. That is something Specialty Coffee Roasters can give to me with a system of traceability and full information about the origin, the region and also the name of the people that produce it on the farm. Then if we start to talk about varieties and processes, there is an infinite range of coffees, every one with different characteristics and flavours. The taste is very personal, some people like fruity coffee, some chocolate and nutty. I suggest people go to their local cafe or roastery, ask the barista or the staff member for information and suggestions about the coffee they are selling and how to brew it. Everyday you can discover something new.
FP: You are also the UK Brewers Cup champion as well right?
Matteo: That is correct, I’m the current UK Brewers Cup Champion and I will represent the UK in the next World Brewers Cup Championship.
The UK Specialty Coffee Association, every year organizes a series of competitions, one of the categories is the Brewers Cup. This competition highlights the craft of filter coffee brewing by hand, promoting manual coffee brewing and service excellence.
I took part in the last edition in 2020 with the WatchHouse team, just before the first lockdown in March, and with hard work and determination we achieved the higher step of the podium. Furthermore, like the UK, other countries around the world have their Specialty Coffee Association chapter with their national competitions and every Champion of every country will compete in the World Brewers Cup Championship. It was supposed to take place in Melbourne Australia within this year, but for obvious reasons the event has been cancelled and the competition postponed to Athens in June 2021.
FP: How does that feel and what did the competition entail? It must have been nerve racking.
Matteo: In this competition, competitors prepare and serve three individual beverages for a panel of judges. The Championship consists of two rounds: a first round and a finals round. During the first round competitors complete two coffee services – a compulsory service and an open service. For the compulsory service, competitors prepare three beverages utilizing whole bean coffee provided to them by the competition. For the open service, competitors may utilize any whole bean coffee of their choosing and must also accompany their beverage preparation with a presentation. The six competitors with the highest score from the first round will go on to compete in the finals round consisting exclusively of an open service. At the end of the final round, one of the competitors is named the UK Brewers Cup Champion.
The whole experience was incredible, we worked hard for several months and the journey from the beginning to the end has been really full of emotions. The preparation for these competitions requires a lot of time and a very accurate attention to details. We spent a lot of time, almost every evening and every day off from work, to train hard. Of course as time, stress and tiredness accumulate; anxiety and adrenaline increase by the day.
It is very important to stay focused, have a team that supports you and use the emotion to your advantage.
FP: Besides being champion, you are of course part of the WatchHouse family. Could you tell us a bit about the history of the brand and how you found yourselves looking to compete in such big competitions?
Matteo: WatchHouse started 6 years ago in a little 25 square metres historical shelter for the guards of the St Mary Magdalen’s Church graveyard, with the ambition to cultivate a great relationship with customers, serving great coffee and giving an amazing experience.
With the years the ambition continued to grow, leading the company to new places, enriched with professional people driven to achieve the same goal. When I joined WatchHouse I was looking for a healthy place to work, to improve my knowledge about coffee and undertake my coffee competition career. At the beginning I didn’t even know how to start the competition path, but I knew that the people inside the team were willing to help me.
Here I found a new family and together with the WatchHouse Competition Team we want to achieve great things, have fun and learn more about coffee all together.
FP: After speaking with you briefly before the interview we talked about how WatchHouse’s ethos is very team orientated, could you tell us more about what makes it such an important aspect of what you guys do as a team?
Matteo: It ‘s very difficult to achieve something alone. Even if you are the most skilled person. We believe that as a team we can achieve goals. I’m the living proof, as a first time competitor it is very difficult to go to a competition and win in the first year. There are people competing with years of experience on their back, that know the tricks and have the mentality to approach the stage. There are so many aspects you need to take care of, a lot of small details that are important for the mind setting. What we do as a team is training together, we share information, we plan everything to cover absolutely every detail and we act as a unique calibrated entity.
FP: Before we let you go, we want to thank you Matteo and the team for having us in your Roastery and sharing with us your story. Is there anything that you would like to share with the Footpatrol readers that you want to tell them?
Matteo: I want first of all thank you very much for coming over and listening to our stories. It was really fun. I would like to say to everybody that hard work pays off, sometimes it is hard but it’s really important to never give up on your goals. Find people with your same aim and team up together, it is more enjoyable and the chance is bigger to achieve your dreams.
I also would like to say that inside a cup of coffee there is so much more than a brown liquid. There is a lot of hard work from the people that make your cup of coffee, from the farmers to the cafe staff. Be kind to the Barista and to all the people working in the coffee industry, we are still human beings that work hard for our goals and sometimes we dream to be on top of the world.
The Air Jordan I OG High ‘Dark Mocha’ will be coming soon to Footpatrol!
