The reigning UK Roasting Champion 2026, Alexandru-Catalin Marin, will be behind the counter in central Nicosia this Friday for a three-hour bar takeover. The founder of Sip Collective will run the hand-brew bar at UTU Coffee on Friday 9 October, from 15:30 to 18:30.
The takeover
During the session, Alexandru-Catalin Marin will take over UTU Coffee's hand-brew bar. Sip Collective coffees will also be available for espresso-based drinks throughout the afternoon.
Marin won the 2026 UK Roasting Championship in London in March, scoring 559 points, with Rifqi Maulana in second place, according to Perfect Daily Grind. Twelve finalists competed, tested on grading, sampling and roasting skills.
The national competition is run by the UK chapter of the Specialty Coffee Association. SCA UK describes it as a three-stage competition that tests roasters on grading, profiling and roasting coffees to achieve the highest cup quality.
What Sip Collective is
Sip Collective is a specialty coffee roastery founded by Marin. It describes its range as seasonal coffees, carefully sourced and roasted in small batches.
According to the company, it sources, roasts and shares expressive coffees with respect for origin, combining competition-level craftsmanship with an open, community-driven approach to specialty coffee. It also aims to make rare and exclusive coffees approachable, offering access to exceptional lots and producers without the intimidation often associated with specialty coffee.
The company says it uses education, brewing guidance, videos and storytelling to make specialty coffee easier to understand. Alongside retail coffees and brewing equipment, it offers subscriptions, consultancy and training services, and wholesale partnerships.
The event takes place at UTU Coffee, Evagorou 30, Nicosia 1097. Further information is available on 95 514 800, at utucoffee.cy and on the venue's social media channels, @utucoffeecy.
