A Hoffmann In Full: JimSeven Upset With WBC Event

 
By 2 July 2010
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Scorn Mile

James Hoffmann, the 2007 World Barista Champion, popular blogger, roastery/cafe owner and beloved pillar of the coffee community, has just posted his WBC London wrap-up. There’s an eyebrow-raising, controversy-courting paragraph towards the bottom of the post:

“I am aware that it is easy to write nothing but sweetness and light after these events. Worry not – I’ve saved a little scorn, all to be focused on the event organisers of the show.  It seems odd that they seemed to show such annoyance and hostility towards the event that was a sufficient draw to double the size of their exhibition.  If anyone can explain it, I’m all ears….”

Reader Darren of Ground Espresso Bars agrees with JimSeven:

The event organisers seemed to being doing everything in their power to make life difficult for us.

While reader Tibor disagrees:

I know some of you were kind of upset about the security people at CaffeCulture, or I heard some criticism about the party place. I see what you’re saying, but for me, it was all just lovely, the whole thing, and any difficulties have absolutely no weight. Also I could not see all of the competition, but I am catching up now via the internet.

The security at the event ridiculously pushy, forcing out booth-dwellers and schlock peddlers abruptly at 6pm sharp. We personally spent twenty minutes begging security to let us back in to the show room floor, after accidentally leaving our blog bag backstage. Security forces refused to let us in past 6PM, even though events were still taking place inside.

And don’t get us started about this security guard:

Big Bully

Can anyone explain this? SCAE? Caffé Culture Security Goons? The WBC “Chang Gang”? WBC Event organizers, the international coffee community is all ears.

Cafe Imports
 
  • http://www.kaindustry.com Kris

    Be thankful that the ‘big bully’ was not taking orders at the bar!:)

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  • Sprudge Editors

    Most intimidating security guard on the showroom floor.

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  • Eleonora

    The big bully happens to be my son, who was only acting on instructions given to him by certain authorities. He took his role quite seriously and did not want to let down the person who told him to stand there.
    It is unfortunate that he was seen as a bully as he was one of the most helpful volunteers and not seen as a young boy who is so passionate about the industry. He was quite honored to be allowed to participate in the event but now after your comments does not want to have anything more to do with it. Thanks

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  • tibor

    Actually, if you read my quote, I don’t disagree weather the security was too pushy.

    I was just enjoying the whole thing so much, that my whole London aftertaste does not include any bitter notes from this particular element of the overall flavor.

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