Turning coffee into art

and he doesn't even like the taste!

FOR Will Willder, coffee making isn’t just a job, it’s a passion.

As a vital part of the Bent on Food team, he provides its loyal customer base with a fantastic tasting caffeine fix. For the talented barista, there’s a lot more to coffee making than meets the eye. It involves getting the right grind, pour of coffee and silky smooth texture of the milk. The weather and humidity even affects the process, he explains.

Will has also perfected coffee art, fascinating drinkers with his intricate designs in the froth. From tiny faces, words, and love hearts sketched in the milk, Will makes his coffee that little more special, cup by cup.

Will has been in the hospitality industry since the age of 13. He started his career in Katoomba, a vibrant café hub, and perfected his skills after training at Toby’s Estate in Woolloomooloo. He started work in the kitchen but prefers to work out front where he can interact with customers.

Will came to work in Wingham after marrying a girl from the Manning area.

He enjoys the atmosphere at Bent on Food and the friendly customers and staff and finds Wingham much friendlier than any town he has worked in.

A key to his fantastic coffee is the fact Bent on Food refuses to re-froth their milk, producing a silky smooth texture.

“People go crazy about the art work, especially when I write ‘love’ in older ladies’ coffees,” he said.

The 26-year-old is self taught and enjoys playing around with different designs.

In a bizarre twist of fate, Will reveals he despises the taste of coffee. “I like the smell, but can’t even handle quarter strength.”

He remains content with giving people their much needed fix than enjoying a cup himself.

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To see the original article including images, go to Turning coffee into art at the Wingham Chronicle.