Human ray-of-sunshine Andy, is the longest serving member of Team Villino. Head Barista, and also our Head Trainer, Andy has been responsible for coaching countless Tasmanian Baristas, and we are so very lucky to have his experience and expertise driving coffee quality in our venues. Every year at our staff party, Andy serenades us with a new song he has written about the year that was, and he injects so much joy into our workplace week in and week out.

Typically, Andy walks into a room humming cheerful tunes, declaring and ensuring that 'It's going to be a good day' (and with Andy on site - it always is). We love his infectious passion for coffee, his relentless good vibes, and his kindness with everyone on the Villino team as well as with our wider community of customers and Barista students. He's got a wicked attention for detail, can blind pour the most beautiful Swan you ever did see, and has been banned from our staff Latte Art competitions for being completely unbeatable. 

How long have you worked at Villino?
16 years - yeah, I'm definitely part of the furniture here.

Favourite part of working in the coffee industry?
I still love working with coffee and building connections with customers. Lately my role has involved more training of new baristas. I take a lot of delight in levelling someone up to where they can function well in a cafe, pour cool latte art or understand what levers you can pull as a barista to improve the flavour of your coffee. It's a very satisfying thing to be a part of.

Go to coffee drink of choice?
Ecuador Santa Gertrudis on Batchy. It's a natural coffee, but drinks super clean and sweet. I'm drinking it right now.

Do you have a favourite producer, coffee, or producing country?
Tough question. My favourite producer would be David Ngibuini. I've really enjoyed all of the coffees we've received from his farm Maguta Estate in Kenya. His coffees normally land on our filter menu, and they present juicy, dark fruits in flavour, and have a great acidity. I like a lot of the coffees we get out of Peru too, so yum.

Go to coffee-pairing snack?
Anything with Lemon Curd.

Favourite Roastery/Café tunes?
Junius Meyvant, The Favors, The Bamboos, Kings of Convenience

How do you like to spend your days off?
Hanging with the fam, sometimes literally - I've been rock climbing with the kids a lot lately. I also like to run and read (but not at the same time).

Go to knock off?
End of day batch brew is my closest friend. I'll also take a Deep South Pedra Pale if it's going.

Dream dinner date?
Anywhere with my wife Lara - we'll take anything. Someone babysit for us please. Sacred Bites in Newtown would be our go to.

What would you want your last meal on earth to be?
A jar of Lemon Curd.