WHEN it comes to serving up a cup of coffee, Basingstoke teenager Asher Richardson is king.

The popular coffee shop worker has been honoured for his friendly service after being chosen for an award out of thousands of other employees.

Asher won the Pride of Costa Award after being nominated by his colleagues at the Basingstoke branch on the upper level of Festival Place.

The 18-year-old was chosen as one of three finalists, before the winner was decided by a public text vote.

Customers and staff at Costa Coffee showed their support for the teenager and he was declared the winner at an awards ceremony in Coventry, receiving 85 per cent of the vote.

He said: “The moment I heard that I had won was surreal – it was indescribable.”

When Asher returned to Costa, he received a hero’s welcome. He said: “When I came back and the customers found out I had won, they came in and hugged me and congratulated me. One lady stood up and gave me a kiss! She had voted for me and was so happy I had won.

“It’s such a nice feeling to know people are proud of me. My mum was so proud of me, and my nan was telling everyone.”

Asher, who is studying art foundation at Basingstoke College of Technology, has worked part-time in Costa as a barista since he was 16.

Over the years, he has become a friendly face for customers, who he says often recognise him outside the shop and say hello.

Rob Dean, manager at the Costa branch who nominated Asher, said: “Everything he does comes from the heart, whether it’s making coffee and making sure it’s perfect, greeting guests as they walk in, or speaking to them on the shop floor and engaging with the team.

“It can be a stressful job, and he will do a dance and make everyone smile. It’s not forced or for showmanship.”

Costa has 1,400 shops in the UK, and staff were able to nominate any employee for the award, from those on the shop floor through to office workers.

Asher, from South Ham, said: “When I heard I was nominated, I thought ‘wow’. I wasn’t expecting it.”

He added: “I was just being myself and it seemed to work. It did feel a bit strange going for the award, but it was a really good feeling. I think it will really help with my future, as it is a great thing to add to my CV.”

Asked what he enjoys most about his job, Asher said: “I enjoy the atmosphere of working here and getting to know the customers.”