How to make the perfect coffee

You don't need a fancy espresso machine to make good coffee. A simple plunger (aka cafetiere or French press), used properly, will make an excellent cuppa. 

  1. Store it in the fridge

    Coffee will lose its flavour two weeks after being opened. If you have the equipment, buy Fairtrade coffee beans and grind only when needed. Store bags of coffee in the fridge. 

  2. Use fresh water

    Use freshly boiled water, not stuff that has been left in the kettle for too long. Let it cool for 30 seconds (if it's too hot the coffee will taste sour) before pouring in just enough to cover the grounds and allow them to absorb the moisture before filling the cafetiere and then give it a good stir and put the plunger on top.

  3. Exact measure

    Use two heaped dessert spoons of coffee, pour your freshly boiled water and leave for 3-4 minutes.
    Then gently depress the plunger. As a guide, you need 1 T of grounds for every cup of coffee. Serve in warmed mugs.

  4. The best blends

    Ethiopian coffee is rich and robust, said to be the best in the world. Indonesian beans have a slightly smoky, chocolatey taste. Kenyan beans are lighter with a blackcurrant undertone. Colombian beans produce a slightly fruity coffee. SHOP COFFEE

  5. Choose your cup wisely

    Thick white porcelain keeps your coffee warm and don't fill it right to the top - leave room for the aromas to be set free from the liquid and gather around your nose.