Coffee Appreciation

Agreed. Definitely need a good grinder FIRST. If you can't afford the machine and grinder, get the grinder first and use it for brewed coffee while you save for the machine. Your coffee will taste goood.

Silvia is about the best entry level machine available. All made from commercial grade parts so totally servicable, reliable and modifiable. There is also a massive wealth of resources, how-to's and advice on the internet for getting the best out of it.

I have to say though, don't bother getting into home espresso if you don't have the inclination, time and patience to learn the theory and skills for making good shots. Given enough time you will master these and be making the best coffee outside of Flat White, but it takes patience to begin with.

Here's a good place to start:

http://www.home-barista.com/espresso-guide.html
http://www.home-barista.com/silvia-flash-review.html

Ok folks I have the Rancilio Sylvia and Rocky combo, we can meet at my place for coffee making sessions.

Aglerian Coffee Store do a coffee of the month £5 for a half kilo, which has been a great way for me to discover new beans each month.

who fancies a saturday morning dabbling and mucking about with coffee [and fuck off you lot, it's not a 'coffee morning' before you start]

maybe bombcup could join us like some kind of coffee yoda and give us a few tips and pointers

quite happy to have it at my gaff - anyone fancy it?

I had already been suggesting we meet at my place in Kew before and after the Saturday training rides in Richmond Park.