Caffeine - Issue 34

In this issue

Summer is rolling on, and remarkably, we are gradually becoming accustomed to heat and sunshine here in the UK. And what better way to cool off than with an affogato, a uniquely simple and delicious coffee dessert. We sent our resident food specialist Safia Shakarchi out in search of great espresso and gelato combinations. What an assignment!
In this weather, you might be looking for an al fresco spot in which to enjoy a coffee. We travelled to cafés in some of London’s most beautiful green spaces to see if they could provide us with our favourite coffee.
After her stunning victory in Amsterdam, you could be sure we’d feature the new World Barista Champion Agnieszka Rojewska. She talked to us about what the award means to her, and the impact she hopes it will have on the fast-rising coffee scene in her homeland of Poland.
Agnieszka is far from the only expert in this issue. Our editor-at-large, Tim Ridley, addresses a problem that’s particularly tricky in summer: ice quality. He explains why it’s so important, and what the coffee industry can learn from the alcoholic drinks sector. We also meet David Jameson of Grumpy Mule, who’s behind some of the most innovative coffee around. Our tea columnist Don Mei explores the subject of gong fu, a style of tea brewing developed in China that’s designed to maximise the experience of drinking great tea. And after Joe Brayford’s amazing coffee cocktail in the last issue, we had to invite him back and he impressed us again – this time with a tea-based cocktail. Perfect for those warm summer evenings.

The Grind - Sifting Through The Sediment

Brazil is the world’s largest coffee producer but this is the first Brazilian single origin to be named Caffeine’s seasonal coffee.

1 min

Volcanic Eruption Threatens Guatemala's Coffee Industry

Among the devastating effects of Volcán de Fuego’s eruption is the destruction of thousands of tonnes of coffee – vital to the economy

2 mins

What The F**K... Is Direct Trade?

Direct trade between farmers and roasters sounds like a good and fair deal all round – but what does it really mean? James Hansen explains all

3 mins

The Art Of The Affogato

Combining espresso and gelato creates a delicious new way to enjoy coffee, with the possibility of almost endless variation. Our resident food expert Safia Shakarchi showcases three affogatos from some of our favourite London cafés

4 mins

Park Life

We wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t expect great coffee from a park café – but things are changing, as Phil Wain discovered when he toured London’s green spaces

4 mins

Aisle Be Back

Given up on the idea of buying top-quality coffee from the supermarket? In fact, there’s no reason your local store can’t provide you with a decent brew at a decent price. Caffeine explains what to look for

5 mins

Bitter Barista

However old you are, our choleric columnist insists you need to learn to behave when you’re in a coffee shop

6 mins

How Did I Get Here?

How did David Jameson become one of the most influential people in the UK coffee industry? Sheer enthusiasm – and taking every opportunity to learn

3 mins

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Caffeine Magazine Description:

Caffeine is a magazine championing independent and speciality coffee in the UK and abroad. Riding the "third wave" of the coffee industry, we aim to entertain and inform our readers about their daily cup of Joe. Be it espresso, filter, V60, syphon or humble French press (aka the cafetière), we want to make your home coffee experience as good as the one in your favourite coffee shop, and to share news, views and developments on the coffee scene.