illy coffee for me and my OH. It's one of the few things we actually agree on. It has such a unique taste and aroma. We only have two cups a day first thing in the morning, I take black, he has cream but we both agree illy is the best.

On the rare occasions we have instant it is Douwe Egberts dark roast.

Oooh yum, a coffee thread. Waitrose Costa Rican blend, is absolute heaven. In fact it was the first coffee, about 20 years ago now, to persuade me to throw away the instant for ever! mmm......time to put 'kettle on.

PS - Bit of trivia I found out recently, apparently you're not supposed to have the water absolutely boiling, as it burns the coffee slightly and makes it bitter.

I have recently been making coffee from ground in a cafetiere, and I really really like it. I never really drank much coffee before I started going out with my boyfriend (maybe half a dozen cups a year, if that) but he really likes it so I've been drinking more and more. And really nice ground coffee (I like the medium stregth ones, current favourite is a Tesco's Finest Columbian I think, except I've decanted it to an airtight jar so I'm not sure) is really lovely.

Illy is very nice, it's not the best but for the price you can't beat it.

If I had silly money I'd probably only drink various Jamaican Blue Mountain which is even nicer but go look at the prices of that.

Self confessed coffee snob - don't drink instant would rather go without.

Best coffee for the machine is from a local coffee shop in Brighton called Red Roaster the house blend is just devine.

Ground coffee from a cafetiere; sitting reading my Telegraph and drinking upmarket coffee. None of this instant drivel.

Of the instants - Kenco Costa Rican.

Gold Blend and the Daily Star here.

Carte noir for the instant and Lavazza Espresso if i use the machine.

I only have a really old fashioned filter machine - but I've always fancied one of those coffee makers advertised by la Clooney, think it's called Nespresso?
I have no idea how expensive they are even - but does anyone know if they're any good? I only ask as a peasant who likes my lattes and cappucinos - even after 11 am! - not because I'm into 'the hard stuff'

Eurgh, people are just blinded by brands. Why pay a premium for what are basically the floor sweepings left after the quality beans have been bagged up?

Go straight to the source and buy your beans direct, get a good quality coffee grinder and make your coffee at home. The only way to be sure of an acceptable cup.

Which source would that be? It's generally easier not to buy directly from the growers.

Coffee bean blending and roasting is and art in itself, there are some people who get into doing that at home but for the most people are better off buying a blend from a brand.

I have various coffee making implements and bean grinders, all nicely stored in the cupboard under the stairs, whilst I drink cups of café direct instant

I love a cup of real coffee when I am eating out or out shopping, which is why people keep buying me these coffee makers, but I can't seem to find any thats not too strong or bitter for my tastes to drink at home..also its only me who drinks it here, so its rarely worth making a whole pot, as I only have one or two cups a day. (I'm more of a tea drinker)

Burn the heretic!...or something.

I'd recommend a cafetiere mug though, you can make just one mug at a time and drink from the same thing you make it in. I am the only person in the house who drinks coffee so I'll often use mine.

Something like this:

http://www.cookware-online.co.uk/sho....html?shopping

Thanks, that looks interesting, I might just add that to my coffee making collection

Can anyone recommend a decent coffee thats not too strong or bitter? bearing in mind I like it very milky and don't take sugar..thanks

How about providing us with a link to your supplier?

I do quite like some "real" coffees as long as they aren't too bitter but actually my favourite is Sainsbury's own full roast instant coffee.

For a "proper" coffee I like Caffe Nero, or if I can find a Greek restaurant/cafe then a proper Greek coffee - all thick and sweet!

Greek coffee is the best thing in the world. I'm not exaggerating. I adore it. I make it at home regularly (and I have to say I think I make it better than my Turkish housemate, who claims to be an expert!) but it never tastes as good as it does in Greece.

The aroma is the best smell in the world.

You can buy real coffee beans from a number of local importers, try asking around.

That's great, thanks for all your help. Not buying from source then as you mentioned previously?

There's no requirement to blend, especially if you're drinking drip or French Press coffee. Espresso blends do take time to perfect, but that's half the fun.

I roast green beans and that, really, is the only way to assure what you're drinking (and that it's fresh). A good quality conical burr grinder is also essential.

Of shop bought beans, my favourites come from Peets Coffee and Stumptown Coffee Roasters - both in the States. For drip/French Press, Stumptown's Indonesia Gajah Aceh is amazing.