United Kingdom

All posts by DK

Coffee Tips

Whats The Best Espresso Coffee

by DK
best espresso coffee uk

Determining the “best” espresso coffee can be subjective and depends on personal taste preferences. However, several factors contribute to a high-quality espresso:

  1. Freshness: Freshly roasted coffee beans are crucial for good espresso. Our Speciality Columbian Coffee Beans are roasted in Sunderland and available in our stores with a roast date within the past fews. Our Columbian coffee beans are always used within a week. 

  2. Bean Quality: High-quality arabica beans are generally preferred for espresso due to their nuanced flavors and lower bitterness compared to robusta beans.

  3. Grind: Espresso requires a fine grind to ensure proper extraction. The grind size should be consistent to ensure even extraction.

  4. Machine and Technique: A good espresso machine, along with proper technique in tamping and brewing, is essential for making excellent espresso.

  5. Crema: A good espresso should have a thick, golden crema on top, indicating proper extraction and freshness of the beans.

  6. Flavor Profile: The flavor profile of espresso can vary widely depending on the beans and their origin. Some people prefer a fruity, floral espresso, while others prefer a more chocolatey or nutty flavor. Thats why we use our own roasted single origin speciality Columbian Coffee Bean

  7. Serving: Espresso is typically served in small, demitasse cups and should be consumed immediately for the best flavor.

Some popular brands use coffee that was roasted months prior to grinding, however, the best espresso is often made using freshly roasted beans that suit your personal taste preferences and are brewed using high-quality equipment and proper technique. Experiment by adjusting variables like grind size and brew time can help you find the perfect espresso for you.

Coffee Tips

Different Kinds Of Espresso Coffee

by DK
different kinds of espresso coffees

At Little Coffee Bean n the UK, you can find a variety of espresso-based coffee drinks similar to those found in other parts of the world. Here are some popular ones:

  1. Espresso: A strong and concentrated coffee made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans.

  2. Cappuccino: Made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. It’s typically served in a small cup and topped with a sprinkle of cocoa or cinnamon.

  3. Latte: Consists of espresso mixed with a greater amount of steamed milk and a small amount of milk foam on top. It’s usually served in a larger cup.

  4. Flat White: Similar to a latte but with a higher coffee-to-milk ratio and a velvety texture. It’s made by pouring microfoam (steamed milk with fine, velvety bubbles) over a shot of espresso.

  5. Macchiato: Traditionally, this is an espresso “stained” with a small amount of milk or milk foam. There are variations such as the “Café Macchiato” where espresso is “stained” with a dollop of foam.

  6. Americano: Made by diluting a shot of espresso with hot water. It has a similar strength to drip coffee but with a different flavor profile.

  7. Mocha: Combines espresso with steamed milk and chocolate syrup or cocoa powder, often topped with whipped cream.

  8. Irish Coffee: Though not originally British, it’s quite popular. It’s made with hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and topped with cream.

  9. Iced Coffee: Read about these in another post!

These are just some of the many espresso-based drinks you can find at Little Coffee Bean in the UK.

Different countries have their own variations or specialty drinks as well.

Coffee Tips

How To Make Espresso Coffee

by DK
how to make espresso coffee

Making espresso coffee involves a specific brewing method that requires an espresso machine. Here’s a basic guide on how to make espresso:

Equipment Needed:

  1. Espresso machine
  2. Freshly ground coffee beans (espresso roast is recommended)
  3. Grinder (for grinding coffee beans)
  4. Tamper
  5. Espresso cups

Steps:

  1. Preheat Your Espresso Machine: Turn on your espresso machine and allow it to heat up. Most machines have an indicator light that signals when they’re ready.

  2. Grind Your Coffee: Grind fresh coffee beans to a fine consistency. The grind size should be similar to table salt. Use a burr grinder for the most consistent grind.

  3. Dose the Coffee: Depending on your espresso machine and the size of your portafilter, measure out the appropriate amount of coffee grounds. A standard espresso shot is typically around 18-20 grams of coffee.

  4. Tamp the Coffee: Place the coffee grounds into the portafilter basket and use a tamper to evenly compress the grounds. Apply firm pressure, making sure the surface is level and smooth.

  5. Lock the Portafilter: Insert the portafilter into the espresso machine’s group head and lock it in place securely.

  6. Brew the Espresso: Start the brewing process by pressing the brew button or pulling the lever, depending on your machine. The water should be forced through the compacted coffee grounds at high pressure (typically around 9 bars) for around 25-30 seconds.

  7. Watch the Extraction: Keep an eye on the espresso as it brews. It should start as a dark, syrupy stream that gradually lightens in color and thickens towards the end of the extraction.

  8. Stop the Extraction: Once you have brewed the desired amount of espresso (usually about 1-2 ounces), stop the extraction by turning off the machine or releasing the lever.

  9. Serve Immediately: Serve the espresso immediately in preheated espresso cups to enjoy it at its freshest and fullest flavor.

  10. Clean Up: After brewing, remove the portafilter, discard the used coffee grounds (also known as the puck), and rinse the portafilter and group head to remove any residual coffee oils.

Tips:

  • Use our freshly roasted columbian coffee beans for the best flavor.
  • Experiment with grind size, coffee dose, and extraction time to find the perfect balance for your taste preferences.
  • Preheat your espresso cups to maintain the temperature of the espresso.
  • Regularly clean and maintain your espresso machine to ensure optimal performance and flavor.

Making espresso can take some practice to master, but with patience and attention to detail, you can brew your own delicious Little Coffee Bean Columbian espresso shots at home.

Coffee Tips

How To Foam Milk

by DK
how to foam milk

Foaming milk is a skill used in making various coffee beverages like lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos. Here’s a general guide on how to foam milk using a steam wand on an espresso machine or a milk frother:

Using an Espresso Machine:

  1. Choose the Right Milk: Whole milk is often preferred for its richness and ability to create a creamy foam, but you can use any type of milk depending on your preference.

  2. Fill the Pitcher: Fill a stainless steel pitcher with the amount of milk you need for your drink. It’s important not to overfill the pitcher as the milk expands during foaming.

  3. Purge the Steam Wand: Before you begin, make sure to purge any residual water from the steam wand by turning it on briefly.

  4. Position the Steam Wand: Insert the steam wand into the milk just below the surface and turn on the steam. Position the wand at a slight angle towards the side of the pitcher.

  5. Texture the Milk: To create microfoam, you want to introduce air into the milk by keeping the steam wand near the surface of the milk and allowing it to incorporate air. As the milk expands, lower the pitcher slightly to keep the wand just below the surface.

  6. Heat the Milk: Once you’ve achieved the desired amount of foam, lower the pitcher deeper into the milk to heat it. The ideal temperature for steamed milk is around 140-160°F (60-70°C). You can use a thermometer or gauge the temperature by touch.

  7. Turn Off the Steam: Once the milk reaches the desired temperature, turn off the steam wand.

  8. Clean the Steam Wand: Wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth to remove any milk residue.

Using a Milk Frother:

  1. Fill the Frother: Pour the desired amount of milk into the frothing pitcher of your milk frother.

  2. Choose the Setting: Different frothers may have different settings for the type of foam you want (creamy or frothy). Select the appropriate setting according to your preference.

  3. Start Frothing: Turn on the frother and allow it to froth the milk until it reaches the desired consistency and temperature. Most frothers will automatically shut off once the process is complete.

  4. Pour and Enjoy: Once the milk is frothed to your liking, pour it over your Columbian Little Coffee Bean coffee espresso and enjoy your drink!

Remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to foaming milk, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it right on your first try. Keep experimenting with different techniques and milk types until you achieve the perfect foam for your favorite coffee drinks.

Locations, News

Little Coffee Bean Locations

by DK

Little Coffee Bean Locations

While we rebuild our company post Covid-19, we are planning to open new outlets in the UK and around the world.

We are currently working on some exciting plans to develop our brand, open new outlets and bring on-board new franchises

We have been extremely lucky to partner with Newcastle City Council and secure a trading pitch  located within Newcastle City Library.

We are providing our full range of services including coffee, teas, hot chocolate, Chai Latte, iced coffee, cold drinks, slush and a full range of baker items and deals.

Pop in and see us @toonlibrary

Newcastle City Library

33 New Bridge West

Newcastle upon Tyne