My coffee story

DO PEOPLE CONSUME TOO MUCH COFFEE? Asked the BBC this week.

'Does UleyGirl consume too much coffee?' replied my coffee-fuelled paranoia. It felt like the whole of Twitter and Facebook was asking me the same question. I think I need to defend myself.

I talk about coffee a lot but that doesn’t mean I’m addicted (I talk about exercise and sex too – see what I mean?)

Sometimes I can’t face coffee so don't drink it. I never get headaches, experience withdrawal symptoms or throw small animals from upstairs windows. Because I’m not addicted. (Or if I am, I'm not admitting it yet)

I may be happier after a coffee, talk a bit more and occasionally burst into song, but that’s no bad thing is it?

I like sharing it, making it for others, smelling it, savouring it.

But I'm not a coffee snob. I know what I like. I don't like tons of hot milk and I don’t like instant. I used to drink plenty of it but stopped really tasting anything. That's the problem with even the best instant coffee, it doesn't compete on taste and it lacks impact.

So instead of drinking ten cups of instant a day, I drink on average one large cup of filtered coffee or espresso (double – with hot water) per day. Sometimes two, three at the very very most. I can’t drink more than that.

I care about coffee and I really enjoy it, therefore I want to drink a cup roasted, blended and prepared by someone who feels the same way. Which is why I spend most of my time in Nom Nom Cupcakery (serving deep and delicious Rave signature blend) and Prema Café (nutty and smooth just like the owners).

So there. My coffee story.  *blows raspberry and puts the coffee on*

 (and I can think of lots of people who agree)

 Me, having me-time at Nom Nom Cupcakery

Cafe culture - Cotswold style

I want to tell you about an absolute gem of a cafe in the gloriously picturesque South Cotswolds.

It’s one of those places you want to shout about *whispers* but you also want to keep to yourself. shhh. 

Hidden away in the secret valley that is Uley, Gloucestershire, is Prema Arts Centre.  A wonderfully eccentric place where you can take part in all manner of crafty, cultural and musical craziness.

And now It’s got a café. 

The offer is simple; coffee, cake, panini, soup; and Adam (above) sets the vibe.  He loves coffee and he makes great bread. Enough said.

The atmosphere is cosy, comfortable and very relaxed - with just a touch of cool. Sit inside on the huge sofas and you could be in the more bohemian areas of Bristol or London, sit outside and you know you’re in the Cotswolds.

It’s a great place to meet, chat, work and chill out (free wifi). The welcome is warm, the locals are friendly and whenever I go in I meet someone new.

The cakes are made at home by a local resident, they taste good and are beautifully presented. The walls are adorned with art (that you can buy), it changes regularly so you never get bored and there's always good background music.

Try it out, I promise you won’t be disappointed. It’s just a great place to be.

http://www.facebook.com/prema.artscaffay

*not a sponsored post, I just really like it there* 

Lusting after coffee

I have fallen in love with this machine. I don't do the lottery but if I did, I'd buy one of these.

I have no desire for a flash car, or a mock-tudor mansion, or even an Olympic-sized swimming pool. I don't really need a big villa on the Costas.

But I do like decent coffee every day, so I'd buy one of these and occasionally treat myself to hiring a barista to operate it.

Happy Days.

I blame http://www.ravecoffee.co.uk/  @ravecoffee .

See this and more here http://www.sanremouk.com/index8b8a.html?lang=2&page=7&product=4