Coffee in Pubs

Over the years there have been campaigns for better beer and food in pubs. I would like to start one for decent coffee in pubs. My wife and I often visit pubs during walks when we do not want an alcoholic drink. I will have a lemonade and my wife usually has a coffee. The variations in the quality and quantity of what is presented to her is quite staggering.

The worst that is offered is a cup or mug or instant coffee. Paying two pounds for this is daylight robbery. The next offering slightly better is the machine made coffee that you often have at work. Despite decent coffee going into the machine they way it makes the beverage means the quality of the drink often leaves a lot to be desired.

Very often pubs will have a "Cona" machine that makes a jug of coffee using the filter method. There are two problems with this. The first is if no one has ordered any coffee the machine will be empty and you will have to wait for a jug be be made which can be a long time. At the other end of the spectrum will be a jug of coffee that has been standing for a long time resulting in a stewed coffee which is nearly undrinkable.

The best coffee to be had in pubs is when they supply you a cafeteria. This means you can press the plunger when the coffee is at the strength you like it to be and as long as the coffee grains are of a decent quality the end product should be good. From the point of view of the pub the hassle factor is low, all they need is a few of the cafeteria jugs, a kettle and coffee grains.

The next question is whether you get a mint or biscuit with your coffee. A mint is a favorite with my wife but home made shortbread biscuits that you get at the Frog in Skirmett are a perfect accompaniment - and they are home made.

Free refills are rarely offered. If you pay two pounds for a small cup of coffee you might feel a bit cheated if you have to fork out another two pounds to get another cup.

When you stop overnight in a Hotel or Pub there is the same wide range of different offerings in your room. In the US even in motels there will be a filter machine and some sealed bags of filter coffee ready for use. I do not think I have found the same anywhere in the UK. Very often you will get a kettle, tea bags and several 'one serving' packages of coffee. Some enlightened places will supply decaffeinated coffee which is a bonus. If you are lucky you will get some small packages of biscuits to have with your coffee.

So in conclusion I would suggest hot beverages in pubs leave a lot to be desired and I would suggest if you are not happy with what you are supplied tell the staff and make helpful suggestions!