What an awful day to have eyes, that’s one of the worst sentences I’ve read in a minute. “For now” is the unwanted garnish on that particular turd sandwich, he should be banned from practicing medicine anywhere as fast as humanly possible!

Why did it take reading about right-wing nutters to let me know about bacon-wrapped asparagus?! How am I this late to that particular party? Or is that a thing only for the fash?

That’s a tune. I need to listen to more of them, I only really came to know them because of their Stayin’ Alive cover, but the more I hear, the more I like them

Yeah, no. Thanks, but not at all.

I don’t get claustrophobic or anything, but just looking at that made it clear that that wasn’t a place I’d ever wish to be

Fucking love Brother Ali!

I’ve got the manual Flair Pro, and I go through phases of using it, or going back to a moka pot. As it comes with a case, I can pack the gubbins away, leaving just the rather pleasing-looking frame, and I have a plan to make a little shelf with a drawer so that the whole affair can be tidied away quickly if I want. I’ve also taken it camping with me, and occasionally if I’m working somewhere remote, I’ve had excellent espresso on a job site far out in the woods.

It’s slightly more involved than an automatic machine, but if you’re only making one or two cups (I have two of the portafilter parts) it’s pretty quick and easy. I only have a hand grinder, so have to do that whether I’m using the Flair, a moka pot, or a cafetière.

The Flair allows so much adjustment that it can make some of the best coffee I’ve ever had, but it allows you to screw it’s right up too, and there’s a bigger learning curve than most machines. It’s definitely more of a hobby than just a part of a morning routine.

Perfect, that makes it clear thanks. Explains why I have to time it in the espresso

Can you clarify what you mean by “Watching for the bloom”? I’m an espresso boy, I don’t generally get to see what’s happening in the brew chamber, so I’m unfamiliar with what that term actually means. I’ve watched James’ videos pretty religiously, but it’s your comment that’s made me realise I don’t know what that actually means!