The UK’s long been defined by our relationship with hot drinks – namely, a good old cup of tea. But where once ‘Fancy a cuppa?’ meant only one thing, you’ve now got a good chance of hearing “Sure, make mine a latte” in response.
And latte it will likely be. In our survey of 2000 people across the UK, almost every part of the country named the latte as their preferred coffee-du-jour. But are our tastes really so straightforward? Or could there be coffee connoisseurs all around us? Explore the interactive map below to unveil Britain’s coffee habits or read on for advice on how to make the nation’s favourite caffeinated treats.
Coffee culture in the UK
The UK loves a latte, but there’s more to our coffee culture than just steamed milk. From connoisseurs grinding their own beans each morning, to espresso addicts drinking lungos long into the night – we’ve explored habits across the nation.
Click a region to reveal its coffee quirks.
Greater London
Whether you want a speciality brew or a caffeine fix for the commute, take 10 steps in London and there’s a coffee shop. Some of the more unusual coffee types find their biggest fans here, with more Londoners ranking espresso (12%), Frappuccino (6%), Turkish coffee (3%) and iced coffee (11%) as their favourite tipple, than anywhere else.
North West
3% more likely than the average consumer to shun coffee altogether, the North West still boasts a blossoming coffee culture, overrepresenting for Brits who consider coffee more of a treat than a daily energy boost (13%). And it’s here that the underappreciated café au lait sees its biggest number of fans (2%).
South East
In the South East, above average numbers of people came out in favour of the latte (22%), and runner up, the cappuccino (17%). But it’s worth noting that despite its reputation as London commuter catnip, people here expect to pay 15% less than Londoners for your average cup of joe.
East Midlands
Warmth and comfort are orders of the day for coffee drinkers in the East Midlands. More people listed the chocolatey and indulgent Mocha as their preferred coffee here than anywhere else in the UK (6%).
Scotland
Hot milk but hold the froth – while Scottish respondents came out in favour of the latte (23%), their number of cappuccino lovers was below average. It might be no surprise then that the foam free cortado found one of its four fans (out of 2000 respondents), here!
South West
With above average numbers reporting buying pods and capsules (21%) and whole coffee beans (10%), and fewer than average instant coffee users (41%) the South West is clearly a region of discerning drinkers.
East of England
In the East of England they love a latte more than most, with 23% naming it their favourite coffee drink. And while they underrepresent for all the other usual suspects (cappuccinos, espressos, americanos and flat whites), 8% did name iced coffee as their top coffee beverage.
Northern Ireland
If there’s a region that coffee has yet to crack, it’s Northern Ireland. But while fewer (-11%) people here buy instant, average numbers said they buy ground coffee, pods and capsules, and whole coffee beans to enjoy at home. This preference for quality home brews might be why 16% favour the americano.
West Midlands
The Black Country loves a coffee with a kick! They may not favour Irish coffee quite as much as their pals in the East, but with 14% of respondents confessing to drinking 5 cups of coffee or more a day, and just 9% regularly buying decaf, this isn’t a region where people are afraid of a little caffeine!
North East
The UK loves a latte and the North East love them most of all, with 24% of respondents naming it their favourite type of coffee. Warming, delicate, and a blank canvas for coffee art (if you’re into that kind of thing), it treads the perfect balance between comforting cuppa and indulgent extravagance.
Yorkshire
No nonsense Yorkshire proves itself once again. Bucking the national preference for lattes, the flat white triumphed as the most popular coffee in the region. But while steamed milk might be out, it doesn’t mean the taste doesn’t matter – 22% agree that taste, quality and how coffee is served is important!
Wales
Opera, ice cream, rugby… the cultural similarities between Wales and Italy ride high once again in the country’s favourite coffee: the cappuccino. Strong, frothy, and often enjoyed with a dusting of cocoa; it’s not only the region’s most popular coffee, it’s also more popular in Wales than anywhere else in the UK.
How to make a latte
The machine: PHILIPS LatteGo Bean To Cup Coffee Machine
The coffee: Latte’s should be about 1/3 coffee, so a standard 35ml espresso should do the trick
The milk: The balance of foam to warm milk is what makes or breaks a latte. So, whether you use cows’ milk, or opt for oat, soya, or even coconut milk, aim for a nice smooth layer of froth – about 2cm.
The technique: Once your espresso is brewed, use the foam arm on the machine to warm and gently froth your milk of choice. Remember to only fill your milk jug to a third, or at most half – the milk needs space to expand. Once ready add the milk directly to the expresso, swirling the milk jug to ensure you get an even spread of foam.
How to make a cappuccino
The machine: SIEMENS Bean to Cup Coffee Machine or DELONGHI La Specialista Arte Bean to Cup Coffee Machine
The coffee: Cappuccinos are usually made with a single or double espresso, depending on your appetite for caffeine.
The milk: Cappuccinos are more foam than steamed milk, so extra attention needs to go into the foaming process.
The technique: To get as much foam as possible in the cup, you’ll want to pour your milk directly into the espresso from a height close to the edge of the cup, gently wiggling the jug as you pour. As enough foam makes its way into the cup, you can raise the jug a little higher, allowing more steamed milk to pour through.
How to make a flat white
The machine: BREVILLE Barista Max+ Bean to Cup Coffee Machine
The coffee: While many coffee shops offer flat whites with a single shot, purists demand a double espresso in every cup.
The milk: Much like a latte, a flat white demands steamed milk with a nice layer of microfoam on top. What makes it different is that you’ll want more coffee and less milk in a flat white. Serve in a cappuccino cup to help achieve the perfect balance.
The technique: Make a double expresso with your machine before steaming your milk. After a few seconds of frothing with the wand near the top of your milk, push the steam arm further into the jug to prevent too much foaming. As you pour make sure the milk is silky, with just a thin layer of smooth foam on top.
How to make an americano
The machine: MELITTA Series 600 Latticia OT F300-100 Bean to Cup Coffee Machine or TASSIMO by Bosch Style Coffee Machine
The coffee: There’s no milk to hide behind with an americano, so make sure you choose coffee with a flavour you absolutely love.
The milk: None.
The technique: Brew a double espresso of your choice. To maintain the delicate crema created by your machine, pour the espresso over a cup of hot water, not the other way around.
How to make an espresso
The machine: SAGE Barista Express Impress Bean to Cup Coffee Machine or NESPRESSO by Magimix Vertuo Pop 11731 Smart Coffee Machine
The coffee: Single and double expressos are roughly 30ml-60ml, respectively. This is coffee at its purest, so choose high quality beans or pods, with a flavour that suits your preference. If you’re making an espresso to drink straight, you may want a lighter roast. If you’re mixing a latte or a cappuccino, however, you might want to go for a darker roast to make sure the coffee flavour really comes through.
The milk: None.
The technique: Depending on your machine, an espresso may be as easy as loading a pod or capsule, or it can be a little more involved.
If you’re working with ground coffee beans, ‘tamping’ is the technique to master.
Once you’ve added ground coffee to your portafilter, make sure it has an even surface, then use a tamper to press down the coffee, forcing out any air bubbles, before connecting to your machine. This should make sure the water filters evenly through the beans, creating a full and balanced favour and silky crema.
