Coffee houses are the new pubs, reckon some folk. There's no better example of the pivot from shandy to soy latte than the London Coffee Festival, which once again rocks up at the now-dry Truman Brewery from 25-28 April.
Coffee is big business (£6bn a year nationally) and the festival reflects what a significant presence it has become on the streets of the capital in recent years. Split across eight 'zones', the festival encompasses tasting sessions, demonstrations from some of the world's leading baristas, competitions, music, street food et al.
'Cafficionados' (not a word we've made up, more's the pity) will be particularly attracted to the True Artisan Cafe, where "bespoke coffee and cocktails" and a chance to parlay with some of the country's Marzocco maestros. Elsewhere, L’Accademia di Cimbali looks interesting: it will showcase historic Italian espresso machines and brew the coffees of yesteryear.
Tickets to the festival start from £9.50 in advance.
Photo / Kim Clicks
