good coffee

[Kongs]

ive just bought a filter coffee thing would like to know where i can buy some real nice coffee thats not ground to fine. is it a good idea investing in a coffee grinder and buying the beans. also want some of that syrup you get in coffe shops but cant find any. any advice would be great. many thanks

[Clanad]

If you're truly going to enjoy fresh coffee, you'll want to buy whole beans only.  They maintain their flavor better, especially if stored in a cool dark place, than will gorund coffee.  I use a "burr" grinder.  It costs a little more, but does a better job, in my opinion, of getting the grind exactly right...  the blade type grinders also heat the coffee bean while grinding, which alters the flavor. Here in the U.S., any coffee store, Caribou Coffee, Starbuck's, etc. have the flavor syrups you ask about.  Too bad you're going to destroy some really good coffee with such flavorings, but good luck with it anyway...

[coffee lady]

It just so happens that I own a coffee shop and roast all my own coffee (no really) so go to

www.strongandsweet.co.uk

and have a look at what I sell!

Thats why I am the coffee lady

[Grimalkin]

Whittard (found in most towns on the high street - blue shop front) will grind beans for you, or sell them whole.  They have a good selection, and will give advice on flavours etc.  Also sell syrups.

The best grinders (also sold in Whittard) are the ones with a handle to turn as they literally grind/crush the beans.  The electric ones just chop them.  However, I think you'd have to have a pretty refined palate to tell this.

One tip - never pour boiling water on coffee - it burns it - let it go just off the boil.

[Grimalkin]

Try coffee lady first though - support independent retailers!!

[kaktus]

Can only echo the others here. Must tell you first though that I don't like coffee :0) When I lived at home it was wonderful in the mornings when my dad was grinding the coffee beans. You get that wonderful smell in the kitchen,. so grinding your beans yourself not only conserve flavour, as clanad says, but it gives you a little extra for the senses!