Coffee shops claim they’re the best — but taste is personal

Walk into almost any café and you’ll see it proudly displayed somewhere: “Best coffee in town.” It sounds impressive, but here’s the truth — we all taste coffee differently. What feels smooth and rich to one person might taste bitter or flat to someone else. Coffee isn’t universal. It’s personal, shaped by our own palate, memories, and mood.

That’s why, to me, the real coffee connoisseur isn’t the barista or the brand. The real connoisseur is the person drinking the coffee. The one taking the sip, feeling the moment, and deciding for themselves what they enjoy.

My coffee tastes: Wetherspoons, pods, and hob‑brewed comfort

I’ll be honest — I love Lavazza coffee served from a machine in Wetherspoons. It’s not fancy or artisan, but it hits the spot. There’s something about that cup, in that setting, that just works for me.

At home, I’m just as happy with certain coffee pods. They’re simple, reliable, and comforting. No fuss, no ritual — just a button press and a cup that feels familiar.

And then there’s the other side of my coffee life: freshly ground coffee brewed on the hob. The smell, the sound, the slow bubbling of the moka pot — it turns an ordinary morning into something warm and grounding.

None of these coffees are “better” than the others. They’re just different. And each one brings me joy in its own way. That’s what matters.

Your palate is unique — and that’s the beauty of it

We all taste coffee through our own lens. Our palate is shaped by what we’ve grown up with, the flavours we love, the moments we associate with certain drinks, and even the kind of day we’re having.

When you realise that, coffee becomes less about chasing someone else’s idea of perfection and more about discovering what genuinely makes you happy.

The coffee connoisseur is you

A connoisseur isn’t someone who knows every origin or every tasting note. A connoisseur is someone who knows what they enjoy — whether it’s a pub machine coffee, a pod at home, or a carefully brewed moka pot.

So next time someone tells you their coffee is “the best,” smile, take a sip, and decide for yourself. Because in the end, the person drinking the coffee is the true expert.