Ever since moving to London eight months ago, I have been trying to push myself to learn new things outside of work. Between exploring the city, trying new restaurants, and adjusting to life in London, I wanted to pick up a completely different skill.

Learning how to make coffee was one of them.

That is exactly why I signed up for a coffee workshop at La Marzocco London.

When I booked the workshop, I assumed I would walk in and immediately start making lattes and cappuccinos. Instead, the session started with something I did not expect at all, a full presentation on coffee origins, bean sourcing, and how geography affects coffee quality and pricing.

It was genuinely interesting to understand why coffee from certain regions costs more and how bean quality can vary depending on climate, farming methods, and production scale.

Learning How to Use La Marzocco Coffee Machines

One of the most exciting parts of the workshop was trying different La Marzocco coffee machines.

Some machines handled most of the process automatically, making it easier for beginners. Others required more manual work, including:

  • Measuring the right amount of espresso
  • Timing espresso extraction
  • Steaming milk correctly
  • Understanding coffee ratios

This was when I realised making good coffee is much harder than it looks.

We were told that espresso extraction should happen within roughly 28 seconds to get the right balance.

That sounded simple until I actually tried it.

My First Few Coffees Were Terrible

My first four coffees were genuinely bad.

I could not even finish half of them because the espresso shots were either too bitter or poorly balanced. It quickly became obvious how much precision goes into making good coffee.

After multiple attempts, I finally improved and managed to make two oat cappuccinos that actually tasted good.

That small improvement felt surprisingly rewarding.

The Difference Between My Coffee and a Professional Barista’s Coffee

The coffee made by the professional baristas was on another level.

It was incredibly smooth, balanced, and made it easier to notice the difference between coffee beans.

Even the presentation was simple but elegant.

This experience genuinely made me appreciate how skilled professional baristas are.

Service and Overall Experience

The staff at La Marzocco London were incredibly patient throughout the session.

I probably had the least coffee knowledge in the entire group, but they took time to explain everything properly and allowed me to keep practising until I felt comfortable.

I ended up making around six coffees before I was happy with the final result.

Is La Marzocco London Worth It?

If you are searching for:

  • Best coffee workshop in London
  • Beginner barista classes in London
  • Coffee making experiences in London

This is definitely worth trying.

It is educational, interactive, and gives you a genuine appreciation for the skill behind making good coffee.

This is not your typical London café review.

It is an experience that makes you appreciate every cup of coffee you buy afterwards.

A workshop that taught me coffee is far more complicated than it looks.

Overall Rating

Experience – ★★★★★
Learning Value – ★★★★★
Service – ★★★★★
Taste – ★★★★
Would I Do It Again? – ★★★★★

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