My colleague John Wilson on the opposite page advocates a low-tech approach to brewing a cup of coffee, but for those of us who invested in gleaming, high-tech espresso makers and want to ensure that we are getting the most out of them, help is at hand.

Watermark, a company that distributes Gaggia in Ireland, is running regular training sessions in the correct use and maintenance of the machines. So if you are frustrated by thin, bitter brews with no crema on top, or like me, are slightly scared of an angry hissing noise the machine sometimes makes, sign up for a barista session at gaggia.ie/training/sessions. The next one takes place next month and the cost is €15. Oh, and that hissing noise? A blocked solenoid value has been diagnosed, and yet I am none the wiser – but I will be after my training session.