My coffee recommendation for the month of May is our 1942 Blend, created by my son David as a tribute to his grandfather, who began H. R. Higgins (Coffee-man) Ltd. in 1942 during the dark days of the Second World War. His fledgling business had to be wholesale only at first because, as he said, you couldn't expect retail customers to climb five flights of stairs to his attic premises!
It was there, two years later, that I climbed those stairs, gradually becoming aware of the wonderful aroma of freshly roasted coffee. It was then that he prepared me what was to be my first cup of coffee. I was six, and I fell in love with coffee and the business. He worked all hours of the day and night to get the business running and opened our first shop in June 1946 on the ground floor and basement of 42 South Molton Street where we roasted coffee, sending the enticing aroma to everyone coming into Oxford Street from Bond Street Underground Station.
1942 has become one of our most popular blends; you can find out more about how David created it in this blog. Though David created this blend of Central and South American coffees for espresso makers (see below for guides to making Espresso with an espresso machine or stovetop), have no hesitation in preparing it in filter pour overs, cafetières or Aero Press - I have yet to find the method that fails to show its rich, full flavour. It makes for a perfect finish to a meal, or just with a croissant or pastry at any time of the day.
I hope that it may become one of your favourites.
Sincerely
Tony Higgins
