We will have a prototype for the first week of July, which most likely will not have any bodywork/decorative bits finalised as these are somewhat secondary to how the machine performs, which needs to set new standards
Upon receiving the prototype we will publish an extensive gallery of images on the blog here so you can get a good idea of what is on offer
Don’t expect any new technology, dials, or electronics. Along with many of you, we have proved beyond all reasonable doubt that this is not the way forward in espresso, contrary to the opinion of some influential industry figures
Londinium I is simple. It takes the same magnificent group that is used on the Bosco, and indeed by Kees Van der Westen, with the optional thermosiphon feature specified. Then it deploys it in a compact configuration that is suitable for the home and small business use. The machine has a reservoir, so it does not need to be connected to the water mains
Such a machine is not currently available in the marketplace, to the best of our knowledge
The cornerstone of the project will be engineering excellence, something which in our observation is more scarce in espresso machines than the industry would have you believe. Londinium I is intended to be a machine that will serve you for a lifetime with best in class espresso
The choice of a spring lever, and the steps taken to ensure the group heats up quickly and evenly and maintains a stable temperature will also ensure that unlike many other lever machines it will be relatively easy for inexperienced users to achieve very good results. We see this as being critical to the machine’s success in the market
The choice of group ensures the taste will be magical, just as the Bosco & Kees’ idrocompresso is. Unlike the Bosco the group will be mounted directly to the boiler, and like the Idrocompresso the group has been specified with a thermosiphon. Whilst a thermosiphon ensures the group temperature does not drop when the machine is idle, it also has another purpose; it ensures the group heats quickly, evenly and thoroughly when it is switched on. We think this is an essential feature in a machine that will often be switched on for a short period of time for a couple of espresso before work, then switched off again
We also hope to add some visual appeal to the machine after we have confirmed that the performance of the prototype is everything we hope it will be
The prototype will be subject to some fairly rigorous testing and will be available to any existing customer to come and have a play with
The target is to turn around the feedback from the prototype and finalise the bodywork, with a view to having a finished product on the shelf and awaiting order for the first week in September so the machines are continuously available for purchase in the all important run up to Christmas.