Talya Honebeek works as a content editor for Spare Time, contributing to various media outlets such as the Express, the Mirror, and the Daily Record. Her writing covers a wide range of topics, including home tips, cooking, books, and travel.
Honebeek previously held positions as a senior SEO reporter at BirminghamLive and a content creator at Curiously. She has also worked as a freelance writer focusing on travel and lifestyle, with contributions to publications like Well+Good, Cosmopolitan, and Metro.
For story inquiries, contact Talya at talya.honebeek@reachplc.com
I have always been envious of people who enjoy coffee. Countless times, I’ve found myself in social settings where my preference for a Diet Coke over a cup of tea or coffee surprises those around me.
Despite having a busy life with a toddler, late nights, and a partner who adores coffee, I have never been drawn to hot beverages. Even during the challenging early days of my daughter’s life, I never turned to coffee for a boost.
While I attempted to expand my palate, I decided to give coffee another chance. Following recommendations from coffee-loving friends, I opted to try a flat white, a coffee variety known for its strong espresso-to-milk ratio.
Despite choosing to sample coffee from Pausa, Dunelm’s café, known for not being a top coffee destination, I wanted to give it a fair shot. Although the initial aroma and appearance seemed promising, the taste did not align with my preferences.
After struggling through a few sips, I experimented with adding sugar to improve the flavor, but to no avail. Even trying a cappuccino did not change my opinion on coffee.
Despite not enjoying the taste, I did notice a temporary energy boost after consuming the coffee. However, the effects were short-lived, and I soon returned to feeling fatigued.
Undeterred by my initial experience, I ventured out the next day to give coffee another chance. This time, I tried a mocha at a local independent coffee shop and was pleasantly surprised by the blend of coffee and chocolate flavors.
Having enjoyed the mocha, I now look forward to ordering coffee on future outings, although I may steer clear of flat whites for now. Perhaps an iced frappuccino will be more to my liking?
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