Coffee in a bag? Lola’s Coffee Bags review
After 6 years of blogging, Mr H has finally jumped onto the bandwagon and has written his very first review for the blog. As I don’t drink coffee and he drinks gallons of the stuff, it was a no-brainer for him to put his taste buds to the test. Have a read on to see what he thought of Lola’s Coffee Bags.
I’ve not always been a big coffee drinker; it’s only been around 10 years or so has coffee taken over as my preferred hot drink. Maybe it correlates with having our first child and the need for more caffeine, who knows!
My thirst for coffee was then driven further by a timely gift from my wife when one birthday, I was given a coffee pod machine. The simplicity of a machine that made coffee quickly at a press of a button was a revelation. But the taste wasn’t quite as good as filtered. However, as the only coffee drinker in the family convenience prevailed.
The more coffee I began to drink, my tastebuds craved a better taste, so there was only one place to go without blowing a huge amount on a coffee machine… and that’s filtered.
As any coffee lover knows, filter gives you a good coffee and you can choose from a wide variety of brands to find the perfect blend, but there are a few drawbacks. It takes time, it’s a bit messy and coffee granules down the drain is not good, often contributing to blocked drains and sinks.
Lola’s Coffee Bag review
The first time I heard about coffee bags was in an advert and I thought “what a great idea” To date, I’ve not had the opportunity to try any so these Lola’s coffee bags from The Specialty Coffee Company are a first and here’s what I found.
The aroma on opening the packet
When you open the individually sealed bags you do get the coffee granules aroma and not the nasty instant coffee smell. One box ticked.

Making
This is just like brewing a cup of tea, leave for 3 minutes and give it a stir and a squeeze. However, the bags are quite delicate so be careful not to break them and don’t leave them in for much longer. Timing is of the essence.
Aroma when made
The aroma is ok, it won’t fill the room with that lovely fresh coffee smell, but when you bring the cup to your mouth to drink, there’s no knee-jerk reaction created by instant coffee that makes you hold your breath as you take a sip and wince as you swallow. The aroma is pleasant enough.

Taste
The all-important part. How does it match up? The flavour is not as strong as filtered coffee, but strong for one is not always the same for another’s, so this is very subjective. For me, it has a mild smoky, palatable flavour that I’d liken it to a weaker filtered coffee. I feel this is a positive, because as a quick fix when you don’t have the time or can’t be bothered to make filtered this is a suitable stopgap. It’s not going to convert you to bags solely but it does do the job for a quick cuppa. If I were offered a coffee and they mentioned they only had bags, I wouldn’t be offended.
If you want me to compare this with instant, I’m sorry but I don’t touch the stuff! Comparing bags to instant is like chalk and cheese. Literally, I’d rather eat chalk than drink instant and that’s as far as I go on the matter. Just thinking of instant is making me feel nauseous – but it’s ok I have a coffee made from a bag next to me to help me get over that thought.
Coffee in a bag? It’s good for a quick convenient alternative and surpassed my expectations. I’d certainly keep some on hand for when time is of the essence.
The Specialty Coffee Company
The Speciality Coffee Company offer speciality-grade coffee from all over the world. It’s expertly roasted and shipped directly to you. If you want to find out their range or more about Lola’s Coffee Bags and their pricing structure, head over to their website.
![[AD] ✨ Festive magic for local families in the heart of Guildford ✨
We had the loveliest evening exploring the @guildfordilluminate light trail at Guildford Castle
The trail takes around 30–40 mins
with cosy stops for hot chocolate and toasting marshmallows, it’s a gorgeous Christmas activity for Surrey families.
It’s on until 4th January and makes the perfect festive plan:
🛍️ Christmas shopping in town
✨ The light trail
🍽️ Finish with dinner in Guildford
If you’re looking for a magical, stress-free festive outing with the kids — this is one to add to your Christmas list
📍 Guildford Castle, Castle St, Guildford GU1 3SX
#GuildfordWithKids #SurreyFamilies #ChristmasInSurrey](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/589257185_18566118850016840_4432952740767953046_n-180x320.jpg)
![[AD] We went to the newly opened Cha Sha Kingston a couple of weeks ago, and wow — taste bud adventure unlocked! The boys devoured the masala fries and chicken tikka rolls, while we couldn’t get enough of that epic kebab butter curry 😍🍛.
It’s amazing value for food this tasty (and everyone left happy and VERY full!).
Delicious food, vibrant vibes and incredible value — the perfect combo for your next meal.
📍Cha Sha Kingston
43 Surbiton Road, KT1 2HG
🌐 chasha.co.uk
Other Cha Sha locations in Birmingham, Ilford, Southampton and Wembkey
#ChaSha #ChaShaKingston #KingstonEats #FoodieFinds #UKFoodie #FoodReview #KingstonUponThames #FamilyEats #FamilyDining #FoodieKids](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/574770541_18560351146016840_6855048070839528040_n-180x320.jpg)

![[AD] We’re a cricket-mad family, so we’re buzzing that @thehundred is back this August! 🏏🔥
To get ready, M tried out the official FREE Activity Pack — and it’s brilliant! 🙌
Packed with fun games, creative challenges and sporty tasks, it’s perfect for getting kids hyped whether you’re at home or on the go.
👉Download yours now (link in bio)
@londonspirit @ovalinvincibles #EveryMomentCounts #TheHundred
#EnglandCricket #CricketFamily #TheHundredCricket #LondonBloggers #Cricket #CricketIsLife #kidsfun](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/505472555_18531279601016840_7092520074819907569_n-180x320.jpg)



![[AD - Press visit]
We enjoyed the glorious sunshine this weekend with a trip to Brighton. We went on the @brightoni360official which is right by the sea front.
The i360 pod take a slow journey up, allowing you to take in views across Brighton and the South Downs 450ft above ground. There’s a bar inside with drinks and snacks available to purchase and the experience lasts 25 minutes.
Afterwards, we headed to the open air roller rink for a roller skating session!
The roller rink is:
⭐ Suitable for over 5s
⭐ £6.50 if you have your own skates or £9.50 if you need to hire them
⭐ 45 minutes per session
Full details to visit the i360 + skating
📍 Brighton i360, Lower Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2LN
🚗 Parking nearby (we parked in the Regency Square Car park)
🎟️ Prices start from £25.40 for an adult and £16.90 for a child
🕐 Opening hours are currently Sun-Fri 10.30am-18.30pm and until 19.30pm on Saturdays
☕️ Bar inside the i360, cafe and gift shop
Book tickets here:
https://tickets.brightoni360.co.uk/tickets/?_ga=2.195305772.1869001490.1689671753-1757164059.1689671753/#events?eventid=157](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/417980235_313576471048632_3682382982231216432_n.jpg)

![[AD] ***Summer of fun at Barracudas Activity Camps!****
There is plenty for kids to do at @barracudas_activity_day_camps
From Tennis, Archery, Swimming, Motor Sports and more you can be sure that there will be something for kids aged 4.5-14. ⚽🏈🥅🎾🏓🏎️🏹🏊♂️🏉
You can book on a day by day basis - so it can fit in with any other days out/activities you have planned and there are early drop off and late pickup options available. Barracudas are also Ofsted registered so you can use your Childcare Vouchers too.
⭐⭐⭐Get £20 off a week or £4 off a day using my discount code: MARIA20⭐⭐⭐
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![[AD] We have some super exciting news...we have been chosen to be Laser Quest Ambassadors, and the boys are over the moon!
We are really lucky that our local Laser Quest (@laserquestkingston) is just around the corner from us. It means we can pop in of a weekend or anytime during the school holidays, and with summer just around the corner, I know Laser Quest will be one of our go-to places for some family fun.
As well as games of Laser Quest, there are also VR experiences and arcade amusements too. To find out a bit more about how Laser Quest works, you can read my blog post: https://www.suburban-mum.com/laser-quest-kingston/ (clickable link in bio)
Don't forget to keep an eye out for our Laser Quest posts - I'm going to be giving away two family passes to use at Laserquest Kingston!
If you can't wait and want to head down to Laser Quest to try it out, use the code SUMMER30 for 30% off your booking. The code is valid from now until the end of August 2023 and can be used on Laser Quest games and birthday party bookings.
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![[AD] The sun has finally made an appearance and the boys have been making the most of it by spending it
in the garden.
They’re go-to is always football and they’ve been trying to improve their aim and accuracy with the new Messi Foldable Footlball goal from the #MessiTrainingSystem range.
I love the fact the goal is foldable, making it easy to store away when not in use. It is also lightweight so you can effortlessly pack it up and take it to the park or to a friend’s house.
The Messi Foldable Football Goal retails at £36 and can be purchased from @argos
You can read my full review here: https://www.suburban-mum.com/messi-foldable-football-goal/
#TrainLikeMessi #FoldableFootballGoal #FootballSkills #OutdoorFun #LionelMessi #LeoMessi #FootballAtHome #OutdoorKids #JustGetOutside #OutdoorsAndFree #ScreenFreeKids #WhateverTheWeatherKids @flair_gp](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/341194882_615024710178056_41977149395989448_n.jpg)

![[AD] We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we are Barracuda Ambassadors again this year.
With Easter just around the corner, the boys were sent the @barracudas_activity_day_camps new camp kit in preparation for the school holidays.
There’s a wide range of activities for kids aged 4.5 - 14 including Tennis, Archery, Basketball, Arts & Crafts and more.
If you like the sound of Barracudas, find out more over on their website. You can also save £20 a week or £4 a day, using my discount code: MARIA20](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/336812306_765234558514317_685553691647241974_n.jpg)





