Proper coffee

SIR – Duncan Rayner’s explanation (Letters, April 30) that the word “espresso” derives from the fact that the Italians stand in coffee bars for a quick drink is intriguing.

I have always enjoyed a double espresso sitting, both here and in Italy. What amuses me is the bewildering list of coffees on display here. All have Italian-sounding names – yet from what I have seen, Italians drink only espressos and regard those other concoctions as “soup”.

Tony Manning

Barton-on-sea, Hampshire