How Doctor Espresso gives the romantic coffee culture era the kiss of life

How Doctor Espresso gives the romantic coffee culture era the kiss of life

Doctor Espresso is a man on a mission to restore vintage coffee machines and bring them back to life … and they’re also now in action at his four vibrant cafes along with countless others nationwide.

The good doctor, also known as Russell Kerr, has been restoring coffee machines for more than 30 years and now has the finest collection of vintage coffee machines in the UK, including the two oldest working machines which are both Italian-made Gaggia machines.

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This year is a major milestone in the coffee world as it’s 70 years since the first Gaggia machine began work in the UK and you can see this majestic machine in action and taste its coffee every day in Doctor Espresso Caffetteria on Station Approach near Putney Bridge - one of four stylish 1950s designed coffee shops Russell owns in the capital, branded as Doctor Espresso and run by his wife, Vanessa. 
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Russell says: “Vanessa has always wanted these vintage machines to be used, loved and shared with others rather than kept as static objects which is why she runs the cafés day to day with the working Gaggia machines at the heart of the operation.”

Vanessa and Russell with a vintage GAGGIA