Save my flat white

[sighbynight]

I've had a home espresso machine for ages - 12 years - and I've long been the boss of it. But lately I've been struggling to make a decent cup. I always use Waitrose Sumatra Mandheling beans and they have always been very reliable, but at the moment the espresso is oily with a rather scummy looking crema. The end result tastes watery. I think the problem is the beans. Can anyone recommend some good coffee beans? And I know that this is pretty near the top of the First World Problems list!

Grumpy Mule beans in any of their varieties. They're all good.

I was in Waitrose when I read that, so I got some Grumpy Mule. I will report back.

Aside from the beans, does the machine need a good descale? Mine always makes the best coffees after a once over flushing all the crud out.

It probably could do with a descale. I back flush it regularly.