This leaking issue is pretty easy to solve by putting something underneath it…. if only such a thing was immediately to hand….

LOL! Soaking the filter paper with hot water takes away the chemically taste from the bleaching they do to get it white!
What are these metal filters you talk about?

That will be http://ablebrewing.com/products/disk-coffee-filter

Ive never understood the Illy fandom. I find it a pretty harsh, un-aromatic grind. Dry and sharp, no real oilyness at all.

I think it’s like Jacob’s Creek wine: very consistent quality and a trusted brand, but there are better alternatives if you know what you are looking for.

Grind somewhere between espresso & French press, metal disk (or soak the paper one) & invert. Lovely & takes no time at all.

Oh & if you’re in Brighton – Small Batch Coffee.

Have you tried redroaster in kemptown? Will have to look for small batch coffee.