Apparatus and method for preparing a beverage

A method of preparing a beverage or beverage extract comprising steps of:

• a. providing an extraction chamber comprising an extractable beverage material, a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet,
• b. providing a liquid conveying means comprising at least one pump configured to convey a liquid through the extraction chamber alternately via the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet, the pump having a pump inlet and a pump outlet,
• c. conveying a liquid into the extraction chamber via the liquid inlet and at least a portion of the liquid out of the extraction chamber via the liquid outlet,
• d. dispensing a portion of the liquid that has exited the extraction chamber from step c);
• and
• e conveying a portion of the liquid that has exited the extraction chamber from step c) back into the extraction chamber via the liquid outlet and conveying at least a portion of the liquid conveyed back into the extraction chamber out of the extraction chamber via the liquid inlet;
• wherein in steps c) and e) the liquid does not come into contact with the liquid conveying means after the liquid has gathered material from the extraction chamber and the liquid does not flow into the pump outlet.