The Historical Story of European Coffee the Historical background of European Coffee Coffee controversy in Europe

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Coffee comes to Europe

European travelers to the near East brought back the story of an unusual black drink. By the 17th century, coffee spread to Europe and became popular throughout the continent.

Some people reacted to the new drink with suspicion or fear, calling it "Satan's painful invention". When coffee arrived in Venice in 1615, local clergy condemned it. The controversy was so great that Pope Clement VIII was asked to intervene. He decided to taste the drink himself before making a decision, and he found it very satisfactory, so he gave it papal approval.

Despite the controversy, cafes soon became centres of social activities and exchanges in major cities such as Britain, Austria, France, Germany and the Netherlands. In Britain, "penny universities" are springing up, so called because people can buy a cup of coffee for a penny and participate in exciting conversations.

Coffee began to replace the common breakfast drinks of the time-beer and wine. Those who drink coffee instead of alcohol are sober and energetic at the beginning of the day, and it is not surprising that the quality of their work has been greatly improved. We think this is the predecessor of modern office coffee service.)

By the mid-17th century, there were more than 300 cafes in London, many of which attracted like-minded customers, including businessmen, shippers, brokers and artists.

Many enterprises have developed from these special cafes. For example, the Lloyd's Classification Society in London was born in the Edward Lloyd Cafe.

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