The First Coffeehouses in 17th Century London

When did coffee become more than just a drink in Britain? For those wondering where and how London’s coffeehouse culture truly began, the answer lies in a small shop near a university in 1650—and a merchant’s chance meeting in Turkey.

The very first coffeehouse in England opened in 1650 near a university and was called ‘The Sign of the Pasqua Rosee’ (also known as ‘’). Just two years later, in 1652, London got its own iconic early coffee spot: Roger’s Coffee House, which quickly became a bustling hub despite serving humble brews.

How a Turkish Connection Sparked London’s First Coffeehouse

The story begins with an English merchant named Edward Lloyd (referred to here as ), who met a man named Pasqua Rosee while in Turkey. Rosee was not British but became his business partner. Lloyd was so enthusiastic about coffee that it piqued Rosee’s curiosity. Eventually, Lloyd brought Rosee back to England to help establish a coffeehouse. With Lloyd’s financial backing, Rosee opened ‘Roger’s Coffee House.’

Early Coffee Advertising & the Promise of Health

Roger’s Coffee House promoted coffee as a health aid. Its flyers claimed the drink could boost energy and help with stomach issues and gout—making it possibly the world’s first coffee advertisement. These claims helped attract customers and positioned the coffeehouse as a wellness-minded gathering place.

A Hub for Business, News, and Debate

Located northwest of the Tower of London near the Royal Exchange, Roger’s Coffee House became a center for exchanging economic news and ideas. Traders who couldn’t get information inside the Exchange found it in the coffeehouse, turning it into a de facto second marketplace. Soon, other coffeehouses replicated this model across London.

Beyond commerce, the coffeehouse became a venue for political and academic discussion. Because it only cost one penny to enter, read the news, and join conversations, these places earned the nickname ‘Penny Universities.’

The Rapid Rise of London Coffeehouses

Coffee’s popularity exploded. Within just a few years, London had around 3,000 coffeehouses. Their rapid spread was driven by the city’s busy trade life and the coffeehouse’s role as a social and informational crossroads.

The Women’s Protest Against Coffeehouses

One notable controversy was the ban on women entering coffeehouses. This upset many wives, leading a group of women to petition the mayor in 1674. They claimed their husbands’ health and marriages suffered due to excessive coffee drinking. Men denied the accusations, and the dispute went unresolved.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the first coffeehouse in London established?

The first coffeehouse in England opened in 1650 near a university and was known as ‘The Sign of the Pasqua Rosee.’ The more famous ‘Roger’s Coffee House’ in London opened in 1652.

Who founded Roger’s Coffee House?

Roger’s Coffee House was founded by Pasqua Rosee, a man from Turkey who partnered with English merchant Edward Lloyd. Lloyd funded the shop after being impressed by Rosee’s knowledge of coffee.

What made Roger’s Coffee House so popular?

Though its coffee was basic, Roger’s Coffee House gained popularity by positioning itself as a healthful spot. It distributed flyers claiming benefits like improved energy and relief from stomach and gout issues—some of the earliest coffee advertising.

Why were women not allowed in London coffeehouses?

Women were banned from most London coffeehouses during the 17th century. In 1674, a group of wives protested, saying coffee harmed their husbands’ health and caused domestic strife, but the ban remained in place.

How many coffeehouses were there in London by the 1660s?

By the 1660s, just a few years after the first coffeehouses appeared, London had around 3,000 coffeehouses, fueled by the city’s trade activity and the coffeehouse’s role as a social hub.

What was the nickname for 17th-century London coffeehouses?

They were nicknamed ‘Penny Universities’ because for just one penny, people could read newspapers, exchange ideas, and take part in discussions on politics and academia.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Coffeehouse History

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