When Was the First Coffeehouse in England?

Ever wondered when Brits swapped ale for espresso-like black brews in public spaces? The story begins not with a hipster café, but with a 17th-century merchant’s chance meeting abroad—and a growing obsession with a strange new drink from Turkey.

The very first coffeehouse in England opened in 1650 near a university. Just two years later, in 1652, London got its own: Roger’s Coffee House, which quickly drew crowds despite its humble offerings.

The Birth of England’s First Coffeehouse

In 1650, a coffeehouse named ‘The Sign of the Pasqua Rosee’—often referred to in shorthand as ‘’ in Chinese sources—opened near a British university. Though not in London, it marked the country’s first known coffee-serving establishment. Two years later, in 1652, another key player emerged: Roger’s Coffee House in London.

How Roger’s Coffee House Began

The story starts with a British merchant named Edward Edwards, who met a man named Roger while in Turkey. Edwards was so taken with coffee that he invited Roger back to England to go into business together. Edwards funded the venture, and Roger opened a coffeehouse—named, appropriately, Roger’s Coffee House. According to accounts, Roger became curious about coffee after observing Edwards’s daily habit, eventually learning about the drink and helping establish its place in English society.

London’s First Coffee Advertising

Roger’s Coffee House promoted coffee using what is now recognised as the world’s first coffee advertisement. The flyer claimed the drink could boost energy and aid conditions like stomach issues and gout. This bold marketing move helped attract customers and is considered a precursor to modern advertising.

A Hub for News, Trade & Debate

Situated near the Royal Exchange in London’s financial district, Roger’s Coffee House became a central spot for merchants and traders. Since important market information wasn’t always available inside the exchange, people turned to coffeehouses to trade news and tips—effectively turning them into an unofficial second exchange.

Beyond commerce, these coffeehouses became vibrant spaces for political discussion and intellectual debate. Because entry cost just a penny—which bought you access to newspapers, conversation, and ideas—they earned the nickname ‘Penny Universities.’

The Rapid Rise of Coffeehouses Across Britain

Encouraged by Roger’s success, imitators sprang up across London and beyond. Within a few short years, the number of coffeehouses in Britain ballooned to around 3,000, transforming social and business life in cities and towns.

The Great Coffeehouse Gender Controversy

One notable quirk of 17th-century British coffee culture was the ban on women. London coffeehouses did not allow female patrons, which stirred controversy. In 1674, a group of women submitted a formal petition to the Lord Mayor of London, complaining that their husbands were neglecting family life and suffering physical decline due to excessive coffee drinking. The men denied the claims, leading to a public standoff that was never officially resolved.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the first coffeehouse opened in England?

The first coffeehouse in England opened in 1650 near a university. It was likely called ‘The Sign of the Pasqua Rosee,’ though Chinese sources refer to it as . This marked the beginning of the country’s coffeehouse culture.

What was London’s first major coffeehouse?

London’s first major and influential coffeehouse was Roger’s Coffee House, established in 1652. It became extremely popular despite serving basic coffee, thanks to its location near the Royal Exchange and its role as an information hub.

What made Roger’s Coffee House famous?

Roger’s Coffee House gained fame for being a centre of trade, news, and debate. It also published what is considered the world’s first coffee advertisement, promoting the drink’s health benefits such as improved energy and relief from stomach ailments.

Why were women banned from coffeehouses in 17th-century England?

Women were not allowed in London coffeehouses during the 1600s. This led to a 1674 petition by a group of wives claiming their husbands were becoming unhealthy and neglecting their families due to coffee. The controversy was never resolved officially.

How many coffeehouses were there in Britain a few years after Roger’s opened?

Within just a few years of Roger’s Coffee House opening in 1652, the number of coffeehouses across Britain grew rapidly to approximately 3,000, making them a widespread part of urban life.

Where was England’s very first coffeehouse located?

England’s first coffeehouse was located near a university and opened in 1650. Though not in London, it predates London’s Roger’s Coffee House by two years and marks the start of the country’s coffeehouse tradition.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Coffeehouse Culture

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for its bright acidity and floral notes, perfect for recreating the lively discussions of historic coffeehouses. Their Colombia Huila offers balanced caramel and citrus tones, ideal for long debates over a cup. For something richer, their Sumatra Mandheling brings earthy depth—just like the robust conversations in 17th-century London. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.