How Coffee First Came to Europe and Changed Society

Ever wondered how coffee went from a Middle Eastern drink to a European staple—and why people once thought it was Satan’s brew? The story isn’t just about beans; it’s about religion, science, and social upheaval. This is how coffee crashed European society and stayed for good.

Coffee officially arrived in Europe in 1615, brought by Venetian merchants trading with the Levant (modern Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria). Its popularity exploded immediately—but not without fierce opposition.

Pope Clement VIII and the Devil’s Drink

When coffee first appeared in Europe, religious leaders condemned it. Some claimed it was the drink of Satan and warned Christians that drinking it risked eternal damnation. The controversy reached Pope Clement VIII (1535–1605). Before banning it, he decided to try coffee himself. After one sip, he declared it so good that “it could not possibly be the devil’s drink.” From then on, coffee was embraced by Christians.

The First British Coffee Drinkers

In 1637, Conopios, a Cretan student at England’s Balliol College in Oxford, brewed the first recorded cup of coffee in the UK. Though soon expelled, his actions led to the opening of England’s first coffeehouse in Oxford in 1650. He later helped spark a wave of coffeehouses across Oxford and eventually London. These early venues weren’t just places to drink—they became hubs of intellectual exchange.

The Oxford Coffee Club and the Royal Society

Oxford’s coffeehouses hosted the Oxford Coffee Club, where leading scientists—including Robert Boyle—met to discuss research. This informal group evolved into the world-famous Royal Society, one of the most influential scientific institutions in history.

Coffee Arrives in London and Builds an Industry

In 1688, Edward Lloyd opened a coffeehouse on Tower Street in London. It catered mainly to sailors and merchants and eventually grew into Lloyd’s of London, now the world’s largest insurance market. London coffeehouses also became known for another first: the practice of tipping. Patrons were encouraged to leave money in a box labeled “To Insure Promptness” (T.I.P.), the origin of the word “tip.”

Coffee vs Beer: A Public Health Revolution

Before coffee took hold, excessive beer drinking was common—even at meals. Doctors began endorsing coffee for its health benefits, especially its role in wound healing. Cheaper and healthier than alcohol, coffeehouses replaced taverns as social centers. Naturally, tavern owners opposed the trend, arguing coffee was unsuitable for “civilized Christian men.”

Opposition from Unlikely Corners

Not just tavern owners objected. In 1674, an anonymous pamphlet called The Women’s Petition Against Coffee claimed coffee reduced male virility and libido. The complaint? Men were spending too much time in coffeehouses instead of at home. Ironically, coffee is now considered by some to have aphrodisiac properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did coffee first arrive in Europe?

Coffee officially entered Europe in 1615, brought by Venetian merchants who traded with the Levant (modern-day Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria).

What did Pope Clement VIII say about coffee?

Pope Clement VIII tried coffee in the late 16th century before deciding whether to ban it. After tasting it, he concluded that coffee was too good to be the devil’s drink, allowing Christians to drink it freely.

Where was the first coffeehouse in England?

The first recorded coffeehouse in England opened in Oxford in 1650. It followed the first known coffee brewing in the UK by Conopios, a Cretan student at Oxford’s Balliol College, in 1637.

How did coffeehouses influence science in Britain?

The Oxford Coffee Club, formed by scientists and students meeting in coffeehouses, evolved into the Royal Society—the world’s leading scientific institution. These gatherings fostered early scientific dialogue and discovery.

Why did people start tipping in coffeehouses?

The practice of tipping began in London coffeehouses around 1688. Patrons were encouraged to leave money in a box labeled “To Insure Promptness” (T.I.P.), the origin of the word “tip.”

Did anyone oppose coffee in Europe?

Yes. Religious leaders, tavern owners, and even some women protested coffee. Critics claimed it was unhealthy, immoral, or unsuitable for Christians, with one 1674 pamphlet blaming it for reduced male fertility.

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