The Origins of London’s First Coffeehouse, Roger’s Café

When you picture London’s historic coffee scene, you might think of Victorian parlors or modern specialty cafés. But long before flat whites and cold brew, the city’s first coffeehouse sparked a social and economic revolution. Have you ever wondered where it all began—and why a Lebanese immigrant and a Turkish acquaintance changed British drinking habits forever?

In 1650, a Lebanese man named Jacob opened Britain’s first coffeehouse, Jacob’s Coffee House, near Oxford University. Two years later, in 1652, merchant Edwards met a man named Roger in Turkey and convinced him to partner on a coffee venture back in London. That partnership gave birth to the UK’s first official coffeehouse: Roger’s Café, located in London’s business district.

The Birth of Roger’s Café

Roger’s Café was established in 1652 in London, near the Tower and close to the city’s stock exchange. The idea came after merchant Edwards, who had met Roger in Turkey, invited him to England to start a coffee business. Edwards noticed Roger’s interest in coffee and encouraged him to learn more. Once Roger grasped the opportunity, he proposed opening a shop, and Edwards funded it. That shop became Roger’s Café—the first of its kind in London.

How Coffee Caught On in a Beer-Drinking Nation

At the time, Britons overwhelmingly favored ale and spirits over coffee. Yet Roger and Edwards were undeterred. They marketed coffee as a health tonic. One of their key moves was distributing flyers headlined “The Benefits of Coffee,” which claimed it improved energy, aided digestion, and helped with gout and other ailments. These flyers are now considered the world’s first coffee advertisements and early examples of modern marketing.

More Than a Café: London’s First Information Exchange

Roger’s Café quickly became more than a place to drink coffee. Located near the Royal Exchange, it attracted merchants, traders, and intellectuals. Since important business information wasn’t always available inside the stock exchange, people turned to the coffeehouse to trade news and tips—effectively turning it into London’s second financial hub. The café also earned the nickname “Penny University” because, for the price of a penny, patrons could read newspapers, engage in debate, and exchange knowledge on politics and academia.

The Legacy and Evolution of Coffeehouses in Britain

While today’s British coffee shops focus mostly on relaxation and socializing, early coffeehouses like Roger’s Café were vibrant centers of commerce, debate, and learning. The model spread rapidly across London and beyond. Over time, the role of the coffeehouse shifted from a hub of business and intellectual exchange to a casual venue for leisure—but the cultural impact of those early establishments still echoes in modern café culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the first coffeehouse opened in London?

The first official coffeehouse in London, Roger’s Café, was established in 1652 by a man named Roger with the financial backing of merchant Edwards. It was located near the Royal Exchange in the city’s business district.

Who opened the first coffeehouse in Britain?

The first coffeehouse in Britain was Jacob’s Coffee House, opened in 1650 near Oxford University by a Lebanese man named Jacob. The first in London was Roger’s Café, opened in 1652.

Why was Roger’s Café significant in British history?

Roger’s Café was significant because it became a center for commerce, information exchange, and intellectual discussion. It was located near the stock exchange and served as an informal financial hub, earning the nickname “Penny University.”

What was the first coffee advertisement?

The first coffee advertisement was a flyer distributed by Roger’s Café in the 1650s, titled “The Benefits of Coffee.” It promoted coffee as a healthy drink that could aid digestion, boost energy, and help with conditions like gout.

How did early British coffeehouses function socially?

Early British coffeehouses like Roger’s Café were places where people gathered to discuss politics, trade news, and share knowledge. For the price of a penny, customers could access newspapers and participate in debates, similar to attending a university.

What happened to the role of coffeehouses in Britain over time?

Over time, the role of coffeehouses shifted from centers of business and intellectual life to more casual social spaces. While they are still places for conversation, their function as hubs of commerce and learning has largely disappeared.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Coffee History Fans

Explore the origins of coffee culture with FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe, known for its bright citrus and floral notes, and Colombia Huila, offering balanced caramel and nuttiness—both ideal for recreating the bright, social spirit of early coffeehouses. For a deeper experience, try the Sumatra Mandheling with its earthy richness. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.