How 17th-Century London Fell in Love With Coffeehouses

Ever wondered why your cozy ‘coffeehouse chat’ feels so uniquely British—like a mix of debate club, newsroom, and pub? That vibe didn’t appear out of nowhere. Between 1650 and 1700, London was drowning in coffee, not tea, as men (and only men) swapped tavern brawls for caffeine-fueled discussions that reshaped the city’s social fabric.

By 1700, London boasted over 2,000 coffeehouses—each a hub for specific crowds, from lawyers to poets, where ideas flowed as freely as the coffee. These spots birthed modern publishing standards, early newspapers, and even Britain’s first clubs. But their reign was short-lived.

The Birth of London’s Coffee Obsession

The first coffeehouse in England opened in 1650 at Oxford University, run by a Lebanese Jew. Just two years later, a Greek named Pasqua Roseé launched one in London. By 1700, the city had exploded to 2,000+ coffeehouses, scattered across every corner. Unlike exclusive taverns, these cafes welcomed all—though each attracted its own ‘tribe’: Puritans, merchants, doctors, writers. They shattered rigid class barriers but quietly formed new social circles.

Coffeehouses as Media Hubs and Idea Factories

Cafes weren’t just drink stops—they were the backbone of early media. At Will’s Coffee House, hosted by poet John Dryden, literary tastemakers set the bar for writing. Nearby, free-wheeling debates in places like Button’s and Lloyd’s fed content to pioneering papers like The Tatler, The Spectator, and The Guardian. Editors eavesdropped on gossip and arguments, then crafted stories from the chatter. These spaces also spawned Britain’s clubbing tradition: the Oxford Coffee Club (1655), founded by academic coffee fans, later became the Royal Society (1662).

The Women’s Revolt—and the King’s Backtrack

Coffeehouses were men-only, which enraged British women. In 1674, they published The Women’s Petition Against Coffee, complaining that their husbands had traded ‘manly vigor’ for ‘foreign coffee drunkenness.’ King Charles II tried banning coffeehouses in 1675, possibly to silence political criticism—or placate his wife. But the backlash was fierce: protests nearly toppled his rule, and he lifted the ban two days before enforcement.

Tea’s Takeover and Coffee’s Fall

By the early 18th century, coffee’s heyday vanished. The British, now ruling India, converted coffee farms to tea plantations—partly due to coffee leaf rust killing crops, partly because tea grew more popular. Elegant tea rooms drew women and kids first, then men. Coffeehouses devolved into cheap eateries or shuttered entirely.

Coffee’s 20th-Century Comeback—With a Twist

Coffee resurfaced in the 1950s, but British tastes had shifted. Italians brought espresso machines, and sleek cafes served moka-brewed espresso to men and women alike. Yet tea remained stubborn: when rationing ended in 1956, Brits split between trendy Italian cafes and instant coffee (which dominated 90% of the market by the 1960s). Outraged tea merchants, losing ground, shredded high-quality leaves into bags to compete. Coffee didn’t replace tea—but it forced a permanent change in British drinking habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did coffee first arrive in London?

The first coffeehouse in England opened in 1650 at Oxford University, followed by one in London in 1652. By 1700, London had over 2,000 coffeehouses.

Why were coffeehouses popular in 17th-century London?

They offered a male-dominated space for equal conversation, breaking class barriers. Each cafe attracted specific groups—writers, lawyers, merchants—and became hubs for debate, media, and even early clubs.

What role did coffeehouses play in British media?

Cafes like Will’s and Lloyd’s hosted literary discussions that shaped writing standards and fed content to early papers (The Tatler, The Spectator). They also inspired the formation of clubs like the Royal Society.

Why did King Charles II try to ban coffeehouses?

In 1675, he issued a ban, possibly to suppress political criticism or appease women who complained their husbands neglected family life for coffee. The ban was repealed two days before enforcement due to public unrest.

What led to coffee’s decline in the 18th century?

Tea overtook coffee as the British preferred drink. The British converted Indian coffee farms to tea plantations due to coffee leaf rust and shifting tastes, while tea rooms became social staples.

How did coffee return to Britain in the 1950s?

Italian espresso culture arrived, with stylish cafes serving moka-brewed coffee to all genders. Instant coffee, boosted by TV ads, later dominated 90% of the market, forcing tea merchants to switch to tea bags.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Coffee History Fans

Revisit London’s coffeehouse era with FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui (bright citrus, floral notes) or Yirgacheffe (juicy berry, stone fruit)—both single origins that highlight the bright, nuanced profiles beloved in historical European cafes. For a richer debate-room companion, try the PWN Golden Mandheling (chocolate, cinnamon, low acidity), a classic Indonesian roast that mirrors the bold cups once sipped alongside political arguments. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.