Behind coffeehouse doors:
the coffee clique | 15
The revolutionary history of coffee
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oday’s brood of branded coffeehouse chains have been so naturally integrated into everyday life. However, long before cafés boasted free Wifi and friendly chatter, the 17th century coffeehouse was a haven for caffeine-fuelled debate and innovation, which has helped to shape the modern world A taste of today’s coffee shop culture can articulate that, despite the many busy bodies who are choosing take-out cups, they are serving as hip venues for people to gather with friends or read the daily news. If you look around, you’ll notice a blend of coffee fanatics - many engrossed in their smartphone or laptop, others in a newspaper or notebook. Coffee doesn’t just have the ability to connect with those trend-savvy drinkers. It has also fuelled both the creative mind and information exchanges of modern society, and has done so for centuries long before Google or Facebook were invented. As Britain was at the forefront of European nations to unveil this new coffee culture, which derived from the Middle East, its coffeehouses became the centre of controversy. This was even to the point where the hot drink was almost banned and establishments closed for good. ‘PENNY UNIVERSITIES’ Centuries before technological development, people could read the latest pamphlets and chat with like-minded people about literature and politics for the price of a cup of coffee. Originally invented in the Middle East, one of the first new breed of coffeehouses was opened in London in 1652 by Pasqua Rosée, the Greek servant of a merchant and immigrant. Before, taverns had been the place for people to meet and relax with a drink but coffee houses were fast becoming the most exciting scene of social life. By the late 1700s, up to 3,000 coffee houses were opened around Britain. Regardless of social status, the doors were open to anyone who could pay the penny price of a cup of coffee. Never had England seen such a space for men from all ranks of life to discuss current affairs and philosophy in a sober, civilised fashion. Dubbed ‘penny universities’, coffeehouses were influential for artists, intellectuals, bankers and merchants.
Daniel Defoe and Henry Fielding were among some of the greatest English novelists who loved the life of the bohemian coffee houses. Although nothing could completely demolish the inherent social hierarchy, the coffee house did weaken class distinction. In stark contrast to gentlemen’s clubs, they were not expensive or exclusive. Coffee houses soon became associated with equality and republicanism and in 1675 an attempt to ban them was made by King Charles II, as authorities feared they were the centre of misconduct and sedition. This caused such a public outcry that the order was soon withdrawn. COFFEE FEVER Coffee fever soon spread throughout Europe with Ireland’s earliest coffee houses opening in the late 17th century and French coffee houses in the early 18th century. Parisian coffee houses were at the centre of activity in the days preceding and following the French Revolution, becoming the prime locations for heated political discussion and debate. As a result, the French authorities conducted surveillance on the inner-circles that met there. By the late 18th century, coffee houses began to decline in popularity. With daily newspapers beginning to circulate outside the coffee house and home mailing becoming more frequent, men could keep up with current affairs without having to leave the comfort of their own homes. The coffee shops which did continue were home to society’s most fashionable elite. Regardless of this, for a century the political and intellectual life of one half of a nation was crammed into small London coffee houses for those who had a penny to spare. Today, when we are enjoying our latte in the local coffee shop, we should be fascinated by the fact that scientist, Isaac Newton once dissected a dolphin on a coffee table or that for writers, Alexander Pope and Johnathan Swift, coffee houses where they found influence for some of their most fantastic works. While today’s coffee shops won’t house any dolphins, coffee culture continues to enrich customer interaction and create an imaginative, convivial environment for many.
Five fun facts about coffee
If you are an avid lover of coffee, you’ll know your Americano from your Macchiato by just taking a sip. Here are other things about the brew that you may not be as familiar with
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Coffee craze
Did you know that an estimated 1.6 billion cups of coffee are consumed by the world every day? New research has revealed that quality is the most important factor when Irish consumers visit their local coffee shops and this is reflected in the price that they are willing to pay. The average spend on a cup is €2.83, but research shows that one in ten would pay up to €5 for just one cup of coffee.
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Caffeine buzz
If you want to get the most out of your afternoon nap, it is recommended that you drink some coffee before you go doze off. Researchers have found that a cup of coffee followed by a 15-minute nap can lead to people feeling extra alert and full of energy – no need to set any alarm then!
Legend has it
According to legend, Ethiopian shepherds first realised the profound caffeinating effects of coffee when they noticed their goats started “dancing” after eating coffee berries. Perhaps you didn’t know that coffee beans are actually seeds inside bright red berries that grow on trees.
Belt up
All of the coffee grown in the world is from an area called “The Coffee Belt.” This is an imaginary line which contains all of the regions, from Africa to Asia, that have the conditions needed for coffee growing.
Quality not matter
Kopi Luwak, the world’s most expensive coffee, which costs up to $600 per pound, is made from coffee beans eaten and then excreted by a Sumatran wild cat. Apparently, this is one of the most sought-after coffees in the world as it’s so scarce and distinctive. Distinctive, indeed – this is one for the most passionate, and brave, coffee lovers.