Brewing Up a Story: A Comprehensive Introduction to the English History of Coffee

Coffee, as we know it today, is a staple in many English households. But have you ever wondered how this beloved beverage made its way across the globe and into our daily routines? The history of coffee is rich and fascinating, with roots dating back centuries.

The story begins in Ethiopia around the 9th century. Legend has it that a goatherd named Kaldi discovered coffee after noticing that his goats became more energetic after eating red coffee cherries. News of this energizing plant spread quickly throughout the region, eventually reaching Arabian traders who brought it to their homeland.

In Arabia, coffee was cultivated and refined into what we now recognize as Arabica – one of the two main species of coffee beans. The art of roasting and brewing also evolved during this time period. In fact, according to historical records from 1258 AD, Sufi monks were known for hosting "coffee sessions" where they would discuss religious matters over cups of steaming hot joe.

As trade routes expanded throughout Europe during the Middle Ages, so did interest in this new exotic drink called "coffee." It wasn't until the early 17th century that England finally caught on to the trend when Turkish Ambassador Suleiman Pasha presented King Charles II with an ornate silver coffeemaker at court.

However, it took some time for English society to fully embrace coffee culture. Initially met with skepticism by some who believed it was poisonous due to its dark color or associated with witchcraft (due to its origins in Africa), there were even laws passed restricting public consumption of caffeinated beverages!

Yet despite these setbacks, passionate individuals persisted in promoting their love for all things caffeine-related – most notably Thomas Garway's first-ever commercial sale at his London shop in 1652 (where he served both black and white varieties). This marked a significant turning point towards acceptance within English society.

By mid-18th century onwards though there had been an increase popularity among intellectuals like Samuel Johnson who would gather at local establishments discussing literature while sipping on their favorite brews - thus solidifying its place within British culture forevermore!