Brewing Up a Past: A Laid-Back Look at Coffee's English Roots

Coffee, the beloved beverage of many, has a rich history that spans centuries and continents. From its humble beginnings in Ethiopia to its current status as a global phenomenon, coffee has captured the hearts and taste buds of people around the world. In this article, we'll take a laid-back look at coffee's English roots and explore how it became an integral part of British culture.

The story of coffee begins with its discovery by an Ethiopian goatherd named Kaldi in the 9th century. According to legend, Kaldi noticed that his goats became more energetic after eating red berries from a certain plant. Curious about this newfound energy source, he decided to try some himself and was immediately invigorated.

Word of this magical plant spread quickly throughout Ethiopia and eventually reached Arabia, where it gained popularity among Sufi Muslims who used it as a means to stay awake during long nights of prayer.

Fast forward to the 17th century when England first encountered coffee. The drink was initially met with suspicion by many Brits who saw it as "the bitter invention of Satan" due to its dark color and stimulating effects.

However, one man would change all that - Thomas Garway, an enterprising merchant who opened London's first official coffeehouse in 1652. Located on Exchange Alley near Threadneedle Street (now known as Change Alley), Garway's establishment offered not only hot beverages but also newspapers for patrons' perusal - thus beginning the tradition of combining news consumption with socializing over cups o' joe.

Soon enough other entrepreneurs followed suit opening their own establishments catering specifically for those seeking intellectual discourse or business networking opportunities within these cozy environments often referred to as 'penny universities'.

By mid-century onwards these communal spaces had become popular meeting points for writers like Alexander Pope; philosophers such as John Locke; artists including William Hogarth; scientists like Isaac Newton – you name them! And they were all fueled up on caffeine courtesy their daily visits at local cafes!

In time though changes took place which affected both trade routes connecting Europe & Asia leading directly impacting availability & affordability causing significant fluctuations resulting in reduced numbers attending regular sessions until new sources were discovered elsewhere further westward pushing interest towards America before returning full circle back across oceans once again reviving curiosity surrounding exotic beans from faraway lands culminating into what is today our beloved cuppa Joe!

And there you have it folks! From humble beginnings under African suns shining down upon verdant hillsides through wars fought over spices traded along spice routes stretching between two great empires now standing tall across vast seas joining hands together forming something truly special indeed – yours truly sipping my morning brew while reminiscing upon tales shared here today!