AKA Coffee, Conversation & Commerce: How London Became the Centre of the World
Coffee didn’t just wake London up. It fuelled its takeover of the world…
Mark brings London’s coffee-house world vividly to life.
In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, a strange new drink transformed London.
Coffee played a crucial role in turning London into the global centre of trade, finance and speculation.
Pasqua Rossee’s Coffee House and Jonathan’s and Garraway’s and Lloyd’s and countless other establishments became places where news was swapped, fortunes made and lost, and modern capitalism was improvised at small, crowded tables.
In hundreds of bustling coffee houses, merchants, shipowners, insurers, pamphleteers, gamblers and visionaries gathered at cramped wooden tables to argue, gossip, calculate, scheme and change history.
The Coffee-House Big Bang traces the arrival of coffee from the Ottoman Empire and shows how a bitter black drink sharpened minds, loosened tongues, weaponised rumours, lubricated deals, and helped create modern capitalism. Coffee houses became places where fortunes were made and lost, newspapers were born, markets moved and the future was improvised at small crowded tables.
A visitor to London in 1698 marvelled at what he found:
“You have all Manner of News there. You have a good Fire, which you may sit by as long as you please. You have a Dish of Coffee. You meet your Friends for the Transaction of Business, and all for a Penny, if you don’t care to spend more.”
– Maximilien Misson
We walk lanes and alleyways once frequented by Samuel Pepys and Benjamin Franklin and meet some of the other regulars who haunted these establishments. Scientists, spies, swindlers and visionaries all rubbed shoulders here, including the man who was Christopher Wren’s best friend and Isaac Newton’s most implacable enemy.
Mark uncovers how pillars of the British economy, from Lloyd’s of London to the Stock Exchange, began life in coffee houses. Not as respectable institutions but as noisy, argumentative, occasionally riotous rooms where dark deals were struck, sharp practice was admired, and the future of the world was hammered out over “dishes” of coffee strong enough to keep you awake for days.
Gail Norris –
This was such an interesting walk, learning about the origins of the coffee houses, the discussions, trading and activity that went on within, and the understanding of livery companies and development of business in the City of London. Lots of alleyways and very old pubs within a very small area. Mark was so informative and well prepared – lots of illustrations, photos and additional information to bring the whole coffee shop experience alive. I thoroughly recommend.
Deborah Denny –
What a fantastic tour! Mark is an encyclopedia of knowledge on the influence coffee has had on London, especially from an economic perspective. That sounds very dry, but the tour was fascinating. The entire tour is in the old Square Mile City of London – so much history, and hidden spots. HIghly recommend
Kim Harrington –
Mark’s encyclopedic knowledge of the history of coffee and commerce in London is incredible. His enthusiastic and engaging manner makes him the perfect tour guide. We thoroughly enjoyed it and hopes he writes a book on the subject!
Christina –
Such a wonderful tour. Mark is an outstanding guide with an extraordinary knowledge. Highly recommended!
Mickey –
2+ hours flew away- not even once did I check the time during the walk! Mark’s tireless efforts in thorough research and making the episodes entertaining are very much appreciated by all participants. This walk is not about merely coffee houses but about how the society, economy, and financial industry developed. Highly recommended.
Paul threadingham –
Mark is very knowledgeable about this subject and was very interesting to listen to. A must to book.
Jane S –
What a delightful walk! Coffee turns out to be intricately intertwined in the economic and social history of London in so many fascinating ways. Mark is a terrific guide, well-equipped with dozens of engaging visuals and the anecdotes to match. A lot happened in this very compact area in the heart of the City over the centuries! Do try to catch this fun walk the next time it comes around.
G Subbu –
One of the best walks I’ve been on with London Walks. The walk has been a mandatory ” must do ” during every visit to London.
Mark , a friendly coffee aficionado, regaled us with the history of the Devil’s Cup ( a book worth reading ) and the coffee houses frequented by great scholars like William Harvey, Benjamin Franklin, Robert Cooke and Isaac Newton. Glimpses of the places where share trading and insurance underwriters started their trade were icing on the cake . Entertaining and insightful for a coffee addict who brews his own poison , first thing in the morning !
Thanks a ton, Mark .
Wish you many more successful tours .
Regards
G Subbu –
Trivia about William Harvey ,
Famous for blood through the artery ,
And the scientist Robert Cooke ,
At the coffee house , ( at Newton ), cocked a snook ,
Did you know that William also promoted the circulation of coffee !
😉
G Subbu –
Mark, a Mastermind from the land of the Kiwi ,
Treated us to an exposition on coffee ,
Walked us through the route,
With explanations, so astute ,
About a bean that travelled all the way from Ethiopia and Turkey !!