Vintage Images Of Coffee Adverts

Official records state that coffee was discovered during the 15th century and originated from Ethiopia. The coffee popularity grew quickly, spreading into nearby Yemen and continued across the Middle East, then eventually across the world. However, stories have been circulating down the centuries, which date from approximately the 9th century, regarding the origins of coffee.

Legends Of The Coffee Tree

One such account involved a Moroccan Sufi mystic, by the name of Abu Al-Hasan Ash-Shadhili. According to this story, one day while walking, Abu Al-Hasan happened upon a congregation of unusually energetic birds, feasting enthusiastically on berries, from a nearby small shruby tree, the curious scene had piqued his interest for a further investigation, subsequently, his efforts had led to a surprising and refreshing discovery, which over a period of time, consequentially precipitated a lucrative and appetizing coffee beverage revolution across the entire world.

Another popular story which has been told down the ages, is about a humble Ethiopian herds-man, who lived during the 9th century, his name was Kaldi. One momentous day, Kaldi witnessed with keen interest, his goats becoming exceptionally lively, after they had indulged on berries from a nearby shrub, so much so, his goats became unusually restless the entire night. After which, Kaldi was unable to resist the overwhelming temptation, to sample some of the exotic berries himself, whereupon, he discovered their sobering and revitalizing benefits, as well as a flavour that was destined to captivate the world. However, because such stories are unsubstantiated accounts, they may simply be savoured whisperings, which has echoed through the corridors of time.

First European Discovery Of Coffee

The first European knowledge of the coffee beverage occurred during the early 17th century, from European contacts with Turkey via the Ottoman Empire trade relations. Although, there are certain other records which state that coffee was introduced to Europe via the Island of Malta, in the 16th century. During the 17th century the lucrative coffee trade quickly accelerated across many parts of Europe, and eventually became one of Europe's great and enduring indulgences.

Original Coffee Houses

The coffee house was an establishment for serving coffee, and originated in the Middle East, around 1511, coffee houses then spread throughout the Ottoman Empire. The first coffee house in Europe was officially recorded to have been opened in Venice, Italy, between 1629 and 1645. The successful establishments of coffee houses in Italy became infectious, as coffee houses quickly blossomed across Europe and eventually across the United States Of America.

Penny Universities

The first coffee house to be established in Oxford, England, occurred in 1651, started by Harutiun Vartian also known as Pasqua Rosee (Armenian heritage). Pasqua Rosee also established the first coffee house at St Michael’s Alley, Cornhill, London, in 1652. From that moment onwards, coffee houses quickly flourished across England, especially London, and they became known as social venues for various scholarly debates. Some early establishments in England, excluded women, and charged an entrance fee of one penny, which gave rise to the famous name ‘Penny Universities’.