About 300 years ago, at the beginning of the 18th century, cafés were already emblematic places of social and intellectual life. Very different from the modern coffee shops we know today, they nevertheless played an equally central role in society. People came there to drink coffee, of course, but also to discuss, exchange ideas, read newspapers and debate politics or philosophy.
Diving into the’universe of cafés from’ three centuries ago, it’s discovering places that are both simple and lively, where the’aroma of freshly prepared coffee and the’effervescence of conversations mingled.
Simple but warm places
Unlike contemporary cafés with refined design, the cafés of the 18th century were often modest establishments. The furniture was generally made up of wooden tables, benches or simple chairs, sometimes worn by time.
The walls could be decorated with wood paneling or simply whitewashed with lime. L’lighting came from candles or oil lamps, which emitted a warm but rather dim light. L’atmosphere was often smoky, as customers smoked pipes or tobacco.
The floor, often stone or wood, could be covered with sawdust to absorb spilled liquids and facilitate cleaning. All this created a rustic yet friendly ambiance.
Despite their simplicity, these places were very lively. You could hear bursts of laughter, passionate discussions, and the clinking of cups and spoons.
A coffee very different from today’s
The coffee consumed 300 years ago wasn’t prepared like today. Espresso machines obviously didn’t exist, and the preparation relied on much more rudimentary methods.
Coffee was often boiled in large coffee makers or prepared in metal pots. In some regions, methods similar to what is called today Turkish coffee were used, with very finely ground coffee.
The drink was generally served black and very strong. Sugar was beginning to spread in Europe, but it remained an expensive product. As for milk, it was rarely added.
The cups were smaller than modern mugs. In some cafés, coffee was even served in bowls or tin cups.
Meeting places and debate
L’one of the most striking characteristics of cafés d’the past was their social role. They were far more than simple places to drink a hot beverage.
In Paris, London or Vienna, cafés were privileged meeting places for intellectuals, writers, merchants and sometimes politicians. People came there to discuss the latest news, comment on political events or debate philosophy.
In London, some cafes were even nicknamed “penny universities”. For the price of a cup of coffee — often a penny — one could access fascinating discussions and meet cultured people.
These establishments thus participated in the diffusion of ideas and the circulation of information.
Newspapers and information
Cafés also played an important role in the diffusion of information. Many of them provided newspapers that customers could consult.
At a time when few people could s’subscribe to publications, cafés became places where one came to read the day's news. Newspapers were sometimes hung on wooden supports or suspended to prevent them from disappearing.
Customers read certain articles aloud, which then fed the discussions in the room.
Thus, the café became a true centre d’exchange of ideas and information.
A predominantly male clientele
It should also be noted that’ 300 years ago, the patronage of cafés was largely male. In many European cities, women were rarely present in these establishments.
Cafés were considered as places of masculine sociability, where merchants, artisans, writers or students gathered. Discussions could be lively, sometimes noisy, and the ’atmosphere was quite free.
It wasn’t until much later that cafés would become places open to all, as we know them ’today.
Specialty coffees
Over time, some coffees have developed specific clientele.
In London, for example, some establishments were mainly frequented by merchants or insurers. D’others attracted writers or scientists.
One could almost guess the type of clientele of a coffee shop simply by crossing its door. Some were known for their intellectual debates, d’others for their commercial discussions.
These cafes have sometimes even contributed to the birth of important institutions. For example, Lloyd's of London, now a famous insurance market, originated in a 17th-century London cafe.
A still exotic beverage
Three hundred years ago, coffee was still a relatively new beverage in Europe. Introduced from the Middle East in the 17th century, it quickly gained popularity but retained an aura of’ exoticism.
The beans mainly came from Yemen or the early colonial plantations. Their transport to Europe was long and costly.
Despite this, demand kept increasing. Coffee was seen as a stimulating drink that helped stay awake and think. Unlike beer or wine, which were widely consumed at the time, it allowed the mind to stay clear.
It is for this reason that cafés have become privileged places for intellectual discussions.
A lively atmosphere and sometimes chaotic
The cafés d’il y a 300 years ago were often very lively. Conversations could be noisy, and the atmosphere sometimes chaotic.
Some establishments welcomed musicians or chess players. D’others were frequented by card players or gamblers.
The blend of scents — coffee, tobacco, candle wax — created a very distinctive atmosphere.
For a traveler of l’era, entering a café was an intense sensory experience, very different from the calm and design ambiance of many current establishments.
L’ancestor of our coffee shops
Even if their appearance and uses have evolved, the cafés d’today remain the direct heirs of those establishments d’three centuries ago.
The principle remains the same: a place where l’one meets around d’a cup of coffee, where l’one chats, works or relaxes.
Today, cafés offer a multitude of drinks, sophisticated extraction methods and carefully crafted atmospheres. But deep down, their social role remains very close to that of cafés of the 18th century.
These places continue to be spaces for meeting, creativity and exchange.
A tradition that spans the centuries
For over 300 years, coffee has accompanied everyday moments and great societal discussions. From smoky cafés of the 18th century to modern coffee shops, this drink has never stopped bringing people together.
If we could turn back time and push open the door of a coffee shop from the year 1725, we would surely be surprised by the atmosphere and the simplicity of the place. Yet, we would immediately find something familiar: the pleasure of sharing a coffee and a conversation.
A tradition that, evidently, has never gone out of style.
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