Coffee in the UK

The UK population are prolific coffee drinkers. They drink it at home, at work, in coffee houses and at restaurants. It's unlikely you'll find a social club, community meeting or casual meet-up anywhere in the country where coffee is not available. Lauded for both its rich, bitter taste and its ability to help us get through the day, coffee is a part of British culture that's here to stay.

History of Coffee in the UK

Although we might assume that coffee has more heritage in Italy than the UK, in reality it was introduced to both countries around the same time. Having first originated in East Africa it was common in the Arab world from the thirteenth century. It was first introduced to Europe via Venice in the 16th century. Venice opened its first coffee house in 1645 with Britain trailing only six years behind opening its first coffeehouse in 1651 in Oxford.

Popularity was great and within half a century the city of London had 3000 of its own places to enjoy coffee. In fact early coffeehouses, where men of power and influence often frequented, ended up being important economic places of today. Lloyds of London and the London Stock Exchange both began as humble coffee shops. You often hear commentators declare that coffee culture or caff culture is becoming more popular in the UK in recent times, but in actual fact us Brits have been indulging in caff culture for over 350 years.

UK coffee drinkers at home

In the 20th Century instant coffee was developed and ever since this has been the most convenient way to enjoy coffee at home. A cafetiere using ground coffee is another common way to drink it. Filter coffee is another popular way to enjoy coffee at home and many filter machines allow users to make a large pot in the morning and keep it warm throughout the day.

However the last decade or so has seen a revolution in home coffee drinking as small coffee machines which replicate caff machines became available for the home. These coffee machines range hugely in budget and style which has meant they are enjoyed by Britons of every demographic.

Coffeehouses and Cafes

Many cafes use filter coffee machines whilst some serve cafetieres. You will still find transport cafes and 'greasy spoons' in the UK serving instant coffee but any restaurant or caff that means business will hire or buy an Italian coffee machine or use a filter coffee machine. These machines allow users to create espressos, Americanos, lattes and cappuccinos - all Italian styles of coffee.

Coffee: how do you take it?

At home in the UK most people drink their coffee black or with milk and many choose to have a sugar or two in their cup. However as Italian styles of coffee have been enjoyed in the UK since the seventies and eighties most UK coffee drinkers expect to be able to buy these when visiting a coffee shop, caff or restaurant. In fact with more people owning coffee machines in the home, many people can have cappuccino for breakfast, a caff latte mid-morning and an espresso after dinner- whatever they want in fact!

Most coffee that is drunk in the UK tends to come from East Africa or South America. Many drinkers choose fair trade options and can buy according to preference for strength. People either buy beans if they have a grinder, instant coffee or ground coffee for a filter or a cafetiere.

As you can see the UK has enjoyed a long history with coffee and the concept of a caffe society is nothing new in this country, we have been enjoying coffee and coffee houses for a third of a millennia in fact. Coffee is used as a general stimulant for work or a social lubricant but for many folk it`s quite simply enjoyed as a drink that is incomparably rich in taste.

Sources

caffesociety.co.uk - Commercial Coffee Machines