London's coffee houses

"Coffee houses are now once again a familiar sight in our high streets. They are usually part of a chain, laid out and decorated in a predictable manner, the latest manifestation of an institution which began in the seventeenth century." "As from the Restoration, London was awash with coffee houses. These were used not just for refreshment, but for business, auctions, medical treatment, news gathering, hiring servants, reading periodicals or just conversation. The early coffee houses were viewed with suspicion by the authorities, who wanted to ban them. But coffee houses survived and had their first heyday." "In the 19th century, as the Temperance movement held sway, coffee taverns were established to counter the appeal of cheap alcohol." "In the 1950s Londoners discovered what coffee should taste like when Gaggia machines were introduced. Numerous coffee bars were opened in crowded premises. New music - skiffle and rock 'n' roll - was played in crowded cellars in a heady (and sweaty) atmosphere. Many musical legends had their first public performances in these venues." "And of late, coffee houses have once again invaded London, but without the atmosphere or individuality of their predecessors."--BOOK JACKET.