We're big coffee fans here at Londonist. Not only does the London Blend series chart the capital's contemporary cafe culture, but we're interested in coffee history too. This week's edition of the Londonist podcast, was recorded at London's first coffee house, the Jamaica Wine House in Cornhill.
London's coffee heritage is reflected here by an image of the plaque that marks the spot of the most famous of London's 18th century coffee houses. Sailors and merchants gathered in Lloyd's Coffee House from the late 17th century to talk news, trade and insurance, just as artists, politicians and literary types drank the brown stuff at their own chosen venues.
Today, coffee shops retain their social appeal and still function both as places of work (all those freelancers armed with macs and muffins) and leisure. This set of images shows Londoners doing what they should while enjoying a coffee — chatting, sitting and contemplating.
Featured are some of London's popular coffee spots, including Monmouth (not sure which one), Milk Bar and Shoreditch Grind, which here is somehow reminiscent of Edward Hopper's famous painting.
All images courtesy of Londonist Flickr pool contributors: Matt from London, Pete Zelewski, Stephskimo, bobaliciousLondon, heytobster, acwozhere, BeboFlickr, makipon and markspokes49.
See also: London's best coffee shops mapped.
