The lost world of the London coffeehouse | Dr Matthew Green | TEDxEastEnd

Summary

This script transports us to the coffee houses of 17th and 18th century London, where strangers engaged in lively debates and shared the latest news. It contrasts these historical spaces of community and intellectual exchange with today's impersonal coffee shops, like Starbucks, where individuals are often isolated. The speaker advocates for a return to the interactive spirit of old, urging us to connect with strangers in coffee shops and spark conversations, as a means to enrich our increasingly virtual lives.

Takeaways

• 📚 The script discusses the historical significance of coffee houses in 17th and 18th century London, where people engaged in intellectual debates and shared the latest news.
• 🤝 It highlights that these coffee houses were spaces of social interaction, free from societal constraints, allowing people to engage with strangers openly and discuss various topics.
• 🏠 The speaker mentions Dudley Ryder, who used coffee houses as a space for personal growth and networking, eventually becoming the Lord Chief Justice.
• ☕ The first coffee house in London was opened by a Greek entrepreneur named Pascal Ros in 1652, introducing a new beverage that was initially considered unpalatable but became popular for its stimulating effects.
• 💡 Coffee houses played a pivotal role in the Enlightenment, providing a platform for clear thinking and the exchange of ideas, which was a stark contrast to the constant state of inebriation that was common due to the poor quality of water.
• 📊 The script describes the diversity of coffee houses, each with its unique character and clientele, ranging from scientific debates to exhibitions of exotic animals.
• 🚫 It points out the gender exclusivity of coffee houses at the time, where women were not allowed to participate in the intellectual discussions, reinforcing the societal norms of the era.
• 🗣️ The importance of sharing news and gossip in coffee houses is emphasized, as it was the currency of these establishments, with patrons expected to contribute to the communal knowledge pool.
• 📉 The speaker contrasts the vibrant and interactive nature of historical coffee houses with the modern-day experience in chains like Starbucks, which are described as lacking the same level of social engagement.
• 🌐 The script reflects on the impact of virtual communication and the potential loss of face-to-face interaction, advocating for the revival of the spirit of coffee house culture in contemporary society.
• 🌟 It concludes with a call to action for people to engage more with strangers in coffee shops, to rekindle the spirit of community and intellectual exchange that was once a hallmark of these establishments.

Q & A

What was the purpose of the original coffee houses in London 300 years ago?

The original coffee houses in London 300 years ago were places where people could engage in discussions, debate, and share the latest news. They were spaces that encouraged interaction and the exchange of ideas without the constraints of class or societal norms.

Why was Dudley Ryder considered a coffee junkie?

Dudley Ryder was considered a coffee junkie because he frequented coffee houses, used them as spaces for social interaction, and even recorded his experiences in his secret diary, showing his deep involvement and interest in the coffee house culture.

How did the taste of coffee in the 17th century differ from today's coffee?

The taste of coffee in the 17th century was described as disgusting, often compared to oil, ink, soot, and mud. It was significantly different from the refined tastes of today's coffee, which are enjoyed for their smooth and nuanced flavors.

What was the significance of Pascal Ros's coffee shack in 1652?

Pascal Ros's coffee shack, opened in 1652, was significant because it was London's first coffee establishment. Despite its simplicity, it marked the beginning of the coffee house culture in London and contributed to the transformation of social interactions in the city.

Why were coffee houses considered emancipatory spaces?

Coffee houses were considered emancipatory spaces because they allowed people to interact freely, regardless of social class or taboo subjects. They provided a platform for open discussions and debates, which was a departure from the restrictive social norms of the time.

How did the introduction of coffee impact the sobriety of the population in the 17th century?

The introduction of coffee led to a significant increase in sobriety among the population. Since the river water was polluted and unsafe to drink, people relied on alcoholic beverages. Coffee provided a safe, stimulating alternative that contributed to clearer thinking and the cultural and scientific growth of the era.

What was unique about the coffee houses of the 18th century compared to modern coffee shops?

The coffee houses of the 18th century were unique in that each one had its own distinct character and theme. They were not uniform like many modern coffee shops, and they served as hubs for intellectual and social exchanges, rather than just places to consume coffee.

Why were women not allowed in the original coffee houses?

Women were not allowed in the original coffee houses because of the prevailing misogynist mindset of the time. These establishments portrayed themselves as sanctuaries for rational thought and debate, and women were assumed to be incapable of such discourse. If a woman was seen in a coffee house, she was often mistaken for a prostitute.

What was the role of the 'cidlik boy' in the coffee houses?

The 'cidlik boy' was responsible for pouring the coffee in the coffee houses. He would pour it from a high height, a technique known as 'pouring it alamod,' which was part of the coffee house experience.

How did the coffee houses contribute to the Enlightenment?

The coffee houses contributed to the Enlightenment by providing a space for intellectual stimulation and the exchange of ideas. They facilitated debates, discussions, and the sharing of knowledge, which laid the groundwork for cultural, economic, and scientific advancements.

What is the speaker's view on modern coffee shops like Starbucks compared to the original coffee houses?

The speaker views modern coffee shops like Starbucks as lacking the conviviality and buzz of the original coffee houses. He believes that the interaction in Starbucks is more solitary and disconnected, with people engrossed in their own devices rather than engaging in face-to-face conversations.