Coffee houses began to open in London sometime in the middle of the 17th century. Coffee became a popular drink soon after its introduction. People quickly learned that coffee enhanced their senses rather than dulled them. This led to a use of coffee houses as offices and meeting places. Coffee houses provided copies of early newsletters and newspapers for their patrons, much as free wi-fi in the modern coffee house.
Various coffee houses soon developed particular clientele. Some attracted political customers, becoming known as a Tory or Whig coffee house. Will's Coffee House attracted a literary clientele as John Dryden, Samuel Pepys and Alexander Pope frequented it. Other coffee houses developed a business clientele.
Many ship's captains and owners frequented Edward Lloyd's Coffee House, bringing the latest intelligence about the shipping industry with them. Discussion frequently turned to the issue of insuring the risks of shipping. The customers entered into insurance arrangements over coffee. This led ultimately to Lloyd's of London.
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