More Than Just A Meeting Place, More Than Just A Cup Of Joe - At The Corner Of Coffee And Community

Are you an at-home only sipper, or do you enjoy home brews as well as a perfectly prepared cappuccino at your local cafe? 

Sitting at a coffee house table chatting with a friend or cozying up in a corner cafe chair with a piping hot cup of joe and a good book is undeniably relaxing. 

In today’s day and time, these cafe comforts are often categorized as self-care, a place where you can grab a few moments of peace, meet up with neighbors for a weekly book club, or even gather with like-minded community members for a greater cause. 

But, is this how folks have always viewed and utilized cafe spaces? 

Coffee houses have a history of providing community connection, but how does today’s cafe scene differ from years’ past? 

Coffee has long been a thread running through the tapestry of communities all across the world, and today we’d like to explore this social and societal connection. 

We commonly think of coffee in regard to physical and mental health and wellness, but this brew has even contributed to the health of societies, both past and present.

Let’s find out how…

Cafes Then, Cafes Now

The very first coffee house is said to have opened in Constantinople in 1475. 

Known as Kiva Han, this establishment is attributed to the Ottomans, those who first introduced coffee to Constantinople. 

And, from the moment its doors were opened, Kiva Han and those cafes which would follow were a huge success! 

Almost immediately, men began to gather at such establishments, finding the notion of a coffee house to be the perfect meeting place of the minds, a place where conversation flowed, current events were discussed, and the concept of community flourished. 

From here, this trend quickly caught on and spread to Europe, now shifting slightly to hosting a more elite crowd, namely artists, philosophers, scientists, and writers.

During much of the Enlightenment period, coffee houses didn’t solely exist to provide barista-grade brews as we’re accustomed to today. Instead, these places became debate centers, vibrant hubs that quite actually shaped both cultures and history as we know it. 

In fact, coffee houses, and the intellectual and political discourse of ideas that took place within their walls, had such a massive influence on societies, that within 100 years of their opening, they were banned in the Middle East due to their potential threat to the political rulers of the day. 

Even in Europe, early writings describe this somewhat politically entangled nature of coffee houses, depicting them as “places for news, political criticism…telling stories,” And more.

By the 1600’s, coffee was introduced to England, and thus cafes began to line city streets here as well, following the trend of quickly becoming popular places to discuss business, politics, and meet with the minds of the time.

And, while the desire to meet with fellow neighbors to discuss the pressing items of the day seemed to be the most common communal factor in such places, there are some who attribute their popularity to pubs and taverns. 

You see, while coffee houses could sometimes be characterized as crowded, loud, and hectic places, especially when discussions heated, these establishments still provided a much better alternative to rowdy, brawl-filled, pubs where men commonly gambled, drank, and fought their troubles away. 

The stark difference between these two popular meeting places (coffee houses and taverns) soon brought an air of distinguishment to coffee houses, solidifying their role as a place in society where dignified discussion, daily affairs, and even shared intellect was common. 

Unfortunately, as you might have noticed thus far, coffee houses of this time were missing a vital part of society - women! 

Unless a woman worked in or owned a coffee house, she was not allowed entry in such establishments. 

Taverns, the seeming community rival of coffee houses at the time, were required by law to serve food and provide lodging for men and women alike, but as cafes weren’t bound by such a law, women were refused entry, no matter their societal status. 

As you can imagine, this bred much contempt, even leading women to despise coffee, or what they termed as a mere alternative to liquor. 

Due to the custom of this time, in London, England, some women began a petition known as “The Women's Petition Against Coffee.” Their grievances within the petition were detailed as “the excessive use of that newfangled, abominable, heathenish liquor called COFFEE!” 

At least that’s what some history writers would have us believe... 

Want in on a little rumor surrounding that petition and publication?

While some would have us believe that the petition came about due to the displeasure women felt by both being kept out of coffee houses and the fact that their men spent so much time there, others have a stronger theory. 

Coffee houses were meeting places for the intellectuals of the day - men who not only criticized political rulers, but also possessed the intellect and ability to threaten these leaders and the rule of law which they imposed. 

Because of this, many believe the petition, and its satirical nature, was actually written to paint coffee houses in a poor light, in hopes they would wane in popularity. 

Being seen by the ruling class as seats of political unrest, coffee houses and the communities of men that met in them were truly a threat to the ruling class, so much so that Charles II tried to ban coffee houses not even a year after the “women’s petition” was published. 

Coincidence? We’ll let you decide. 

In their continued nature as a meeting place of the minds, coffee houses went on to fuel revolutions, the most well known in this regard being both the French and American Revolutions. 

But, coffee houses also shaped the historical and societal landscape of business. 

These locations provided the perfect setting for merchants, entrepreneurs, and financiers to meet and conduct business. 

For instance, The London Stock Exchange and Lloyd’s of London (insurance market) both began (and overly excelled) due to business conducted in coffee houses. 

Coffee houses provided a locale without bar fights and brawls, an affordable meeting place where a diverse community could gather with varied interests and business, one which would also eventually realize the needed contribution of women to such interests. 

And, by the 17th and 18th centuries, women indeed joined men as coffee house patrons, and with this shift, such locations truly began to make the connection between coffee and community.

Meet Me At The Corner Of Coffee And Community

While it may not have been the precise (and gradual) decision to allow women in coffee houses and cafes that brought about their, now seemingly inherent, quality of community, one thing is certain - coffee houses have always served up more than simple cups of java!

Since the late 1400’s coffee houses have been social hubs - places for folks to gather, mingle, meet, and connect with others in their community. 

When you think about it, even since their inception, coffee houses have embodied the very meaning of community. 

Community can be defined as a group of people living in the same place with a common characteristic or interest. But, community can also refer to a feeling, a sense shared as a result of common attitudes or interests. 

And coffee serves as a springboard for both of these aspects of community. 

When it comes to coffee houses or cafes, coffee is the shared interest of those meeting at such establishments for any number of reasons. 

A love for coffee, or a simple desire for the peace this beverage brings, is the foundation for meeting.

Then, a desire to join others with common goals or interests enhances this brew’s effects, not only bringing folks together over and around a cup of joe but providing purpose as well. 

What else makes coffee houses and cafes synonymous with community? 

Here’s a few thoughts…

1- Atmosphere

While there may be a few eclectic outliers, for the most part, the atmosphere at any given coffee house or cafe is fairly similar. 

So much so that a common word used to describe coffee houses is cozy. And another common cafe description is welcoming. 

Personally, I believe coffee, in and of itself, communicates these attributes. 

Think about it, even when you’re at home enjoying your daily brew, those sips commonly communicate peace and feelings of calm within an otherwise hectic day. 

And, it’s no different at a coffee house.

We meet friends at cafes, bring our laptops to write or work in coffee shops, or walk into coffee houses, book in hand, ready to sip and sit in silence as we flip through the world within the pages. 

Then, sometimes the simple notion of coffee alone beckons us to these communal gathering places. 

So, if you want some solace, go spend some time at your local coffee house…it’s such a common practice today that we rarely even stop to ponder about the type of cafe we’re venturing into, we simply assume such a place is filled with coffee, calm, and a familiar community.

2- Shop Local

Being a part of a community commonly includes supporting your friends and neighbors within that community.

Sharing about your neighbor’s real estate endeavors, telling others about the incredible meal you had at the new, locally owned restaurant, and stopping in for a cup and a friendly chat at a local coffee house, these are all ways we can offer support. 

And, supporting local businesses is one, extraordinary, way to not only engage and be a part of the community where you live, but it’s also a wonderful springboard, one that propels you into new opportunities for friendship and involvement. 

This is why coffee houses are becoming increasingly popular for hosting community activities. 

Not only does this promote the notion of shopping/supporting local businesses, but it also provides that welcoming, cozy atmosphere that mirrors home, a place conducive for both gathering and growth.

3- Gatherings, Clubs, And Causes

To build on what we mentioned above, coffee houses today are becoming increasingly popular locations for book clubs, moms’ events, community-cause gatherings, and more. 

Why? Because these locations already foster a sense of connection, and for such clubs and groups to be successful, connection is vital. 

Whether you’re meeting a friend to catch up, a colleague for work purposes, or a stranger as part of a new club or group, coffee speaks the universal language of friendship and a desire to come together. 

This makes coffee houses a fitting arena then, as we’ve seen in both theory and practice, for hosting groups that seek to do just that…allow folks to come together and connect.

4- Work And Play

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy…so says Jack Nicholson. 

And, if you’ve frequented coffee houses and cafes, you know that these locations are ripe with those looking to work and play. 

We frequent cafes to write, type, create, and work. 

We also frequent cafes to chat, laugh, cry, and play. 

The very fact that coffee shops possess a quality catering to both communicates their ability to provide a sense of community. 

Cheers was the tv time bar that provided a place to unwind where ‘everybody knows your name,’ but today’s coffee houses take this a slight step further, providing a place where you truly get to know your neighbor, connecting over shared interests, even if that interest is coffee alone.

5- Make New Friends, Keep The Old

The above line from a Joseph Parry poem seems perfectly fitting as a coffee house description. 

Why? 
Because what’s one of the most popular places to meet old friends to catch up? A coffee house.

And, what about a great place to meet new friends? Also, a coffee house!

I have a college aged daughter, and it’s overly apparent to me that coffee houses are the place to meet with friends. (I’m pretty sure she does this 6 out of 7 days a week.) 

For me, cafes are always the first place to be recommended when meeting old friends and new acquaintances who soon become friends after shared cups and conversations. 

This trait, again, is something I feel like you can attribute to the welcoming and friendly atmosphere of coffee shops.

6- Location, Location, Location

Sure, not all coffee shops are in easy-to-find locations, but the popularity of cafes gives this aspect a boost. 

In most cities, especially big cities, there now seems to be a coffee house on every corner. 

And, this translates to accessibility. 

So, due to their popularity, coffee houses have become so common that most folks have multiple locations or options to choose from when deciding where to get a few hours of work done, meet with a new or old friend, or host a small community event.

7- Creativity Amidst Community

I work from home, but I don’t have a specified room where I can work. 

This means I commonly write from my living room, and on days when my spouse and kids are coming and going more frequently, I find that moving my workspace to a local cafe is entirely necessary. 

The thing is, there’s people coming and going with even greater frequency in a coffee house. 

So, why can I get more accomplished in that setting than in my own home? 

It’s a mystery, right? 

There’s just something about creativity and cafes. 

Maybe it’s the aroma of coffee? 

Perhaps it’s the hum of the coffee grinders and drip brewers? 

I don’t know, but the very notion of working in a coffee house seems to equate to creativity and productivity. 

Many folks attribute this phenomenon to the relaxing atmosphere of cafes - in fact, most individuals “find that they can think more clearly and creatively in a coffee shop setting.” 

Especially in today’s day and time, which we commonly refer to as the digital age, the access to Wi-Fi combined with a comfortable (even a comforting) environment makes cafes a prime location for study and work alike. 

Because of this, coffee houses “create a community of individuals who may come for different reasons but end up sharing the same space.”

8- Community And Unity

Coffee culture, or rather the social aspect of connection provided by these vibrant hubs of personality, discussion, and friendship have become, even since the first coffee house opened in 1475 Constantinople, a place for connection. 

Coffee houses are basically neutral in their existence. 

They simply exist to bring great coffee to the world. 

But, when you have a great cup of coffee, you have a backdrop for community. 

At a coffeehouse, no matter your background, beliefs, or battles, you can come to this cozy environment, this neutral ground, to discuss, understand, chat, and connect. 

And, this is what community is all about! 

No matter your walk of life, coffee houses seem to unify, to bring folks together. 

So, to build upon this while also summing up our entire discussion today, I’ll leave you with the following (perfectly stated) sentiments: 

“At its core, coffee culture is about fostering a sense of community and connection. When people gather in coffee shops, they often do so to share ideas, engage in thoughtful conversation, or simply find common ground with others. [And] this social environment is what sets coffee culture apart from other food and beverage cultures; coffee has a unique ability to bring people together…”

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References:

https://www.koffeekompanions.com/blog-cozycomments/4162020#

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