European
travellers to the Near East brought back stories of the unusual dark black
beverage. By the 17th century, coffee had made its way to Europe and was
becoming popular across the continent. Opponents were overly cautious, calling
the beverage the 'bitter invention of Satan.' With the coming of coffee to Venice
in 1615, the local clergy condemned it. The controversy was so great that Pope
Clement VIII was asked to intervene. Before making a decision however, he
decided to taste the beverage for himself. He found the drink so satisfying
that he gave it Papal approval. Despite such controversy, in the major cities
of England, Austria, France, Germany and Holland, coffee houses were quickly
becoming centers of social activity and communication. In England 'penny
universities' sprang up, so called because for the price of a penny one could
purchase a cup of coffee and engage in stimulating conversation. By the
mid-17th century, there were over 300 coffee houses in London, many of which
attracted patrons with common interests, such as merchants, shippers, brokers
and artists. Many businesses grew out of these specialized coffee houses.
Lloyd's of London, for example, came into existence at the Edward Lloyd's
Coffee House.
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