History
Coffee and Trade
The Jamaica Wine House stands on the site of what is widely regarded as London’s first coffee house, opened by Pasqua Rosée in St Michael’s Alley in 1652.
Rosée had been brought to London by merchant Daniel Edwards to prepare coffee for him and his household.
In 1652, Edwards helped his former servant establish his own coffee house, where coffee was made and sold to the public for the first time in England.
The coffee house quickly became a meeting place for merchants and traders.
After the Great Fire of London destroyed much of the surrounding area, a new Jamaica coffee house was established on the same site between 1674 and 1680.
Historical Significance
By the 18th century, The Jamaica had become closely associated with trade between London and Jamaica and the wider British West Indies.
Merchants, ship owners, insurance brokers and traders used it as a place to meet for business. Its reputation was such that by the mid-18th century, “The Jamaica, London” was recognised as a reliable address for receiving letters and documents destined for Jamaica.
The Jampot
As tastes changed and tea became increasingly popular, the traditional coffee house evolved into a tavern. In 1869, it began trading as the Jamaica Wine House.
Today, known affectionately as ‘the Jampot’, the pub remains in the heart of the City, continuing a history of hospitality and conversation that stretches back more than 370 years.