History
London's first-ever coffee house
The Jamaica Wine House, often called "The Jampot", is a historic pub located in the heart of London's financial district, the City of London. It's tucked away in a small courtyard off Cornhill, near Bank Station. The pub holds a significant place in London's history for several reasons.
Origins as a Coffee House
The Jamaica Wine House is on the site of London's first-ever coffee house, which opened in 1652. Coffee was introduced to England through the trade routes, and this coffee house was one of the earliest places where Londoners could experience it.
The coffee house was established by Pasqua Rosée, who had brought coffee from the Ottoman Empire. Coffeehouses became key places for businessmen, politicians, and intellectuals to meet and discuss matters of the day, laying the groundwork for what would become London's vibrant pub culture.
Transformation into a Pub
Over time, the coffee house evolved into a tavern and eventually into the Jamaica Wine House as we know it today.
It began serving not just coffee, but also wines, ales, and beers, as was common for establishments catering to workers and merchants in the City of London
Atmosphere and Architecture
The pub retains much of its historical charm, with wood paneling, brass fittings, and gas-style lighting that gives the space a distinctly Victorian feel, despite its earlier origins.
Its traditional ambiance is part of what draws patrons, many of whom are office workers from the nearby financial district.
Name and Historical Connections
The name "Jamaica" reflects Britain's historical connections to the Caribbean through trade and colonization, as Jamaica was a British colony and played a major role in the sugar, coffee, and wine trades.
Today, the Jamaica Wine House is a popular spot for a pint or a glass of wine, and it still captures a sense of old London amidst the modern financial district.