Melbourne’s love affair with coffee
Coffee became popular in Europe during the 16th century and spread to most of the Western world, becoming the world’s leading popular beverage by the end of the century. In Australia and New Zealand, espresso coffee has been popular since the 1980s or earlier, while instant coffee has been available since the 1940s. Coffee shops or cafés have had an enormous impact on Australian society; nowhere else has such an integrated café culture developed as it has in Australia, with Melbourne considered its centre.
Melbourne Coffee Palace Circa 1878
Ever heard of a Coffee Palace?
Founded in the 1850s, the temperance movement put its power behind the establishment of coffee palaces as a replacement for pubs. The Sydney Coffee Palace Hotel Company was formed in 1878 to operate several of these grand hotels. Temperance hotels sprang up in the 1880s, as they were seen as an appropriate place for children and families to stay when they were traveling, far away from the perils of drinking alcohol. These coffee shops were often grand and spectacular – something very different from the humble Melbourne coffee shop we all enjoy today.
From coffee palaces to cafes, Melbourne loves its coffee now more than ever. We also love sharing our love of coffee with the rest of the world – no matter if you’re a tourist coming to Australia or if it’s an Aussie visiting a foreign destination, don’t worry, we’ll tell you all about our coffee culture!