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The Coffee Bar Era – Soho’s Espresso Revolution
By the mid-1950s, Soho was buzzing: bright lights, jukeboxes, Formica counters — and the steady hiss of Gaggia espresso machines. What people called the “espresso revolution” was more than coffee. It was culture, community, and performance.
Soho Starts to Buzz
Coffee bars sprang up on every corner. Neon signs, modern décor, and the comforting rhythm of steam welcomed a new generation of Londoners. These spaces were a world away from smoky pubs — a continental promise of colour and possibility.
Britain’s New “Third Place”
For the first time, young people had a home outside home and work. At cafés like Moka, 2i’s and The Coffee Inn, musicians tuned guitars in the corner, artists sketched, and students debated life and politics over a single cup.
It wasn’t just about caffeine — it was about expression. A new social stage, powered by espresso.
Gaggia at the Centre
Behind the counter, the Gaggia machine stole the show. Its chrome gleam and rhythmic bursts of steam became the soundtrack of a generation discovering itself. Each shot — topped with golden crema — felt like a tiny act of theatre.
A Lasting Change
The coffee bar era reshaped Britain’s tastes and habits, and it shaped the streets of Soho. More importantly, it introduced the idea that coffee could be a daily performance — a ritual that brings people together.
Gaggia at 75 — Heritage Offer
SOHO75