English Coffee Houses and the News

"The London coffee-houses provided a gathering place where, for a penny
admission charge, any man who was reasonably dressed could smoke his
long, clay pipe, sip a dish of coffee, read the newsletters of the day,
or enter into conversation with other patrons.   At the period when
journalism was in its infancy and the postal system was unorganised and
irregular, the coffee-house provided a centre of communication for news
and information.  Runners were sent round to the coffee-house to report
major events of the day, such as victory in battle or political
upheaval, and the newsletters and gazettes of the day were distributed
chiefly in the coffee-house.  Most of the establishments functioned as
reading rooms, for the cost of newspapers and pamphlets was included in
the admission charge." http://waeshael.home.att.net/coffee.htm