Page 57 - Ian Marshall - London Coffe Houses - Standing Display January 2016

Holyland's Coffee House

near Somerset House, 150 Strand

1787-1833

Its earliest mention is in 1787 and in 1793 Roach's handbook describes
the house as "Perhaps one of the first coffee houses in Europe. The lower
storey is divided into two spacious rooms, one within the other, both
elegantly illuminated and each producing internally and externally a very
fine effect. In this house every convenience is consistent with appearance
and ifthe charges be now and then a little above par, the advance should
be excused by the style in which everything is performed". In 1799 its
address is listed as 150 Strand; just west ofthe entrance to Somerset
Place. Described in 1803 as "Frequented by gentlemen ofthe theatres and
Somerset Place. Tea, coffee, dinners and beds". The proprietor is listed as
J. Holyland in 1805-7; and Richard Williams in 1809-11.