Once frequented by the aristocracy, including the likes of Puccini, Cavour and Dumas, the tiny space has only eight marble-topped tables meaning there is often a queue of people waiting outside to sample the delights within.Д¬offee consumption soon spread to Rome and the rest of the peninsula, with imports arriving at the ports in Naples, Bari and Sicily.

TurinвЂ™s oldest surviving coffee house opened in 1763: CaffГЁ Al Bicerin, situated on Piazza della Consolata, is home to the historic drink of Turin, the вЂBicerinвЂ™, whose recipe remains a closely guarded secret. Elegant new coffee houses were built and some of these original houses still remain to this day. With over two hundred coffee houses along its canals, the reputation of this wonderful new drink soon spread to the neighbouring cities of Verona, Milan and Turin. However, as coffee plantations became established within the European colonies in South America and Asia, availability increased, the price decreased and as it became more accessible to the poorer population, it ceased to be seen as purely medicinal. Eventually, it was accepted under Islamic law and trade began briskly in the 16th century.Д¬offee houses in Venice sprung up and very quickly the black liquid, which was until now solely consumed as a medicinal drink, achieved cult status, making it a luxury item, out of reach for most of Venetian society. Coffee houses were already established in Istanbul, but the fate of this stimulating drink was in the hands of Islamic preachers, who at first considered it on a par with alcohol.

When coffee was first shipped from the Middle East to Venice, it caused a furore and was almost banned from entering the port. To make up for this, however, they have invented a coffee culture unequalled anywhere else in the world. So much so, you would think they had discovered it. It would be fair to say that Italians are passionate about coffee.

Culture espresso