What term was used to refer to the first coffeehouses in London?

The term "penny universities" was used to refer to the first coffeehouses in London due to the affordable cost of entry, which was typically just a penny. This small fee allowed customers to enjoy not only coffee but also access to conversation, news, and the latest ideas circulating during that time. The lively atmosphere of these coffeehouses encouraged intellectual discourse, making them centers of learning and social interaction, akin to universities where knowledge could be freely exchanged.

The other terms do not accurately represent the unique cultural impact and social function of these early coffeehouses. Public libraries emphasize access to literary materials rather than coffee and conversation, tea houses focus specifically on tea rather than coffee, and "café style" is a more modern terminology that does not capture the historical significance and characteristics of the original coffeehouses.