The London Stock Exchange evolved from cafes.

In 1688, Edward Lloyd's Cafe opened in Tower Street on the banks of the Thames and quickly became a place for sailors, merchants and ship owners to exchange business. Lloyd's boat provided a timetable for cargo ships to enter and leave the port, attracting more merchants who bought and sold marine insurance to gather and trade. In 1691, the café ran out of space and moved to Lombard Street, where the insurance group was founded. It has long since been awarded the "blue plaque" by the British authorities as a testimony to its ancient history. Even today, the uniformed receptionist at Lloyd's headquarters is still called "waiter" like the early coffee house, reflecting the long history of coffee.

The London Stock Exchange also evolved from coffee houses. In 1680 Jonathan Miles opened Jonathan's Coffee-House on Exchange Alley and offered information on prices, competing with the Royal Exchange for business and eventually becoming the London Stock Exchange.