A Conversation with… Runa’s Coffee

Our latest Pint Club collaborator is Runa’s Coffee, a pop-up coffee cart that operates outside LGBTQIA+ arts and events space VFD in Dalston, London. Owned and run by Runa Roberts, Runa’s Coffee is a visibly queer business that focuses on representation, sustainability and flavour.  

Having shared Runa’s Cold Brew Affogato recipe with our Pint Club subscribers this month, we sat down with Runa to chat about her experiential approach to coffee making and the importance of creating social spaces focused around the LGBTQIA+ community. 

What made you want to start Runa’s Coffee? 
 
During the first lockdown, I began to reflect on where I was in my career and, with support from VFD, I realised that I could use my experience in the coffee industry to put ideas I had about hospitality into practice. Ultimately I want to play a part in being a visible queer business in London whilst also bringing a style of service that is intimate and of a high standard. 
 
You’ve talked about creating a high quality, personal experience for your customers - what does that look like? 
 
High quality begins with sourcing. I’m really happy with everything I stock and I think that this confidence translates to my customers. From an experience perspective, it’s about not feeling rushed, being in a space where you can ask questions, chat and see the drinks being made in front of you. I feel like the classic design of cafés means you can’t see what’s happening behind the machine but, for me, sharing that is important. 
 
You worked with queer arts/events space VFD to make Runa’s happen - how did that partnership come about? 
 
I was helping out with their refurb last summer and mentioned that I was considering setting up my own coffee business. It was with their encouragement to use the space that I actually started getting to work on making it happen; it provided me with a home where I could make coffee and also be part of the venue’s long history of queer culture.  
 
How crucial is it that spaces like VFD exist for the LGBTQIA+ community, and what (if anything) can be done to help protect those that currently exist? 
 
I think spaces where it feels safe to be yourself, express or explore your gender and sexuality are beautiful. They counteract a culture of shame and provide a base for communities to grow. To help protect venues that currently exist, I’d recommend supporting them financially – the pandemic has meant various venues have started fundraisers in order to stay open.  
 
How do you see Runa’s Coffee growing and evolving in the future? 
 
I’d like to expand the menu and maybe eventually take the whole thing on the road. I’ve always liked the idea of travelling around the country making coffee. Although, at this moment in time, I’m happy to just take things month by month.

Runa’s Coffee is open from 10 am to 3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays at 66 Stoke Newington Road, London.