A couple have converted three disused London phone booths into mini cafes, serving takeaway coffees, pastries, and ice-cream to locals after the lockdown.
Couple Loreinis Hernandez and Sean Rafferty run Amar Cafe, located in three telephone booths in London (two in Chiswick and one in Greenwich Market Village). These charming kiosks opened in March and began their journey just a week before being forced to close due to the city’s lockdown.
“We were closed for six weeks,” Lorenis expressed. “It was a very worrying time, and while we have not fully recovered from that loss, we remain optimistic about improving circumstances for everyone.”
Britain’s iconic red phone boxes, recognized as the best British design of all time in 2015, once adorned every high street. However, few remain operational today. Some have been creatively repurposed into temporary art galleries, small shops, and even newspaper stands through partnerships with businesses like the Red Kiosk Company. A handful also serve as life-saving defibrillators. Yet, many stand in disrepair, similar to the kiosks that Sean and Lorenis refurbished, which were once covered in graffiti and broken glass before being transformed into useful community assets.
As life gradually returns to London, they discovered that these little cafes can cater to those in need of a caffeine fix while adhering to social distancing guidelines.
“We believe that our business model represents a safe way for people to experience some normalcy during these times,” Lorenis commented. “The community has been incredibly welcoming, and we are immensely grateful for their support. Initially, customers tried our coffees as a fun novelty and to support our venture, but they continued to return due to the quality of our offerings.”
Amar Cafe proudly serves ethically sourced coffee from Colombia, Lorenis’s home country, and the couple works directly with farmers to ensure product traceability. Their coffee is roasted in small batches weekly and available for purchase at Amar Cafe and online.
