Why It Matters: “Suspended” Coffee

For some, coffee is just a hot drink, for others it’s as complex as a concerto in a cup. It’s also the second most valuable traded commodity in the world, with over 25 million people employed in its production. And in Kentish Town, at the very end of the supply chain, we’re blessed with more independent cafes roasting, grinding and brewing up than ever before.

But the luxury of choice only extends to those who can afford it. The recent growth of the “suspended coffee” scheme, which originated in Napoli ten years ago (Caffé Sospeso) and is fast spreading in popularity, made us think whether we could share the love. Because a good coffee isn’t just about the caffeine fix; our local cafes are an important place to relax, chat, do business, or even just watch the world go by. They’re a community hub, which means that everyone should be able to access them.

The thinking behind suspended coffees, if you’re new to the term, is that a customer buys a coffee in advance for someone who cannot afford it. In its simplest incarnation, you “pay it forward”, the barista keeps a log, and then someone else in need comes in, asks if any are available, and receives it. I spoke to the three worthy winners of our 2012 Reader Awards for Best Coffee about what they thought.

Bean About Town’s Olivier pointed out that in their open canopy location by the tube they deal every day with all of K-Town’s cast of characters. “We’re not just doing a business, we’re doing a community service,” he says, “trying to help to improve an area. We want to be generous. We like to give discounts, support people.”

But Olivier pointed out that they have a duty to make sure all their customers are safe and comfortable whether they’re getting a suspended coffee or paying for their own. “So the scheme would need to be regulated to ensure supply can meet demand and people don’t go away disappointed.”

Gavin from The Fields Beneath had similar concerns: “On the one hand, it’s a bloody marvellous idea: there are people who would really appreciate a coffee or even take it a step further with lunch. I know I’m not alone in being reluctant to give just money to those asking for it on the street – there’s the thought it may go on drugs or alcohol. This way it’s certain where it’s going, and it’s great to throw your local business some money too.”

From a purely commercial point of view it seems a no brainer. “Sell more coffee… what’s not to like? But then there is a darker side of homelessness. We’ve had a man come by a few times who is simply unpleasant and intimidating. To conclude, we’re well up for giving it a go if we have a direct link with a local charity to give us back-up.”

Dave from Kentish Town Road caff Arancini Bros agrees the scheme needs to be thought through. “Businesses like us need a social conscience and should contribute. Part of the movement’s aim is to have the social interaction for good displaced folks, something that they wouldn’t normally get and I really like this aspect.

“If we did use it, I think having a central organiser handing out tokens would be the only way forward. We’ve had some unfortunate incidents with people coming in off the street. If we did join up, a well thought-out scheme could, I believe, actually work.”

So would you buy a Caffé Sospeso? Should there be a local co-ordinator involved? A voucher scheme? Or what?