When you think of La Union, El Union Coffee is likely the first place that comes to mind. This iconic coffee spot has become synonymous with the region, a must-visit for both locals and travelers alike. Known for its exceptional hot and cold coffees and their best-selling dirty horchata, El Union has a way of drawing people in. Whether it’s the lure of a perfect latte or the refreshing taste of their signature horchata, coffee enthusiasts find themselves lining up for their daily dose of caffeine at this beloved establishment.
This year, El Union has set up shop in the bustling Bonifacio Global City, bringing their beloved coffee to a new urban audience with a new name—Del Union. As the sounds of city life mix with the clinking of coffee cups, the charm and authenticity of El Union remain steadfast in Del Union. We had the chance to sit down with Matt San Pedro, Del Union’s Creative Director, to delve deeper into what makes this coffee shop so special.
“I think we're one of the few organizations out there that specifically has a design committee. We have a design committee that oversees everything from branding to the space, and that concerns the flow of the bar, the aesthetics of the shop, and what furniture we put into the shop. But then also, it all has to mesh well with how we're developing the brand identity, how our jars of coffee look, how our labels look, and what goes on to the merchandise.”
Matt shares that Del Union is deeply rooted in nostalgia and a provincial imagination set against the backdrop of city life. This unique blend of past and present creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that resonates with their customers. “We wanted to bring a piece of La Union to the city,” Matt explains. “It's about recreating that sense of comfort and familiarity, even in a fast-paced urban environment like BGC.”
This philosophy was beautifully showcased in an event we hosted a few weeks ago called "Rooted in Provincial Imagination." Part of a tour inspired by a recent trip that Del Union founders Kiddo and Ami took to the UK and Amsterdam, the event aimed to celebrate the launch of our first-ever all-Philippine coffee blend. It led to the creation of Del Union’s first signature blend, TruNorte. This special blend features coffees sourced from within a six-kilometer radius of our shop in La Union, highlighting the rich local flavors and bringing a taste of La Union to the city.
On Conscious Design and Playing on Nostalgia
One of the most intriguing aspects of Del Union is its dedication to design. Unlike many coffee shops, Del Union boasts a design committee, a group that meticulously oversees every aspect of its brand. This committee ensures that design governs their workflow from bean to bar, influencing everything from the sourcing of their coffee beans to the creation of their merchandise.
“So everything from signages to the colors of the menu and the cabinet, the colors of the floor the chair, they were all very conscious decisions,” says Matt. “I want to say it’s closer to Neo retro? Or, I guess that's the best way to describe it, just because it's, it's both playing on nostalgia.
The meticulous attention to detail is evident in every cup of coffee served. From the rich, robust flavors of their espresso to the smooth, creamy texture of their horchata, each sip tells a story of passion and craftsmanship. But it’s not just the coffee that stands out; it’s the entire experience. The thoughtfully designed interiors, the carefully curated music, and the warm, friendly staff all contribute to making Del Union a place where people want to linger.
“I think depending on your personal experience or how old you are, it changes your experience or your perception of what the space looks like. A lot of people see very mid century. Mid century, yeah, like touches with the use of the wood. The wood material are our generous use of Pebble wash. So it's like, it's us being nostalgic for a time when that, when people would were trying to predict what would happen”
“I'd like to see it as a very maximalist design,
but I guess maximalism done right.”
On reclaiming public spaces and compostable cups
Matt also shared some insightful thoughts on the importance of creating welcoming public spaces and their commitment to sustainability.
“We’re working hard to make this part of town more public space oriented. Observing the types of people who come here, we’ve realized the importance of creating a welcoming environment. That’s why we offer free water; it doesn’t matter if you buy a drink from us. We have many visitors who just sit down without purchasing anything, and our directive is to make them feel welcome. Maybe they'll come back another time and buy a drink.”
Matt emphasizes that Del Union is not just about selling coffee; it's about fostering a sense of community. By offering free water and allowing people to use the space without any obligation to buy, they create an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels welcome.
“It requires a conscious effort from us to bring people together and attract all types of visitors. We want people to envision and use the space in their own way.”
Creating a versatile space that invites various types of visitors is a deliberate strategy. Del Union aims to be more than a coffee shop; it’s a community hub where people can gather, relax, and feel at home. This approach helps build a loyal customer base and a vibrant community.
“And importantly, all our cups are compostable. That plastic-looking cup? It’s compostable, as are the paper cups. These plant-based products are supplied by our friends from Gud Is Better. We pay a premium for these compostable cups, making them as reusable as plastic cups can get.”
Sustainability is another key aspect of Del Union’s philosophy. By using compostable cups, they reduce their environmental impact and promote eco-friendly practices. Partnering with Gud Is Better allows them to offer high-quality, plant-based products, even if it means paying a bit more. This commitment to sustainability reflects their broader values and resonates with their environmentally conscious customers.
In essence, here is where Del Union is redefining what it means to be a coffee shop. By prioritizing community and sustainability, they are creating a space that is not only about great coffee but also about fostering connections and caring for the environment.
On Relaxed Baristas and Easy WorkFlow
“We make sure that the bar makes it easy for our baristas,” Matt explains.
The emphasis on a relaxed and efficient workspace is central to Del Union’s approach. By designing the bar layout to be intuitive and accessible, they ensure that their baristas can focus on providing exceptional service without unnecessary strain.
“They're very relaxed. And something that I'd want for them to embody is really a people-first type of service. The reason why I think people have been critiquing this online is that they say our espresso machines are very low compared to other coffee shops in terms of their placement in the bar. And I think that was a very intentional decision made by us.”
Lowering the espresso machines was a deliberate choice, aimed at facilitating better interactions between baristas and customers. This design decision helps eliminate physical barriers, making it easier for baristas to engage in conversation and connect with customers.
“It's a lot easier to talk when you don't have cups and glasses getting in the way of that conversation or that opportunity. I mean, our baristas could put back the portafilter without even looking and press a button. You don't need it to be that high. Eventually, everyone got used to it. No one's hunched over with space, because that would become a health hazard.”
Matt highlights how the ergonomic design of their bar contributes to the relaxed demeanor of their baristas. By minimizing physical strain and streamlining tasks, they’ve created a healthier and more enjoyable work environment. This thoughtful setup ensures that everything is within easy reach, allowing the baristas to operate efficiently even on busy days.
“I think part of why our baristas look so relaxed is we took a lot of time developing the flow of the bar to make sure that everything is just one step away from the barista working the machine. So on a lean day, you can do a team of two. At most, we have a team of three on the bar: one for the register, one for the drink build, and one for ice and dispatch.”
This efficient workflow not only benefits the baristas but also enhances the overall customer experience. With a well-organized system in place, Del Union can maintain high service standards even during peak hours. This dedication to quality and community is a hallmark of Del Union’s success.
As Del Union continues to grow and evolve, their commitment to quality and community remains unwavering. They are not just in the business of serving coffee; they are in the business of creating memories. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a first-time visitor, Del Union offers a little slice of La Union’s charm, right in the heart of the city.
Sustainability and customer experience are key to the success of a specialty coffee shop. The shop's commitment to using compostable cups and sourcing products from environmentally responsible suppliers is crucial, as is creating a welcoming atmosphere through features like balcony seating and an open layout. By prioritizing both sustainability and customer comfort, the shop can attract and retain a loyal customer base.
“Oh, one more thing. We never run out of things anymore. So horchata is always available.”
So next time you find yourself in Bonifacio Global City, make sure to stop by Del Union. Grab a cup of their famous horchata, take a seat, and soak in the nostalgic ambiance that makes this coffee shop truly one of a kind. As Matt San Pedro and his team continue to bring their vision to life, one thing is certain: Del Union is more than just a coffee shop; it’s a testament to the power of design, community, and a shared love for great coffee.