The CBD people will be familiar with Runes Coffee Roasters, a coffee bar opened within Food Folks @ Lau Pa Sat.
It has opened a second outlet at the new Wilmar International Limited Headquarters at one-north.
Some people may not know this is the sister brand of both Glyph Supply Co. at TripleOne Somerset and Dough at CHIJMES.
Wilmar International Limited is a Singaporean food processing and investment holding company with business activities in oil palm cultivation, edible oils refining, oilseeds crushing in over 500 manufacturing plants in 50 over countries.
Opened on the first floor of the building, Runes is accessible to both their staff members and public.
Stepping inside, a total of 15 tables and 2 long communal desks can be found within the space, surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glass panels with warm natural sunlight pouring in throughout the day.
Probably one of the prettiest cafes you can find in this part of Singapore Singapore, the view outside was magnificent surrounded by lush greeneries that evoked a sense of tranquility.
To fit the botanical theme, the space is well-equipped with hanging plants, comfy green cushioned seats and wooden furniture pieces just like a huge glasshouse.
Take a look at their back-lit signage hanging above their bar counter, you will notice a “S” shaped symbol, and you will probably wonder if they are pronounced a “runes” or “Scrunes”.
In fact, it is none of the above.
The name of the symbol is “Jera”, also known as “J-rune” of the Elder Futhark, the oldest form of the runic alphabets.
It means Harvest, (good) year and signifies prosperity which is important to coffee plantations to deliver good quality beans for brewing coffee.
There are some differences between this outlet and the one at Lau Pa Sat.
Firstly, this outlet has its own dine-in space, unlike the one at Lau Pa Sat which is a shared common compound.
Next, draft beers will be exclusively available at this outlet.
Thirdly, there is no fancy under-the-counter Modbar, just a trustworthy La Marzocco espresso machine.
Lastly, apart from coffee, there will also be food served such as Pastries, Sandwiches ($6 – $8), Salad ($5.50), Rosti ($7) and Protein Bowls.
Their drinks menu here is short and concise, mainly focusing on espresso-based drinks without pour-over coffee, yet keeping the prices reasonable.
Using a single origin from Myanmar, espresso-based drinks include White (Regular $4, Large $5), Black ($3) and Batch ($2.50) with add-on such as Oat Milk (+$0.50), Espresso Shot (+$0.50) and Iced (+$0.50).
My cup of White ($4) was well balanced with a smooth, medium bodied and darker roast, definitely what the CBD peeps will need on a hectic day.
For the non-coffee drinkers, non-caffeinated options include Matcha ($5), Chocolate ($5), Tea ($3).
The Iced Matcha ($5.50) was unfortunately sweetened as I preferred a more earthy and umami cup instead.
Using the Mist Valley range tea leaves by Wilmar Tea for their Tea ($3), flavours include Classic Breakfast, Earl Grey, Bi Luo Green Tea, Jasmine Green Tea, Chamomile and Peppermint.
With such as spacious and gorgeous place, Runes will probably be the perfect place for a quiet and picturesque spot for an afternoon tea.
Runes Café
Wilmar International Limited Headquarters, 28 Biopolis Rd, Singapore 138568
Opening Hours: 8am – 5:30pm (Mon – Fri), Closed Sat – Sun
Runes Coffee Roasters
Food Folks @ Lau Pa Sat, 18 Raffles Quay, #01-04, Singapore 048582
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 5:30pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun
Other Related Entries
Runes (Lau Pa Sat)
DOUGH (CHIJMES)
House Downstairs (Ghim Moh)
Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee (Fusionopolis)
GLASS Roasters (Faber Drive)
* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape who loves all things [NEW]. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.
