'I'm overwhelmed': Northampton's Magic Bean owner launches campaign to save her coffee shop after outpouring of support on Chron articles

The support from the Chron's readers has given Michella the spark to take one more chance to save the Magic Bean...
By Alastair Ulke
Published 22nd May 2020, 13:46 BST
Updated 22nd May 2020, 14:04 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

A crowdfunder campaign has been launched to save Northampton Magic Bean Emporium from shutting before it gets a chance at its new home.A crowdfunder campaign has been launched to save Northampton Magic Bean Emporium from shutting before it gets a chance at its new home.
A crowdfunder campaign has been launched to save Northampton Magic Bean Emporium from shutting before it gets a chance at its new home.

A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to save Northampton's Magic Bean Emporium from shutting down under the weight of its lockdown rent fees.

The timing could not have been worse for the Magic Bean Emporium. The magic-inspired coffee shop left its home in St Giles Street at the beginning of this year in the wake of repeated break-ins.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Soon after the closure though, owner Michella Dos Santos announced her shop had found a new home in the large vacant unit at Northampton Railway Station.

The Magic Bean could not open for even a week at its new home at Northampton Railway Station before it had to shut for the lockdown.The Magic Bean could not open for even a week at its new home at Northampton Railway Station before it had to shut for the lockdown.
The Magic Bean could not open for even a week at its new home at Northampton Railway Station before it had to shut for the lockdown.

Hundreds of the Chronicle & Echo's readers were happy to see the Magic Bean make a fresh start and were eager to visit when it opened in March.

Then, the lockdown began.

Michella and her team could not open the Magic Bean at its new home for even a week before she was ordered to shut by the Government on March 23.

And now, after eight weeks, her landlords - London Northwestern Railway - have asked for the full rent of £10,000 for her tenancy despite never having the chance to serve customers.

Michella announced the crowdfunding campaign in an emotional video on Magic Bean's Facebook page.Michella announced the crowdfunding campaign in an emotional video on Magic Bean's Facebook page.
Michella announced the crowdfunding campaign in an emotional video on Magic Bean's Facebook page.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Earlier this week, a heartbroken Michella told the Chron how it was likely she would have to vacate her new unit and walk away with nothing.

But now, after reading the outpouring of support from customers on the Chron's Facebook page, Michella has decided to take one more chance to save the Magic Bean.

A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to raise the £10,000 needed to pay Michella's rent and give her the chance to serve her customers at the station.Michella announced the Crowdfunder campaign in an emotional video after reading her customers' comments on the Chron and receiving many messages of support.

In the video, she said: "I'm sure most of you have now seen the Chronicle & Echo article. I've avoided reading the comments because I was sure they would be negative and I was embarrassed.

The Magic Bean's landlords - London Northwestern Railway - have asked for 10,000 in rent money even though the coffee shop has never had the chance to serve customers.The Magic Bean's landlords - London Northwestern Railway - have asked for 10,000 in rent money even though the coffee shop has never had the chance to serve customers.
The Magic Bean's landlords - London Northwestern Railway - have asked for 10,000 in rent money even though the coffee shop has never had the chance to serve customers.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"But I've read quite a few today and I've received quite a lot of messages, and I just want to say thank you to so many people. So many of you have messaged me asking me to start a crowdfunder and offered to buy gift cards.

"I'm really overwhelmed. I'll consider offering a drink in return for a donation - but I just want to say thank you."

The Crowdfunder has until June 18 to raised £10,000 and is an all-or-nothing fundraiser - if it doesn't meet its target, nothing will happen.

For more information or to donate to the effort, visit Michella's Crowdfunder page.

Related topics:NorthamptonGovernment

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.