A famous cat café that was set for permanent closure is coming back “better than ever” – after an angel investor swooped in to save the day “at the 11th hour”.
When Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium burst onto the London scene, locals and tourists alike flocked to see the felines with a months-long waitlist to get in.
For over a decade, the venue served cat lovers and became a home for moggies in need of a safe space.
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But after “falling into uncontrollable debt” during the pandemic, the café struggled to stay afloat, as reported by What’s The Jam.
The business went up for sale as Freyja, who has been the manager of the venue for the past six years, fought to raise enough funds to buy the assets and “carry on trading under my own vision”.
She launched a Crowdfunder, and people rallied to keep the café going.
The campaign exceeded its £50,000 target, but according to previous owner Lauren Pears, Freyja had concerns about running the business solo and considered withdrawing the fundraiser.
Then, a miracle happened.
In a video to customers and fans, Lauren explained the situation.
She started by saying that a lowball offer – “85% less than the original one” – came in the day before the café was set to close (25 June).
But fate stepped in when a “well-loved regular” came by to pick up one of the cats.
Lauren said: “But then, at the 11th hour, a very well-loved regular came to the café to collect a cat that they were adopting.
“We told them the current price and the current situation, and they were like ‘For that price I’ll buy it’.”
It has since been decided that the angel investor, who has not been named publicly, is going to mentor Freyja.
However, the café will not reopen in the same venue.
As for the fundraising cash, Lauren revealed that Freyja has reached out to those who donated to ask if they would consider allowing her to keep the funds for the café.
All of the cats have been adopted and rehomed.
Lauren said, “It’s been an incredible journey.”
Social media users have been left overjoyed by the news.
“I screamed while watching this! I’m so glad Lady Dinah’s got a happy ending. I will be back to visit many times,” said Amy Marie.
Stella said: “This is amazing news and we are soooo very happy how all has worked out. I am sad that it won’t be at the same venue as I loved the decor.”
Paige said, “I visited from the US and would love to come back to LDE!”
Simon added, “Great news, I’m sure Freya will do a great job of carrying on the business.”
Stephanie said: “Oh my goodness yay best news ever I’ve never been to visit because it’s to far away, money costs and I’m allergic to shorthaired cats though I’ve loved being a follower and I’ll continue to be one, I wish Freya & team all the best for new doors opening up xx.”
The announcement was made on 27 June.
A week ago (4 July), Lauren also added a “footnote” asking customers to keep their gift vouchers as the new owners have “stated their intention to honour” these.
She added: “Please bear in mind that they won’t be able to honour the gift vouchers until they re-open, so you will need to be patient and understand that they can’t give you a timeline on this yet.”
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