'Financial crisis' Cafe owner hit by shock £34k bills in plea for help

THE owner of a cafe on Bristol’s bustling Gloucester Road has launched a fundraiser to help raise money to keep it open after it was hit with unexpected bills totalling £34,000.

- Ellie KENDALL ellie.Kendall@reachplccom

Olivia Maxwell-Yates, who opened Lonely Mouth, a Japanese listening cafe, at the top of the road more than a year ago, has launched a GoFundMe campaign after finding herself and her business in a “financial crisis”.

She said: “We opened just over a year ago with a dream: to create something truly special for this city - a space where great food, community, and music come together. A place where people could slow down, enjoy beautiful Japanese-inspired food, and discover the magic of eclectic viny! played by local DJs and musicians.

“We're proud of what we've built. In just a year, Lonely Mouth has become a home to hundreds of artists, a team of 12 brilliant staff, and a beloved part of the local scene. Every time I see people connecting in our space - dancing, eating, sharing memories ~ it reminds me why I worked so hard to make this real.