Always on
This project successfully funded on 28th May 2026, you can still support them with a donation.
Help Launch Bado: A Neighbourhood Cafe & Wine Bar!
London, Greater London, United Kingdom
Aim
Help launch Bado, a cosy cafe & natural wine bar in East Village. I'm building a neighbourhood spot for coffee, wine & community
TL;DR: (Here’s the heart of it if you don’t have time)
I’m opening Bado, a cosy neighbourhood cafe by day and natural wine bar by night in East Village (E20). After years in corporate and tech, I’m going back to hospitality to build the kind of place I’ve always loved spending time in: warm, welcoming, and centered on great wine, good coffee, and good people.
This fundraiser helps cover the essential costs of getting Bado off the ground, from the legal bits and bar build, to stocking a really special first wine list. If you believe in independent hospitality and neighbourhood spaces with soul, I’d love your support.
Keep reading if you want the full story, or scroll down to support:
If you know me, you’ve probably heard me talk about natural wine.
It's a passion of mine, not just because the wine is almost always incredible, but because of the stories behind it. These are wines with soul, made by real people: the burnt out lawyer who now tends her few rows of vines by hand; the Italian couple in their 80s celebrating their 60th harvest. They all make wine the way it was meant to be, taking care of the land with responsible farming practices and without adding all the usual crap.
So, Why Now?
I’m now in my 40s and after nearly two decades of working 'for the man', a year of work hardships made me stop and take stock. What do I really love doing? If I could do anything, what would it be? (Besides, of course, renovating a castle in France to create a community for my friends).
The answer was always right there. I want to talk to people, host them, and run around working crazy hours introducing them to amazing things. I put myself through university working in hospitality and made lifelong friends doing it. In the run-up to my recent tech burnout, I can’t tell you how many times I told my husband, "I just want to go wait tables."
So, that’s what I’m going to do. Over the last six months, I’ve put all the wheels into motion and I'm incredibly excited to say that I am nearing signing a lease on a beautiful space in East Village (E20) to open Bado.
What is Bado?
Bado (pronounced bay-doh) will be a cosy, intimate neighbourhood cafe by day and wine bar by night. It's not a formal restaurant; it's a 'third space' - a welcoming spot to come and chill with friends over a great coffee, a glass of wine, and a few delicious nibbles.
The name 'Bado' is actually my old nickname from a time when I was working hard, kicking ass, and having the time of my life. It became my alter ego for strength and resilience, and it represents the passion and energy I’m pouring into this venture. The vibe will be like having a drink at a good friend’s house: warm, lived-in, and always welcoming.
This is Where You Come In…
Bado isn’t just a business I am opening. It’s a place I care deeply about getting right. A warm, welcoming spot where people can drop in, feel at home, and spend time together over great wine, good coffee, and simple food.
By supporting this fundraiser, you’re helping bring a small, independent female-owned space to life. You’re backing someone taking a very real leap, and helping create a local place built with care, intention, and a lot of heart.
I’ve found the perfect spot and negotiated a great deal, but getting the doors open requires a big push. Your contribution will help cover the essential start-up costs and turn Bado from an idea into a place we can all enjoy.
Your contribution will directly fund:
- The Boring (But Essential) Stuff: Getting set up right with the costs of solicitors, accountants, and architects.
- Making it Feel Like Home: While we don’t need huge renovations, we want to make the space feel perfect. This includes building a proper bar, sourcing furniture, and all the cosmetic lifts to create that 'lived-in' vibe.
- Establishing our Supply Chain: A key part of launching is creating our unique and diverse initial inventory. Your support will help us establish the foundational stock and systems needed to offer the incredible selection we've planned from day one.
Every single contribution, big or small, makes a huge difference and brings me one step closer to opening our doors. By supporting this campaign, you’re not just helping me open a bar; you’re building a new community hub with me, from the ground up. And for those of you who support, look out for an invite to opening night!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for being part of the journey so far.
For those who’d like to support Bado more deeply
For anyone interested in becoming more involved in Bado's journey at a more significant level, I would be delighted to connect directly. Your partnership and support for this project can take many forms, and I'm always open to a conversation.
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made