News / St Pauls
Nathalie Emmanuel lends her support for Hidden Corner cafe
Speaking directly to her 5.7m followers on Instagram, actor Nathalie Emmanuel says that the landlord who locked two business owners out of their cafe and bookshop in St Paul’s “has knocked on the wrong door”.
In the video, the Game of Thrones actor encourages people to attend a peaceful protest outside Hidden Corner on Saturday from 11am.
The protest comes after the owners of Hidden Corner have been prevented from entering the business on Portland Square by their landlord. A crowdfunding campaign has already raised more than £10,000 to fight what is alleged to be “an illegal eviction”.
is needed now More than ever
Nathalie Emmanuel inside Hidden Corner cafe and bookshop – photo: Hidden Corner
What has happened to the business, run by Aaron Onuora and Sophia Khan, is “unacceptable and it’s disgusting”, says Emmanuel.
“We want to take a stand. I want to support my friends and support the community that benefits from this space.
“This space was created with people of colour and the LGBTQ+ community in mind. It’s a safe space for them to be and this is an attack on that.
“I want to support and say that we do not stand for this kind of bullying from wealthy, powerful people who think they can just treat people however they want.”
Nathalie Emmanuel (second from right) played Missandei in Game of Thrones – photo: HBO
Emmanuel says that Saturday’s protest is not just about showing support for Hidden Corner but about supporting the area.
“It’s being overrun,” she said. “People are being pushed out, gentrified, priced out and all of that.
“I would love if you are in that area or if you are nearby, that you can go down and support these amazing amazing people who have just created such a beautiful thing. Take a stand.
“All I have to say is, this guy knocked on the wrong door. So we’re about to make some noise.”
There have been daily protests outside Hidden Corner since its owners were locked out of the building – photo: Martin Booth
Thomas Flight, the sole director of Presman Ltd, spoke to protesters on Bishop Street on Friday, telling those gathered that Hidden Corner is not being turned into accommodation “and it is not being gentrified”.
In an email sent from Presman to Bristol24/7, they said: “Contrary to rumours we are not turning the cafe into an airbnb, we seek new tenants who will be vetted to ensure that this remains a community facility preferably addressing minority groups and QTIPOC and LGBT+ interests despite unfounded rumours.”
Hidden Corner co-owners Aaron Onuora and Sophia Khan, pictured in May before they opened their business – photo: Martin Booth
Main photo: HBO
Read more: Landlord locks door of much-loved cafe and bookshop
Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
