Bridgerton star helps save Brixton Wholefoods

One of the stars of Netflix's Bridgerton has rallied the local community together to save a wholefood shop in nearby Brixton.

Adjoa Andoh, who plays Lady Danbury in the Downton Abbey meets Gossip Girl costume drama, lent her support to the GoFundMe for Brixton Wholefoods.

The shop on Atlantic Road has served the local community since 1982, but rising rent costs combined with a drop in footfall during Covid-19 lockdowns have left them hard pushed to survive.

Andoh, who also played Francine Jones in Dr Who and starred alongside Morgan Freeman in Clint Eastwood's Invictus, has been a loyal customer of Brixton Wholefoods since the 80s.

On Thursday (October 28) she tweeted: "Our beloved Brixton Wholefoods needs our help to survive!

"This local iconic shop says everything about the righteous ethos of true Brixton.

"They have been sounding the warning [on climate change] and keeping generations well."

Since the British actress drew attention to the crowdfunder, donations have been flooding in to the GoFundMe – leading Brixton Wholefoods to reach its £20,000 target in less than three days.

Hilary Waterfield, 68, who owns the shop with Tony Benest, 69, is overwhelmed by the support and generosity of the local community.

She said: "It's difficult to put into words how grateful we are to all the people who have rallied around to help us."

"What started as a bad week has ended in a wonderful place because of your generosity and community spirit."

On top of rental costs and repairs to the damaged roof costing over £2000, Brixton Wholefoods in October suffered a break-in.

With the £23,202 raised so far, Hilary can restock the shelves and at £30,000, she and Tony will be able to cover rent costs for three months.

More information about the crowdfunding for Brixton Wholefoods can be found on its GoFundMe page.

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