So, it’s Beans’ 18th year – yes it’s really been that long! Karen & Phil opened Oundle Beans in February 2004 and since then we’ve gone from strength to strength, and now enjoy (if you will pardon our slight bit of self congratulation) being part of the Oundle fabric!
However, 2018 was an extremely sad year for all of us here – customers as well as staff.
Karen was the inspiration for the design and decor from the initial opening of our shop up to the present day, for both this and the other Beans cafes.
Unfortunately Karen had been battling with cancer since 2002, but she refused to bow to it and carried on as if it was just a common cold. However, after 16 years Karen finally met a match for her stoicism and bravery, with the inevitable outcome.
Karen was an inspiration in the truest sense of the word, and we sorely miss her cheerfulness, ideas, organisation and incredible work ethic.
RIP
Karen Lesley Gilbert
1958 – 2018
