Coffee shop owner approaching 10 years open says starting business was ‘best thing she ever did’

Bartella’s Coffee House, in Wellingborough Road, was established by Gina Bartella in July 2014 and she was joined by her son two years ago.

“I can’t believe it,” said Gina, when asked how it feels that the 10 year anniversary is approaching. “It’s gone so quick and I can’t believe I’m still here. I’ve renewed the lease for another 10 years.”

The founder previously worked for another town centre coffee shop for five years, and her family has always been involved in the hospitality industry – with a restaurant of their own in Cyprus.

Once her children reached an age where she no longer needed to be at home as much, Gina began looking for a location to set up a coffee shop of her own. After a couple of years, she came across her current building in Wellingborough Road.

Gina described the response from the Northampton community as “fantastic” over the past decade, with regulars who have continued to visit and show their support since the very first day.

Staff members Donna and Esther have stuck by Bartella’s since the beginning, after they previously worked with Gina in another coffee shop and supported her in her new venture.

Bartella’s Coffee House offers classics across breakfast, brunch and lunch, and Gina is proud to bake all her own cakes in-house.

Customers always praise the team for the reasonable prices, friendly table service, and the all-round lovely experience.

When asked her proudest achievement of the past decade, Gina said: “The fact I’m still here and have the same staff. I’m more of a friend than a boss to them. When I’m out the back doing the food, I know I can trust the staff 100 percent.”

To celebrate the impressive milestone, Gina will be displaying balloons at the coffee shop on July 16 – and giving out free drinks and cupcakes to regulars throughout that entire week.

She wants to express her thanks to their loyal customers as the business would not have survived with their continued support.