Full of beans: Chinese coffee seller back in business after East London locals save stall from gentrification

Frank Wang from Hebei province became an unwitting symbol of popular resistance against gentrification after power was cut to his stall last year

Reading Time:3 minutes

Frank Wang’s new coffee stall in London. Photo: Hilary Clarke

Published: 2:53pm, 22 Jun 2019Updated: 12:29am, 23 Jun 2019

A Chinese coffee stall owner in London’s East End was given a hero’s welcome when he returned to his pitch on Friday, 14 months after his electricity was cut to make way for a hipster bar.

Customers lined up to shake Frank Wang’s hand and give him a hug after a long campaign that included a crowdfunding drive to buy him a brand new kiosk.

Locals crowded round Frank Wang’s new coffee kiosk in Bethnal Green. Photo: Hilary Clarke

Fifty-two-year-old Wang is the son of a poor farmer from Hebei province and moved to the UK as a student 20 years ago. He made the news after becoming an unwitting symbol of popular resistance against local gentrification plans.

“I’m so, so happy,” he said, smiling from ear to ear. “It’s been so stressful and now I’m back with all my lovely friends. I say ‘thank you’ to everyone.”

The East End was traditionally one of the capital’s poorest areas and the first port of call for immigrants. But over the past 20 years it has become popular with hipsters and artists, who have driven up house prices and commercial rents.