09/06/2026
A slightly different post today, and something I’ve never really spoken about in the three years of Kiko’s.
You may see a £12 entry fee. I see VAT, tax, HMRC, business rates, rent, electricity, stock, insurance, bills, ten staff members, and the thousands still being paid back from the build. And that’s before I’ve even thought about feeding 25 tiny lions every day.
There are countless costs behind the scenes that most people never see. The reality of running a business is so much bigger than the price on the door.
Since day one, this has never been an easy ride. In just two years, I’ve had to start completely from scratch twice. There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t worry about how I’m going to make it all work, but I keep showing up. That’s what being the owner means.
Launching Kiko’s 2.0 was exciting, but it was also terrifying, a whole new venue that needed renovating. It felt like I’d only just found my feet after rebuilding the first time, only to have to do it all over again.
I’ve always given Kiko’s everything I have. I was in labour while still welcoming and settling new cats. I had a baby and was back catching feral kittens 48 hours later in a yard. I’ve sat crying in my car over personal things happening behind the scenes, then walked through the door ten minutes later with a smile to welcome customers.
The reality is that times are becoming increasingly difficult for small businesses. I completely understand that £12 is a lot of money, but by the time that £12 reaches us, only a small fraction remains after tax, bills, and running costs.
Despite every challenge, I love Kiko’s. Watching cats grow in confidence, find loving homes, and knowing we’ve made a difference to each of their lives makes every sacrifice worthwhile.
I will always do everything I can to give back to the people who support us and we have affordable options such as our happy hours so that everyone can experience Kiko’s.
When questions come up about our pricing, this is what runs through my mind. Every worry, every sacrifice, every bill, and every ounce of pressure that comes with carrying the responsibility of keeping this place going.
Kiko’s is so much more than a £12 entry fee. It’s everything we pour into it, every single day.
That’s my rant over and if you’ve read this far, I’m off for a glass of wine 😆🍷
