Sheila Burnett – Models in The Coffee Bean

Simon: Let’s have a think about and explore the social side of The Coffee Bean then, that we had heard that at different times, they had sort of things, models sort of going through wearing fur coats …

Sheila: Oh they did actually have models, I remember now, yes. Somebody would come along with an outfit on and look at us and whatever. I remember the first time I thought it was some posh lady (laughs) and I suddenly realised that yes, they were actually dressing up and yeah.

Simon: So, the equivalent of moving mannequins.

Sheila: Yeah, that’s right, yes (laughs).

Simon: And so would there be someone announcing what the outfit was or did or they just …?

Sheila: No, not when I was there, no. It was the lady dressed would come round and have a chat with you about the outfit and everything.

Simon: So, that’s quite a smart marketing move isn’t it?