Cellist Sally Kenyon sues Starbucks for £2m after Embankment injury
The 44-year-old musician alleges a falling wooden fridge surround ended her career in 2022
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A professional cellist is taking legal action against Starbucks for more than £2 million after a wooden fridge surround fell on her at a branch on London Embankment. Sally Kenyon, 44, claims the incident in 2022 left her with injuries that ended her musical career.
Kenyon was visiting the Starbucks branch with her two daughters, aged 10 and 11, when the accident occurred. She required stitches for a cut above her right eyebrow and was treated in hospital. The musician, who taught at Millfield School in Somerset, alleges the injury has caused chronic migraines, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties.
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Starbucks disputes career-ending claim
Starbucks has admitted that the wooden frame fell on Kenyon but disputes that it caused her career-ending injuries. The company argues that her health problems, including headaches and anxiety, pre-dated the incident. Court documents show she took 68 days off work before the accident for similar symptoms.
The coffee chain’s legal team has called for Kenyon to prove negligence. A consultant neurologist hired by Starbucks testified that her symptoms represent the "worst end of the outcome spectrum following a minor head injury," as reported by *The Standard*. The company maintains she would have suffered health issues regardless of the incident.
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Impact on daily life and career
Kenyon describes suffering from migraines up to 15 times a month, some severe enough to confine her to bed for days. She also reports fatigue, facial paralysis, sensory loss, and difficulties with memory and planning. Social interactions and bright lights can trigger her symptoms.
Before the incident, Kenyon performed as a cellist and taught music at Millfield School. She says she has been unable to play or teach since the injury. Her legal team argues the accident has profoundly affected her ability to care for her children and manage household tasks.
Music and performance were key aspects of my life, and I found huge fulfilment passing on my skills as a music teacher. I have been unable to perform since suffering the head injury.
Sally Kenyon, professional cellist
What happens next
The case is being heard in the High Court in Bristol. No date has been set for a verdict. If successful, Kenyon’s claim could result in one of the largest personal injury payouts against a high-street retailer in recent years. Starbucks has not commented further while legal proceedings are ongoing.
Questions this report answers
+What happened to Sally Kenyon at Starbucks?
Sally Kenyon was hit by a falling wooden fridge surround at a Starbucks on London Embankment in 2022. She required stitches for a head injury and alleges it ended her career as a cellist and music teacher.
+How much is Sally Kenyon suing Starbucks for?
Kenyon is suing Starbucks for over £2 million in damages. The claim alleges the incident caused chronic migraines, fatigue, and other symptoms that prevent her from working.
+What does Starbucks say about the claim?
Starbucks admits the fridge surround fell on Kenyon but argues her health problems pre-dated the incident. The company cites 68 days of sick leave before the accident for anxiety and headaches.
+Where is the case being heard?
The case is being heard in the High Court in Bristol. No verdict has been reached yet, and Starbucks has not commented further while proceedings continue.
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