Home / Lifestyle / Beloved Cafe Closes Doors After 20 Years
Beloved Cafe Closes Doors After 20 Years
4 Jul
Summary
- Beloved community cafe closing after 20 years of operation.
- Owner cited desire to spend more time with granddaughter.
- Cafe served as a vital community hub for local groups.
Tutu's Ethiopian Table, a cherished community cafe in Reading's Palmer Park, will close this autumn after 20 years. Owner Tutu Melaku announced the closure, marking the end of an era on the cafe's 20th anniversary. The cafe has been a cornerstone of the community since its opening on October 31, 2006. Melaku, who received a BBC Radio Berkshire Make a Difference Award in September 2024, stated that the decision to close was prompted by a desire to spend more time with her granddaughter.
The cafe was more than just a place to eat; it was a vibrant community hub. Melaku described it as a "safe space" where patrons could relax, socialize, and feel welcomed. The establishment supported 16 community groups, fostering friendships and shared experiences among its diverse clientele. Melaku plans to continue her ventures, including selling her sauces and operating her food truck, and is also embarking on writing a book.
