Much-loved community cafe to close after 20 years

The owner of a much-loved community cafe has announced it will close in the autumn after 20 years.

Tutu Melaku opened Tutu's Ethiopian Table in Reading's Palmer Park on 31 October 2006 and it will shut on the same day this year.

The cafe is used by 16 community groups and Melaku was celebrated by BBC Radio Berkshire, which awarded her with a Make a Difference Award in September 2024.

She said it is the "right time" to move on from the cafe and is looking forward to spending more time with her granddaughter.

"The cafe is not just a business, it's a community hub," she said.

"[Users] make it unique and they feel comfortable to come to the cafe, to read their book, their bring their grandchildren, their kids, their family. I think it's a safe space for them."

Melaku, who grew up in Ethiopia with nine siblings, said it was in her nature to be welcoming and help people.

"We have laughed together, cried together, celebrated life's milestones together, and supported one another through difficult times," she wrote on Facebook.

"The cafe has never just been about food. It has been about bringing people together, building friendships, and creating a place where everyone felt welcome, seen and loved."

She said she planned to continue to sell her sauces, which are available from some shops in Reading, and operate her food truck. She is also planning to write a book.