Valletta’s generations old Firm George Zammit, better-known as Tal-Ħwawar, on Monday opened a new coffee shop next door to the spice shop.
The announcement was made by the store’s owner, Johann Farrugia, who shared that after 47 years of leading Tal-Ħwawar, customers will also be able to have Maltese coffee or a cup of tea from Tal-Kafè.
He added that clients at the new shop will be served by Keith, a barista that is described as an “expert in coffee”.
“Let’s keep Valletta alive with Maltese culture,” he continued.
Last November, Mr Farrugia had revealed to WhosWho.mt that Tal-Ħwawar was set to close down for good after 134 years of operations, stating that older stores are being “pushed” out from the capital. However, the decision was reversed in March, with the store reopening in a new location in Valletta, as Mr Farrugia was “encouraged to keep up the business a little longer”.
He had hinted at the idea of delving into the coffeeshop business when he had initially announced that Tal-Ħwawar was closing, saying that his aim “will always be” to open in a new spot in Valletta, “with a new perspective, possibly coffee and herbs, and a new story”. Through this opening, his goal seems to have been fulfilled.
The two stores are located on St Christopher Street, on the corner to St Paul’s Street.
Tal-Kafè’s opening was met with positive reactions on social media, with many congratulating Mr Farrugia on the move, while others stated that they are looking forward to having a cup of coffee there.
