Tutu Melaku

The owner of a café described as a “home from home” for the Reading community has been nominated for the Chris Tarrant Award, sponsored by The Oracle.

Tutu Melaku, owner of Tutu’s Ethiopian Table, “is a dynamic, energetic and compassionate woman with a huge love for the people of Reading,” said her nominator.

At its home in Palmer Park, people from all parts of Reading’s diverse community gather around her tables – elderly residents, students, families and individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

The café has become a welcoming meeting place for a wide range of community groups, including mental health support groups, breastfeeding mums, runners, walkers, poets and musicians.

While her Ethiopian food is described as “amazing”, her nominator highlighted that it is “the feeling that she truly cares and is genuinely happy to see you that draws people back again and again.”

Tutu has recently announced that Tutu’s Ethiopian Table will close on 31 October as she moves on to new opportunities.

“This award would be a wonderful opportunity for Reading to acknowledge the powerful impact she has had on our town over two decades,” the nominator said.

“She is a friend, a confidant, a counsellor, a smile, a hug. Tutu’s magic is her love and kindness.”