The new café on Strandgata is called Barbara

The café shall be called Barbara

The building, which once housed the café Súfistinn and before that, Mánabar, has completely transformed on the inside. Beautiful colors adorn the walls, and there are unique objects that Katla has specially chosen for the space – many of which she has found after an extensive search in Góði Hirðirinn and other thrift stores. The result is admirable.

“You can’t find such items new in stores,” she says, making it clear that she has an eye for unique objects. The name Barbara was chosen by the three of them after much searching for a good female name, as they felt it suited the spirit of the house well. Valdimar Víðisson, mayor,  jumped across the street too meet with them along with Freyja Rún Kjartansdóttir, the wife of Pétur, who have prepared the opening well and are excited to welcome guests.

Emotions related to the house

“It is clear to us that people care very much about the building,” says Sigurður. People stick their noses in when the front door is open, wanting to know how things are going and looking forward to sitting down with a cup of coffee. “They have strong opinions on what should be kept in it´s original state,” he says to Valdimar, who is visiting informally. Although the column in the middle of the room, which now stands by the bar table, is still the same. The bar table is not. It has been moved back and forth. People’s interest is reflected in the significant Instagram attention they have received. Thousands are already following them there.

They work day and night in preparation for the opening, it is important to get started as soon as possible and catch the tail end of the music and town festival, Heart of Hafnarfjörður. They are now putting the finishing touches to the space and look towards the finish line.

Valdimar welcomes life back into the building. “I wish them all the best with this new, truly cozy place.”