Run by friends for their friends - this seems to be the theme here. We went twice. First once for morning coffee, when we were befriended by an old boy who was using his spare time to learn English - we were perfect practice material. Second time was slightly more riotous. An Italian pal of ours, Max, is a professional musician who rejoices under the name of 'Bitols'. He was performing at a birthday party coincidentally being held at Kiribiri's, and insisted that we turned up as it was a very friendly affair.
Friendly it was. Welcomed by the birthday girl as if royalty, kissed on both cheeks, and given a bottle of prosecco to kick off, I thought I'd gone to heaven. Max and a couple of guests entertained the crowd all night, and the party overflowed into the street. What was noticeable was the good-natured behaviour of all concerned; little children were present and given toy instruments to play on; and everybody made friends with everybody else. How Italian! And how not British, dare I say? I simply cannot imagine a street party, held on a Friday night in the centre of a major UK town, that would not attract the wrong sort of interloper.
The cafe was run by three of the most delightful ladies one could wish to meet: Elisa, Alessandra and Antonella. Worth the trip alone to meet them!
See Bitols "doing" Stevie Wonder" on the attached video clip.
Video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQ34MN-4hfo read more
