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A mother hosted an ‘amazing event’ as her new café in Pembrokeshire had a successful opening on Saturday (February 1). Hatice Eltan introduced Turkish Kitchen to the Haverfordwest community – a café that serves authentic Turkish food every day from 9am to 3pm. Based on Quay Street, it was Hatice’s dream to open her own café, and after moving from London to Pembrokeshire, this ambition became a reality.
Hatice Eltan and her daughter, Eliza at the opening day. (Image: Hatice Eltan) Turkish Kitchen is located on Quay Street. (Image: Hatice Eltan) Hatice said “The event was amazing.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the grand opening of our Turkish café! We were overwhelmed with joy to see so many friendly faces, both old and new, come together to celebrate this exciting new chapter. “The day was filled with laughter, delicious food and the vibrant energy of our community. We are grateful for your support and can’t wait to continue sharing the rich flavours and warm hospitality of Turkish culture with you all.
“Here’s to many more memorable moments ahead.” Locals had the chance to try authentic Turkish food. (Image: Hatice Eltan) The opening featured food tasting which allowed locals to try authentic Turkish food like savory gözleme, sweet baklava and Turkish delight.
Furthermore, attendees were treated to beverage sampling with complimentary samples of specially brewed Turkish coffee, tea and Ayran – a traditional yoghurt drink. Cllr Thomas Baden Tudor cut the ribbon. (Image: Thomas Baden Tudor) County councillor for the Castle Ward, Thomas Baden Tudor attended the opening and voiced his support for Turkish Kitchen.
He said:: “It was an honour and privilege to be asked to officially open the Turkish kitchen in Haverfordwest today. “This is undoubtedly more positive news for the commercial centre of Haverfordwest and long may this positive news for Haverfordwest continue and our county town prosper.” Hatice always had a passion for cooking, and she quit her job in a nursery so she could fully focus on her Turkish café.
The mother-of-two was inspired to open a new cafe after seeing a lack of options for traditional food, to appease the Turkish community in Pembrokeshire and to feed the demand of locals who enjoy going to Turkey on holiday. If her café continues to be a success, Hatice plans to transform her café into a restaurant and acquire the licensing to be open until 3am. Hatice lives in Pembroke Dock with her son Deniz and her daughter Eliza.
The family decided to move to Wales after a weekend trip when Deniz was 15 and Eliza was only four years old. Despite being brought up in London and possessing Turkish heritage, Hatice and her children fell in love with the Pembrokeshire community. Hatice appreciated how Pembrokeshire was less busy than London and Eliza loved the atmosphere at school and the beaches.
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