Many were shocked and saddened at the news that the iconic Café Prego in Valletta would be closing its doors last week, leading to an outpouring of emotion from its loyal patrons. 

Famed for its 1960s décor and simple service, Prego served as a quiet haven away from the hustle and bustle of city life, and one local has shared a beautiful tribute to the café upon its closure.

Showcasing old footage of the inside of the café filmed in 2013, Mark Camilleri laments on its closure, and while it perhaps came as no surprise, the nostalgia he’ll always feel about it.

“Some might say ‘businesses need to adapt to survive’. But then, had Prego adapted, I wouldn't have loved it so much. If they had a fancy new menu, or twenty types of coffee, I would have grumbled. But they stuck to their simple coffee and handful of sandwiches and pastizzi. Everyone knows about the famous Egg Mayo, and rightly so. It was a perfect guilty pleasure. They didn't update the decor, either. Which made everything look so solid and reassuring. In this world of disposable cheapness, I look at classic cars and admire how something of quality can look so good after many decades of use. Prego reassured me that it had looked the same since way before I was born, which is something rare nowadays.”

The accompanying footage showcases the authentic experience of getting a coffee and a bite to eat at the nostalgic café, quiet as ever – a familiar sight to many.

Affirming that “I'm just happy it existed for so long, and that I got to experience it so often,” Mark concludes his tribute to Prego with acceptance of the inevitable. But, could it be more a case of ‘see you later’ rather than ‘farewell’?

According to an interview with The Times of Malta this morning, 80-year-old owner Salvatore Bezzina has reassured that the café will remain in the family, despite its exact future remaining uncertain. 

While the catering industry isn’t his line of business, Salvatore’s son Patrick has said that his eight siblings and cousins are considering taking it over, so time will tell what’s next on the cards for the iconic Prego!