The new coffee bar on Strandgatan is to be named Barbara.

Not just a bar, though it's called Barbara

Barbara shall be the name of the place. The building, which previously housed Soufistan and Mánabar, has been completely transformed inside. Beautiful colours adorn the walls, and there are unique items that Katla has specially chosen for the space – many of which she found after a long search at the Good Shepherd and other charity shops. The result is admirable.

„You don't get new items like these in a shop,“ she says, clearly showing an eye for things. They decided on the name Barbara after a long search for a good female name, as they felt it suited the spirit of the house. Valdimar Víðisson popped across the road and met them, along with Freyja Rún Kjartansdóttir, Pétur's wife, who have prepared for the opening well and are excited.

Feelings related to the house

„We're aware that people are very fond of the house,“ says Sigurður. People pop their heads in if the front door is open, wanting to see how things are going and looking forward to sitting down with a cup of coffee. „He has strong opinions about what should be kept inside,“ he says to Valdimar, who is on an informal visit. But the house has been given a makeover; it's changed, except that the column in the middle of the room, which now stands by the bar, is still the same. The bar counter is not. It has been moved from one end to the other. People's interest is reflected in the huge interest on Instagram. Thousands already follow them there.

They are working night and day on the preparations, as it is important to get started as soon as possible and catch up with the music and town festival, Hjarta Hafnarfjarðar. They are tying up loose ends and looking towards the finish line.

Valdimar is delighted to have life in the house. „I wish them well with this new, really cosy place.“