Maia Cafe celebrates official opening at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum

Maia Cafe hosted an official launch party to celebrate opening at the Little Elborow Street venue, also home to the World Rugby Hall of Fame.

The cafe's menu features Italian classics such as paninis, bruschetta, focaccia, lasagne and gelato, together with traditional British fare, including sandwiches, jacket potatoes and tea cakes.

Maia Cafe's Italian influence comes courtesy of co-owners Antonio Catalano and Marcello Magaldi, the brains behind the successful Maia Gelato shop which opened in High Street in 2017.

Marcello said the success of Maia Gelato - which serves the traditional Italian ice cream - inspired the decision to expand the Maia brand at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum.

"We believed we could bring a unique experience to the Art Gallery and Museum which would enhance the aesthetic and atmosphere," Marcello said.

"We want to give visitors, tourists and the Rugby community a very nice and different experience to enjoy."

Cllr Michael Stokes, leader of Rugby Borough Council, attended the launch party on Friday 29 June and congratulated Antonio and Marcello on the new venture.

"I'm delighted Antonio and Marcello have chosen to expand a local business by working with the council to launch the new cafe," Cllr Stokes said.

"The World Rugby Hall of Fame, Rugby Art Gallery and Museum, and Rugby Visitor Centre welcome thousands of visitors every year.

"Maia Cafe brings an international flavour to an international visitor destination and will be a great addition to the venue."

Photo caption: Cllr Michael Stokes, leader of Rugby Borough Council, joined Antonio Catalano at the official launch of Maia Cafe at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum.