A coffee-culture revolution is brewing in Palma — and much of the credit goes to Feli Vessena Calahorrano, who moved from Buenos Aires to set up two popular coffee shops on the island — Surrey Hills and Hotto.
Feli Vessena Calahorrano’s journey to Mallorca is a testament to the power of dreams and determination. With roots in Buenos Aires, Feli and his partner sought to combine their love for high-quality coffee and excellent food, a combination they found rare even in the bustling city. This quest eventually led them across the globe to the picturesque island of Mallorca.
The Move to Mallorca: A New Beginning
After a transformative three-year stint in Australia, known for its exceptional coffee culture, Feli and his partner realized they wanted a change of scene.
“We wanted to live by the sea, 100%. We have a Spanish background, so we started researching,” Feli explains.
Mallorca wasn’t initially on their radar, but a chance conversation with a customer in Buenos Aires changed everything.
In March 2021, amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, they visited Mallorca for a short holiday.
“We were soon crazy about this city. It has the sea, it’s beautiful, it’s super international, and the coffee shops were packed even with restrictions,” Feli recalls.
Just two months later, they relocated to Mallorca, driven by the island’s charm and potential.
Mallorca’s Third Wave Coffee Scene
Since their arrival, Feli has witnessed and contributed to the growth of Mallorca’s third-wave coffee scene. This movement, characterized by a focus on high-quality beans, artisanal brewing methods, and direct-trade relationships, has brought a new depth to the island’s coffee scene.
“Mallorca’s coffee scene is amazing. Since 2021, a lot of specialty coffee shops opened. Some amazing ones, some not that good, but everything helps the specialty coffee market,” he notes.
Feli emphasizes the importance of consumer education in this growth.
“The more specialty coffee places, the more educated people are. It’s pure benefits because we start speaking the same language,” he says.
At their coffee shops, customers are always welcome to ask for samples to taste different brews.
“We give people to try this because it’s super fruity, high acidity, very complex. It’s not easy to find this type of filter coffee,” Feli explains.
Additionally, they host regular coffee cuppings and masterclasses for those who want to delve deeper into the culture of coffee, further fostering a community of informed and passionate coffee lovers.
Quality Coffee and Food
At the heart of Feli’s success is the unique blend of quality coffee and excellent food. Inspired by their experiences in Australia, they decided to bring this concept to Mallorca.
“It’s not easy to find a good place for both coffee and food. For me, food is huge, it’s very important,” Feli explains.
They were determined to create a space where both elements shone equally.
Their coffee shops, Surry Hills and Hotto exemplify this commitment. Surry Hills, located in a bustling part of Palma, quickly became a favorite among both tourists and locals alike.
“In winter, it’s like 70% locals and 30% tourists. A lot of expats love the brunch and specialty coffee, especially the Australian part of it,” Feli shares.
Hotto, their second venture, offers a different but equally inviting experience.
“Hotro is a very different business. People that lived abroad or travel a lot, bikers, young professionals, they are our customers,” he says.
This variety in clientele underscores the universal appeal of their concept.
Looking Ahead
Feli and his partner’s journey is far from over. They continue to innovate and expand, driven by a deep love for Mallorca and a passion for coffee and food. And while they have coffee shops in Buenos Aires and Miami and plans for future expansions to Madrid or Barcelona, Mallorca remains their beloved home base.
“We’re creating a family now, my wife is pregnant. We love Mallorca. We’re in love with this island,” Feli shares. Their story is one of transformation, not just for themselves but for the local community, bringing a taste of global coffee culture to the heart of Mallorca.
Feli’s journey is a celebration of dreams realized, communities enriched, and the simple joy of a perfect cup of coffee enjoyed by the sea.
Dasha Bikmansurova
Surry Hills — Specialty Coffee & Australian Brunch
C. del Carme, 12, Centre, 07003 Palma, Illes Balears
HOTTO Coffee Lab x Surry Hills
Plaça de Raimundo Clar, 12, Local 3, Distrito Centro, 07002 Palma, Balearic Islands
Images: Inastagram @felivess, @hottocoffeelab, @surryhillsmallorca
