Tributes paid to 'much loved' shop owner Mr Matta

Tributes have been paid to a "much loved" shop owner whose international food store became one of Liverpool's best-known independent outlets.

Kirpal Matta founded Matta's International Foods in 1968 in Granby Street. The shop moved to Bold Street in 1984, where it has been a fixture ever since.

Posting on social media, the store shared the "very sad news" that Mr Matta had died aged 84.

"We know this news will come as a shock to many, but we want to reassure all those who came to know Mr Matta that he was surrounded by love and family," the Facebook post said.

"As much loved by his family as he was by our many wonderful customers over the years, we know many of you will want to share those memories, which is why we were keen to share this post, however sad it may be," the post said.

Shop regular Ervine Okuboh responded by describing Mr Matta as "a great man".

"I remember as a young child shopping at his shop in Granby St with my parents, as long ago as the mid-late 1960s.

"Always smiling and always made you feel very welcome.

"Mr Matta always asked after my family and his children were just as pleasant and welcoming. What a wonderful man. Industrious, kind and caring."

Another customer, Dave Hogan, said: "Throughout my many visits to the shop... I always came away with the sense that the shop represented the very epitome of 'family'."

Nina Edge said: "Mr Matta is so loved. His contribution to Liverpool is immense."

Dalip Matta, who has run the shop with his brother Deepak since their father retired seven years ago, said the response had been "overwhelming" and it was "emotional" reading the hundreds of tributes.

"In some ways it's not surprising," he said.

"He just treated everyone with respect and kindness and that's how he was as a person. He gave his heart and soul to the store."

He described how his father and mother Kanta, who died in 2020 aged 76, worked hard to make the store a success.

"They loved working, they loved people and they loved food," he said.

"It was a joy and a pleasure for them to go to work and to spend time with people".

In July 2024, when the store celebrated 40 years on Bold Street, Mr Matta spoke to BBC Radio Merseyside presenter Kev Duala.

He described how he had been "honoured" to have spent nearly 60 years serving the local community.

"This place is still here because of the people," he explained.

Mr Matta's sons, who now run the business, described how their parents had also created a "sense of community" within the shop.

"We have learned from my father and mother and they just treat everyone with kindness and friendship and love," said Dalip Matta.

"It's about caring and sharing - it's not just about profits."

Mr Matta leaves three sons, two daughters, seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

The family said information about Mr Matta's funeral and ceremony at Liverpool's Sikh temple is expected to be shared in coming days "should any of our friends and customers wish to attend".

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.