Jan Edwards on Cats, Cafés and Writing Feelgood Mallorca Fiction
Jan Edwards on Cats, Cafés and Writing Feelgood Mallorca Fiction
This week on Majorca Mallorca, we sat down with local author and broadcaster Jan Edwards to talk about her new book The Mallorca Cat Café, life among rescue cats, writing happy stories set on the island, and the real inspiration behind Laura Lundon’s adventures.
This Q&A is adapted from our podcast conversation. Listen to the full episode for even more of Jan’s stories and writing insights. The link is at the bottom of the page.
Q: For anyone who doesn’t know your books yet, tell us what The Mallorca Cat Café is about.
It’s my second novel about Laura Lundon, an English radio presenter who moves to Mallorca and finds herself running a cat sanctuary. This book is a sequel to Daughter of Deià, but I wrote it so you can read it on its own. That was quite a hard thing to do because you need to put in enough backstory without boring people who’ve read the first one.
Q: Where did Laura’s story begin in the first book?
It started with a mystery. Laura discovered that the woman she thought was her aunt was actually her mother. She came to Mallorca to find her birth father and ended up looking after a cat rescue centre for an American friend who had to rush home. She was also threatened with eviction by the landlord after rejecting his advances.
Q: And in the new book, Laura and Carlos have new plans?
Yes. They’re a couple now, and they’ve found a bit of stability. They’re planning to turn an old roadside restaurant into Mallorca’s first cat café, which will help raise money for the adjacent refuge. Part of the book is about turning that into a café, but she has to do some of it without Carlos. You’ll have to read it to find out why. I can’t give it all away!
Q: Your writing group sounds like it was quite important in making the sequel happen.
It was. The Readers and Writers of the Balearics has been really helpful for me. It’s a place where you find encouragement to turn early ideas into finished books. Writing can be lonely. The group shares advice about Kindle Direct Publishing, cover designers, getting reviews. And sometimes you just need to know you’re not the only one struggling with something. There wasn’t a formal vote about the sequel, but enough people told me I should write another one that I put aside another book I’d already started.
Q: Your books are fiction, but they’re clearly rooted in real experience. Tell us about that.
When we first moved here, I had initially thought I might write about a donkey sanctuary. But when we arrived, all these cats started arriving in our lives. I thought, well, I know cats. I know what it’s like looking after them. At one point, we had as many as eleven cats on our rural property. Many were rescues or strays, dumped or abandoned, or they just turned up and decided to stay. They all have their own personalities. They can be affectionate, aloof, funny, even annoying. But they’re very intelligent. I just bond with cats.
Q: So running a cat sanctuary was something you understood first-hand.
Absolutely. The challenges in the books—dealing with landlords, figuring out funding ideas, caring for all the cats—those are all things I know about.
Q: How would you describe the style of your books?
I like to write happy books. Especially these days. I want people to finish the book and think, that was really nice, I enjoyed that, it was fun.
Q: What was the editing process like for you?
I think working with a professional editor is so important. It’s so easy to repeat yourself or not notice inconsistencies. My editor, Nicky Taylor, noticed things like stock phrases I kept using, gestures I overused. She also pointed out places where I needed to add more context for new readers. It really helped.
Q: Apart from writing fiction, you’re also well known on the island for your radio work. What do you do there?
I do the “Restaurant of the Week” feature for Sunshine Radio. I like to mix it up. There are some beautiful, very expensive restaurants here, but I try to cover a range. Not everyone can afford the high-end places, so it’s important to show the variety. Most of the time we pay for our meals ourselves. That way I can be honest. If something isn’t right, I can say so. I also do a short weekly feature highlighting things to do on the island for tourists and residents. It covers everything from beach clubs and sports to exhibitions and walking routes.
Q: Even with The Mallorca Cat Café just launched, you’re already working on new projects. Tell us about those.
I have two new projects on the go. One is a memoir about moving to Mallorca. It’s full of the little stories that make island life so memorable. Like the time we were hosting visitors and all these speed skaters in bright kit came zooming up the hill. They’d got a minibus to the bottom and were training going up. It was just so unexpected. The other is another novel. I’m about 20,000 words in. It’s about an interior designer from the UK who inherits a run-down finca on Mallorca. She thinks she’s getting an apartment in Palma, but it’s not. It’s this half-finished rural property she has to figure out what to do with.
Q: Where can people buy your book
You can buy Daughter of Deià and The Mallorca Cat Café on Amazon. They’re available in paperback, on Kindle, and if you have Kindle Unlimited they’re included in that offer too. Here’s the link to get them: https://mybook.to/M3pg.
Listen to the full conversation HERE with Jan Edwards on the Majorca Mallorca Podcast
Photos V McLeod
Explore the historic Bellver Castle overlooking the bay of Palma, Mallorca.
BELLVER CASTLE: A Fortress with a View and a Story to Tell
Perched high atop of a wooded hill at the opposing end of the Maritimo to Palma Cathedral, Bellver Castle is one of Mallorca’s most fascinating historical sites. With a circular design, medieval towers, and unbeatable views down over the city, Bellver is perfect for history lovers, curious explorers, and families looking for an adventure. Whether you’re stepping into the past or just looking for a great place to let the kids go wild on a rainy day, Bellver delivers on all fronts.
A Castle Unlike Any Other
Built in the early 1300s as a royal residence for King James II of Mallorca, Bellver Castle is one of the few circular castles in Europe. Instead of the usual square fortress design, this one looks more like something from a storybook, with a round central courtyard, three sturdy towers, and a moat-surrounded keep that once held prisoners of war.
Bellver does however come with quite a sinister past. For nearly 600 years, Bellver wasn’t a place of grandeur, it served as a prison, holding everyone from noblemen to rebellious writers. It even played a role in the War of Spanish Succession, locking up political enemies of the crown. Now, it stands as a museum and a brilliant place to soak up Palma’s history and enjoy possibly the best view of Palma.
What Makes Bellver Castle Worth Visiting?
- The Circular Design
Most castles follow a square or rectangular plan, but Bellver’s completely round shape makes it truly unique. Walk around the upper terraces and get a 360-degree view of Palma, the bay, and the mountains. - A History Lover’s Dream
Step into the Palma History Museum, located inside the castle, where you can explore the island’s rich past from the Roman era to modern times. - The Views
At 112 metres above sea level, this is one of the best spots to admire the Bay of Palma. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Tramuntana Mountains. - Perfect for a Rainy Day
If the weather isn’t beach-friendly, the castle offers a great indoor adventure for families. Kids can explore the castle’s winding corridors, climb the towers, and pretend to be knights and queens. - An Easy Escape from the City
Just a 10-minute drive from Palma’s centre, Bellver Castle is easy to reach and offers a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of town.
Visiting Bellver Castle
Location: Just outside Palma, surrounded by pine forests, perfect for a pre- or post-visit stroll.
Opening Hours:
- April to September: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00. Sundays and holidays from 10:00 to 15:00. Closed on Mondays.
- October to March: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00. Sundays and holidays from 10:00 to 15:00.
Admission: General entry is just €4, and children under 14 go free. You can buy the tickets directly from the Castle.
If you buy a 24 hour bus ticket here, then the entrance to the Castle is included, along with many other features.
Included:
24-hour access to the City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off buses of Palma de Mallorca
Entrance to Bellver Castle
Entrance to Cathedral of Mallorca (if Ultimate option selected)
Entrance to Museo Es Baluard (if Ultimate option selected)
Entrance to Caixa Forum (if Ultimate option selected)
Entrance to Palau March (if Ultimate option selected)
Free drink
OUR MAJORCA-MALLORCA TOP TIP
Whether you want to uncover Mallorca’s medieval history, let the kids explore a real-life castle, or simply enjoy the breath taking views, Bellver Castle should be high on the ‘To do’ list. It is one of the island’s best-kept secrets, offering a mix of history, adventure, and unbeatable scenery. And…. The original sword belonging to the statue of Julius Caesar at the end of Las Ramblas is kept in Bellver Castle for safe keeping.
You can book a Palma package in advance, and save money on entrance tickets here.
If you prefer to just buy tickets for Bellver Castle click here.
Mallorca Insider Mia Naprta Shares Her Summer Food Guide on the Majorca Mallorca Podcast
If you’re wondering where to eat in Mallorca this summer, or what’s new on the island’s buzzing food and hospitality scene, you’ll love our latest Majorca Mallorca Podcast episode. We sat down with our returning Mallorca Insider, Mia Naprta, food journalist and regular contributor to the Majorca Daily Bulletin, for a brilliantly lively, honest, and mouth-watering chat about eating out in Mallorca. Mia is known for getting invited to all the best restaurant openings and summer parties, and she didn’t hold back on sharing what’s going on across the island this season.
Parties and Mallorca’s Summer Social Scene
In this episode, we talk about the wave of opening parties happening across Mallorca. Even though summer technically starts earlier, many venues still host major events in July to kick off the real high season when the island is full.
Mia tells us about the new management behind Karibu Beach Club in Magaluf, connected with the legendary BCM nightclub, and their launch party featuring international DJs. She also describes the beautiful Kimpton Aysla Hotel in Santa Ponsa and their signature White Blossom summer party – an annual event combining food, drink, fashion, beauty treatments, and laid-back luxury.
From beach clubs to five-star hotels, there’s no shortage of glamorous spots to toast the summer in Mallorca.
Eating Out in Mallorca – From Fancy to Cheap and Cheerful
But it’s not just about parties. Mia gives us her real insider recommendations for where to eat around the island this year.
Highlights include:
- Crow’s Nest in Cala Major – A South African-run spot known for big, shareable platters and friendly service.
- Balcanico in Can Pastilla – A newcomer bringing authentic Balkan grill dishes to Mallorca, with cevapcici, pljeskavica, and homemade lepina bread.
- Max’s Garden in Palmanova – A brunch favourite where you can build your own breakfast from high-quality ingredients.
- Santina and Bacan in Palma – For incredible Turkish eggs and specialty coffee.
- Can na Sissy in Palma’s old town – A hidden gem offering brunch classics in a converted villa, designed for relaxed “silent luxury” with space and style.
- Aethos Mallorca – A newly restored beachfront hotel venue on the island’s west coast, perfect for a leisurely meal with a view.
- Hotel Portals Hills’ Collins Restaurant – A Miami-inspired grill with stunning terraces overlooking the sea.
Late-Night Favourites and Local Secrets
It’s not all high-end, either. Mia and the team share love for the affordable local classics that feed the island’s workers, residents and night owls:
- Maria Maria in Port Andratx – Reliable, well-priced family meals.
- San Matias Burger Kiosk in Palmanova – A local legend serving great burgers late into the night.
We also chat about Mallorca’s menu del día culture, and the hidden gems tucked away in industrial estates (polígonos), where you can still get a three-course home-cooked lunch with wine for under 15 euros.
Booking Tips for High Season
One big takeaway from the episode? Book ahead! Mia warns that even on a Tuesday night in July or August, many restaurants will be fully booked. She encourages visitors to plan ahead – but also be courteous and cancel reservations you don’t intend to use.
We discuss how some restaurants are experimenting with deposits to cut down on no-shows, and why going direct instead of using apps can be better for both diners and restaurants alike.
How Mallorca’s Food Scene Has Evolved
As longtime residents, the team reflects on how much Mallorca’s dining scene has changed over the past two decades. Once dominated by traditional Spanish menus (and little else), the island now boasts an incredible diversity of cuisines – from South American grills to Thai tapas, Balkan street food to innovative fine dining.
Mia calls it a golden era for curious eaters who want to try something different.
Listen Now
If you’re hungry already, you’re not alone. Listen to the full Majorca Mallorca Podcast episode for a friendly, funny, and frank guide to what (and where) to eat in Mallorca this summer – direct from one of the island’s best-connected food journalists.
Check our show notes below for details to all the places we talked about.
Whether you’re planning a visit or you’re a local looking for new ideas, we think this episode is the ultimate summer eating guide for Mallorca.
We talk about:
- Karibu Beach Club @karibu.beach Magaluf
- BCM @bcmmallorca Magaluf
- Kimpton Aysla Hotel @kimptonayslamallorca Santa Ponsa
- Puro Beach @purobeachilletas Illetas
- Nikki Beach @nikkibeachmallorca Magaluf
- Crow’s Nest @thecrowsnestpalma Cala Major
- Balcanico @balcanico_mallorca Can Pastilla
- Santina @santina_brunch Palma & Puerto Portals
- Bacan @acancafeteria Palma
- Can Na Sisy @canasissy Palma/Sindicat area
- Max’s Garden @maxgardenrestaurant Palmanova
- Thai Tapas @bangkok_portadriano Port Adriano
- Aethos Mallorca @aethosmallorca Paguera
- Sa Illeta @estauranteilleta Camp de Mar
- Calvia Beach House @calviabeachhouse Magaluf
- Siso Beach @sisobeachmallorca Palma Nova
- Blackbeards @blackbeardsmagaluf Magaluf
- Maria Maria @mariamaria.portandratx Port Andratx
- Kiosko / San Matias Burger Palmanova
- Hotel Portals Hills @portals_hills Portals
- Four Seasons at Cap Formentor @fsrmallorca Formentor
Mallorcan Chefs (by name)
- Santi Taura @santitaura
- Andreu Genestra @andreugenestra
- Jonay Hernández @chefjonayhernandez_
Other Concepts Discussed
- Menu del Día / Platos del Día
- Disgusting Food Museum (Palma) @disgustingfoodmuseumespana
Neighbourhoods / Areas Referenced
- Magaluf
- Palmanova
- Can Pastilla
- Port Adriano
- Cala Major
- Camp de Mar
- Port Andratx
- Portals
- Palma (Santa Catalina, Sindicat, Pere Garau)
- Torrenova
- Sóller
- Cap Formentor Peninsula