What's On Cyprus

As coffee moves to a higher level in Cyprus, Coffee Lab in Paralimni is leading the way ... They specialise in real fresh ground coffee from a single source, by that I mean they know exactly which Coffee Farm it comes from and that includes speciality coffee from Brazil, Ethiopia, Guatemala and Kenya and if you're luck you'll catch one of their limited editions ... Trust me they guys know their coffee ... More ...

Out front a comfortable covered terrace, high tables, and stools, and over on the benches a big cuddly teddy bear with an Amarilino Yellow kit on.  Just inside, more high stools around a high table, visually supported by an old baker's bicycle, and three high chairs looking into the window bar.  Inside its modern, quirky little areas, sofas, Alice in Wonderland style highbacked chairs, and a cool selfie mirror adorned with greenery and flowers and on the back wall, 'Amarilino Makes Me Smile', it made me smile!

It was busy when I arrived so I took a little space at the bar to chat to Kieran as I watched this well-oiled team working, maintaining health and hygiene protocols with masks and gloves … Kieran explained in fact, they are open every day with a full varied menu and they welcome local, expats and tbh absolutely everyone … he said "we are trying to put traditional Cypriot hospitality back into fun environment" …

I loved this place the moment I saw the name, … It's a British Style pub, from the outside all white and doors, really cool signage and some comfy seating to enjoy a drink in the late sunny afternoons and watch the world go by, hanging baskets and signs everywhere. Inside, pristine, the bar wood and red brick, it's spacious with comfy seating, out back a Unique Beer Garden with regular live music events. Over to the right a separate games area, with pool table and regular Killer Pool and a Bar Football table … and to top it off one of the best chef's in Cyprus!!!

Over a gorgeous cappuccino I asked Vaida, why she created 'The Loop'? … She explained; "I'm originally from Lithuania, but lived in Holland for many many years and fell in love and married a Cypriot and finally moved to Cyprus just 4 years ago" … Vaida continued, "I noticed there was a distinct lack of places to get good fresh food, not just vegetarian and vegan but specialising in healthy eats and healthy diets".

It's a pub with British style pub, with an international clientele, an awesome crew, a relaxed ambience, and a great place to eat traditional pub grub with a twist oh, and an awesome place to watch all the live sports ... It's like home from home even if you're on your own! ... What else do you need from a pub? Your favourite tipple, they've probably got it!

The setting is as good as on the beach, it's a traditional village house with alcoves and arches edging the shaded patio out front, overlooking the beautiful Mediterranean sea.  The ambience is relaxed outside and continues inside, with comfy lounge style sofas and 4 huge TV screens to watch all the live sports, there's a pool room with plenty of seating and two lovely open fires to keep your toes warm in the winter.

I was delighted to be invited to 'Play 4 All' to catch up with owner Lucas Polycarpou and I have to say, I had no idea just how much they do here, with 6 Full Size Bowling Alleys, a Children's Play Room, called 'The Jungle' and a fully fitted club style party room called 'La Mour' for up to 150 of your friends.  There's also a restaurant with a top chef presenting a full a' la carte menu and that's just for starters, excuse the pun … oh and, a few big screen TV's so you can just pop in for a drink to watch all the live sports and the footie! … So it really is a fun place for kids, and grown ups!

There's always something happening at the harbour, so whether you're just going for a stroll to see the boats or your're coming back from a boat trip or you just want to get away from the maddening crowd, this is a great eaterie ... in fact this restaurant really stands out as one of Cyprus' finest fish taverns ... just check their Trip Advisor reviews ...

... It was very strange seeing the strip with just locals and long stay workers partying, it was cool bumping into some old faces, and the social distancing thing seems to be a thing of the past in Napa, in fact all over the coastal towns of Cyprus ... and tbh, much to my relief coz, I've had enough of it!