What's On Cyprus

My initial interest was to find out about their gins, Aris explained, "it's what originally brought us back to Cyprus, 'to create a quality craft gin'.  Our initial inspiration was the aroma of The Troodos Mountains after a long dry summer when it first rains and we wanted to capture exactly that and put it in a bottle and we called it Aoratas Dry Gin which in fact last year won a gold medal. 

Times have changed as far as the fascia goes, but for the past 28 years, the service is still exemplary and the cuisine is as traditional as it gets.  It's a family-run restaurant, from Luigi's warm welcome to the homemade Cypriot specialties using mum's secret recipes and the lovely touch of complimentary seasonal fruit, grown in dad's orchard, that they'll bring to your table for afters.

... we have created a menu, traditional but not, it’s totally unique, partly influenced by her yiayia, a fusion of Greek, Cypriot and Spanish cuisine, but she assured me none of the dishes you’ll find anywhere else, because they are the creation of their imagination, using always fresh produce, everything is cooked to order, nothing is prepared and always around her flavours and essences of Cyprus, that she uses to compliment every dish … oh, and if she had her way, she would change the menu every day” … So do look out for their daily specials and make sure you leave room for dessert!

Over a delicious coffee, Chris said, ''we just came on holiday, decided to move, and pretty much bought the pub straight away", ha! I've heard that story so many times! ... but tbh, these guys have just blended in like they've been here forever ... I expect it's got something to do with the traditional Cypriot Hospitality with a South African Twist, that oozes from the family and crew.

This is, without doubt, one of Paphos' finest eateries ... It's a traditional Irish Bar, so authentic all the furniture was crafted in Ireland an imported over, lots of dark warm wood, benches and stools, cottage cabinets and red brick. There's plenty of room inside, a nice covered smoking room and a lovely breezy sun terrace out front with comfortable seating, and the pub grub just a tad above the rest ... it's just like you've walked into a bar in Dublin, only a bit warmer!

Coming outta Shepherds Bush in London, Chris with over 30 years experience and catering in his blood, followed his father's footsteps and in 2012 he finally sealed the deal to buy the old Banana Cabaret Bar in Kissonerga, better known for its sauciness than its sauces 😉  He named it 'Sonny's, after his son, so I suppose it was inevitable Sonny would join his dad sooner or later, together they make an unbeatable team! ... And tbh, you'll probably need to book to make sure you find a table!

They'll turn up, on time, every time, and cook you everything from breakfast or brunch to a three-course a'la carte meal, in your kitchen or the venue of your choice, even if you want it served around your complex pool or on the beach.

It's been over 26 years since my very good friend Leo opened New Horizon Pub.  These days Leo's son Stephanos is at the helm, supported by his two righthand men Yiotis and Steve, that have been with him 25 years, and this place just seems to be getting better and better!  It's an old English style bar, with lots of polished wood, high stools along the bar, out front a gorgeous beer garden on the partly covered terrace, and loads of things on the walls and it's a family pub so children are more than welcome! ...

The place looks so welcoming, a spacious alfresco lounge under vines with comfy sofas and just inside on the covered terrace, tables immaculately set, pristine, polished wine glasses of various sizes ready for a fine selection of wines, inside is lounge, bistro style, clean and shiny, a well stocked bar with stools if you only want wine 😉 and unusually loos on the same floor, so not walking up and down stairs, very cool ! ... Oh and really good cuisine !!!

The pub looks just like a country pub should it's all beer garden out front, with wooden decking and terraces and huge umbrellas and sails and crimson flowers ...