Bars & Pubs

I've known the infamous consultant chef Louis Papageorgiou since he opened Di Capilla Seaside Stories in 2005.  It was my absolute pleasure to interview him, without a doubt one of Cyprus' finest chefs, this guy is seriously on another level.  These days, he's writing a new chapter, purely by accident, in 2010 he met and partnered up with Savvas, a master of hospitality, whom I've known since his Napa days in 1993 ... and together they started a new story ...

The Grand Slam is a family run British style boozer, it's even on the corner, on the sunny side of the road, and once known as The Corner Pin, inside it looks busy, with quirky little designs mostly mums doing, I just love the Table Tops they're well cool ... There's music memorabilia all over the place with a professional light and sound system, a well stocked bar, with a lovely front terrace onto Kapparis Avenue ... it's a great stop off for an afternoon drink, good pub grub, and there's something happening here almost every night!

As I walked in for the first time, I was well impressed with the simple blackboards adorning the walls up the stairs leading to the bar on the first floor.  Inside, it's all dark wood and industrial style metal ... cool signs everywhere, I couldn't resist getting a couple of shots, how do you like your whiskey?  The bar is open on three sides, so lovely cool breezes with really cool views over the heart of Napa, Marios laughed as he said, "it's packed in here for the festive parades"!

I love a game of cards, and Poker is one of my favourites.  So, I was really happy to catch up with Asteros, the manager, at the Cyprus Poker Federation, Ayia Napa for a coffee and a chat.  Asterios said, "The Cyprus Poker Federation was originally established back in 2019 to help advance Poker in Cyprus, and is dedicated to promoting the game and supporting the local poker community" ... Click on the article for a map and More ...

Their speciality is Simon’s Pies, and as a Master Baker for over 40 years they are 'just to die for’ … with too many to choose from, Steak ’n Kidney, Steak ’n Ale, Steak ’n Halloumi or my fav the Tandoori Chicken and for the vegetarian’s choice, Three Cheeses, or you must try one of Simon's Indian Dishes, OMG! ... and its all available for Take Away

I love the tall beer barrel tables and stools!  Inside, it's all wood, comfy seating, chandeliers, a cool stage, wicked lighting, music posters, and rock memorabilia all over the place creating a really cozy atmosphere ... oh, and a well cool ambience that's made by lots of like-minded, live music, rock, blues and occasionally jazz freaks, of all ages and nationalities ...

So I asked Lefteris to tell me more; "I decided to grab the chance to reopen Bliss Bar in Protaras because I thought it would be a good idea to combine the bar with my entertainment agency and so far it's working like a dream ...

What started as a weekend gig, grew into a week long party, a week long pure rock festival, live bands on a big stage, and often in intimate venues, where you get a chance to grab a drink and socialise with like minded mates you've not seen since the last festival, as well as the band members who hang around the venues, along with the thousands of rock fans that started to follow Cyprus Rocks Festival over ten years ago ...

As you all know, I love to tell you about my favourite finds, and in my hunt to discover the best beachside bars and eateries in Cyprus, this one is without a doubt one of my favourites, and I was more than pleasantly surprised when I found out that it's strongly linked to Paragka Beach Bar on Trinity Bay in Ayia Triada Bay, Pernera

... from the intro to the end, the girls put on an funny and spectacularly electric show with such passion and sooo much energy !!!