What's On Cyprus

The first impressions were the different design, open-fronted, industrial with minimalist tones, steel pillars, raw concrete and polished wood, high ceilings, really cool lighting, comfy seating, designer signs and the menu, 'different' to say the least but let's just say it's more of a diner than a cafe and highly recommended ...

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 ...

Boasting a massive sunny garden bar terrace out front, delightful in the afternoon for a pint or a G&T and some excellent excellent pub grub.  It's just as popular by night where you can enjoy a massive drinks menu and live music every night, with lots of like minded people and, they even provide warm blankies to put over your knees for the chilly nights at the start and end of the season!

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!

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!

By rule of thumb if its quiet in here, it'll be dead everywhere else! ... Gary's Bar & Grill is without doubt one of the best eateries in Napa, recently, yet again, awarded a Certificate of Excellence 2020 by Trip Advisor, it's becoming a habit and tbh, they deserve every accolade they get! ... Check out their Video here

Naturally I had to ask why Mambo’s, I joked, nothing to do with Nando’s?, he smiled and said "maybe" … explaining “if anything, we wanted to bring a new concept to the area, with a hint of a Mediterranean fusion with South America” … But I love the name, the décor very cool, the little touches here and there tells you know they mean business.  There’s a lovely long terrace on the sunny mornings side of the road, and indoors spacious for your parties … or those chilli winter nights …

The bar is open from 9 am to 2 am, so you can pop in for breakfast, brunch, lunch, gorgeous coffees in the afternoon with a naughty slice of cake, maybe a romantic dinner for two, or just evening drinks and a catch up with friends, whichever you choose, this is an awesome place to go.  They provide a great menu from their hearty breakfasts to amazing platters or grilled main meals to amazing homemade desserts.

Over a delicious cappuccino, my old friend 'Tommy' explained: "We wanted to set the ambiance something like you're sitting in a vintage style cafe, on the Kolonaki in Greece, the music relaxed, Mykonos style, with a little live sax now and then and the menus half Greek, half Cypriot, inspired by the irreplaceable chemistry of two top chefs ...

I asked Solomos for the reason behind their success, and he said "for us everything we do is unique, we give our best to assure each guest leaves here happy", even if all you want is a coffee, afternoon drink, share an exotic flavour, or a little snack, while you watch the match on one of 7 big TV screens.