What's On Cyprus

Pete told me he imports the best Cod from the North Atlantic, cuts it himself into 340 gsm portions, dipped into his mums secret recipe home made batter, which he said "I cant tell you the secret coz I'd have to kill you" hmm, and then fries it fresh to order using the finest vegetable palm oil, he says; "because I think it gives my cod the best flavour" ...

We recently popped into Eden Square, firstly for dinner at El Chico Mexican Restaurant and following our delicious meal with a couple of perfect Mojitos in Nalu Cocktail Bar in Protaras. I grabbed a moment to chat to owner Constantinos on the night and I arranged a day to do a catch up …

Serving traditional Cypriot cuisine, or as Artemaki calls it, ''pure horthiaytiko'' or 'village-style' in English. The food is always cooked fresh, mostly over real charcoal, so it'll take at least 20 minutes to be served, but let me just say; it's worth every minute! and don't worry the pitta bread, dips and salads will wet your apatite. Whilst Arimaki's mum cooks traditional Cypriot dishes for your delight!

From the outside, it looks delightful, all stone arches, crimson flowers, hanging plants galore, old cart wheels between the arches a few tables and chairs covered by really cool arched wicker canopies with rope curtains, adding a little privacy, while you can watch the world go by, complementing the façade and to the right a Pink old London telephone box, awesome for a cool selfie.

I've watched this pub grow since it opened in 1988.  It's all dark wood, tables, comfy seats and benches.  The whole place is covered in artefacts, flags, posters, blackboards and hundreds of photos added over the years.  I'm sure I'm in a few, ha!, in fact, I probably took a few of them too.  It's a GastroPub with a cool mix of an international clientele, and of course, the locals in the area, even our nationals who swarm down to the East Coast for a swim on a weekend, and something to eat, and all add to the ever-increasing repeat custom and inevitably, I'd have to say; it's one of the most successful pubs in Cyprus! ... Tbh, the weekends are soooo busy I prefer to go Monday til Thursday, I get more attention 😉

I met Daniela at The Cyprus Bar Show in Kapparis, and when I found out she had recently bought one of my favourite eateries 'Cinnamon Lounge Bar' at the 100+-year-old Mansion aka Shongas Inn, in the heart of Deryniea Village, I just had to find out more.  So we arranged a meeting and over a delicious coffee I was more than pleasantly surprised, this lady is on another level ...

Situated just to the right of Ayia Napa Harbour, a little more serene, relax with a drink out front in a modern chilled ambiance, or under the huge covered terrace or out back, overlooking the med ... it really is a perfect place to enjoy fresh premium seafood delights and there's a huge pristine lawn and a playground area for the kids with swings, trampolines, tunnels, slides, and things ... Check out their promo Video here ...

... But tbh, The Square Bar is better known for their Live Music, every night from 8.30 pm 'til late.  That's mostly down to Peter and Rob, of the legendary 'Live Lounge' in Cardiff fame, who told me "We partnered up with Panicos in 2014 to bring you the very best in live bands, duo and solo artists" ... Check out their Facebook Reviews, oh and, go early to avoid disappointment, coz this place gets really busy! ... I caught the Revolverlites here recently, check out their videos and reviews here ...

An eatery of the highest esteem, I love the crazy paved terrace, shaded by tall mature trees, that twinkle delightfully as the sun sets, the crazy colourful tables and chairs, almost kindergarden'ish, little alcoves of comfy seating, hammocks set up high in the trees, whilst down a tier, skirting the rocks, a pathway leading to the almost private beach on the left, that'll have mellow music and waiter service and there's plenty of sunbeds, all with a view to die for, a sea of serenity at Sirena Bay ...

... so, if the kids are complaining they're bored, get ready to satisfy their thirst for fun!