10 of the best Greek and Cypriot restaurants in London
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Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
I went to the busiest party island in Greece — it was nothing like I expected
The Greek island of Zakynthos, frequently shortened to 'Zante,' has a reputation for being a party island overrun with tourists — but one traveller found it to be totally different When you think of 'Zante,' images of raucous parties, intoxicated Brits stumbling along the strip to the beat of blaring dance music might spring to mind. The Greek island of Zakynthos, often shortened to 'Zante,' is notorious for being a party hotspot swarming with tourists, but that's not always the case. Indeed, while Zakynthos certainly has its wild side, it's not compulsory. This was my revelation when I visited the island for a friend's 30th birthday bash last week. Initially, I was rather wary about the chosen destination due to the tales I'd heard, but as it turned out, I couldn't have been more mistaken. Stunning Greek island paradise beach - and terrifying reason no one will visit Ten most crowded tourist hotspots to avoid revealed – see best places to avoid the masses The main party hub of Zakynthos is Laganas Strip, where thousands of pleasure-seeking tourists gather to get drunk, dance and eventually be scraped off the floor and out of their own sick by patient bouncers. We chose to steer clear of this part of the island and instead opted for a villa in Vasilikos, a more traditional town at the easternmost point of the island, reports the Express. Here, the twisting roads are lined with olive trees shimmering silver from the dust stirred up by the few cars that pass by, and the sound of cicadas is almost deafening. Mountains tower above the ocean with villas and traditional stone cottages scattered across them, and goats adorned with bells meander between the groves. From our peach-hued villa perched atop the mountain, we had a direct view down to the glistening sea, which beckoned us to take refuge from the scorching 35C temperatures. Despite the house being a fair distance from the hustle and bustle of the strip, it didn't mean we were short of things to do. We spent our time at Amigo Beach Club, a mere 20-minute stroll from our digs, which boasted sunbeds, a pool, and beach access. The staff there were absolutely amazing and more than willing to cater to all 22 of us. Just a quick 10-minute drive from Vasilikos is the renowned Gerakas Beach, which was definitely worth a look. A protected marine reserve, this lengthy stretch of pristine white sand is a turtle nesting area and strictly safeguarded, but still open during the day for those wanting to catch some rays. There is complimentary parking just a stone's throw from the beach, and sunbeds are available for hire; however, there is no bar on the beach itself. We packed our own umbrellas and towels and spent a rather lovely (albeit sweltering) few hours on this sandy shore, dipping in and out of the crystal clear sea before heading back up the hill. Free showers were available to rinse off the salt, and they were spotless and straightforward to use — a real blessing after a long day of sweating and swimming. Once freshened up, we nipped to one of the many tavernas that dot the hillside for a late lunch. Nicos Taverna was our chosen spot, and once again, they were more than accommodating of our large group. Here, we ate and drank to our hearts' content for a very reasonable price (€4 Gyros, anyone?). After spending four blissful days in this haven, I can confidently admit that my initial impressions of Zakynthos were misguided. Despite its somewhat tarnished reputation, my stay was filled with utter relaxation, delectable cuisine, warm hospitality, and stunning landscapes. Indeed, Zakynthos is what you choose to make of it.
Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'Italy's Amalfi Coast is beautiful but totally rammed - I found a solution'
Italy's Amalfi Coast is the stuff of travel dreams – sun-drenched villages perched on cliffs, winding coastal roads and sumptuous seafood fresh from the Tyrrhenian Sea, part of the Mediterranean. When most people think of this wider region, the Sorrentine Peninsula, Positano, Capri and Amalfi immediately come to mind. And rightly so – because they are beautiful. But they can also be expensive and, in peak season, extremely crowded. But for travellers seeking the same southern Italian charm, minus the price tag and packed streets, there's a better-kept secret – the city of Salerno and its nearby villages. This Campanian delight offers everything from glorious coastal views and ancient ruins to fine local cuisine and peaceful beaches, all noticeably less costly than its neighbours to the west for food, drink and accommodation. Salerno often gets overlooked by those racing towards the more famous Amalfi Coast destinations, but this vibrant port city could be just as good a gateway to the area as Sorrento. It's also arguably where you'll find a much more grounded and authentic version of southern Italy. The historic centre of Salerno is showstopping at every corner. Winding alleyways, medieval churches and enticing trattorias fill the maze-like streets, making you feel like you're walking through the real Italy. Strolling through the character-filled Via dei Mercanti, you'll pass locals shopping and sipping espresso on shaded corners, making you feel like you've taken a step back in time. The Duomo di Salerno cathedral is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, and the Castello perched on a hill above the city offers a fine backdrop. A visit there rewards you with sweeping views of the coast and cityscape – it is visible from almost every point in Salerno, so the view is unparalleled. Transport is another area where Salerno shines. It's connected by high-speed train to Naples and Rome and, from its port, you can catch ferries to Amalfi, Positano and Capri. That means you can enjoy the Amalfi Coast without having to stay in the middle of the madness. It has never been easier to travel there either, with British Airways Euroflyer now travelling from Gatwick to Salerno three times a week from £60 one way and offering flight and car package deals. Exploring further, the ancient Greek city of Paestum, 24 miles south of Salerno, is the perfect alternative to the hot and heaving Pompeii. Three massive Doric temples dominate the site, and each is still remarkably intact. Unlike Pompeii, Paestum is often quiet, even in summer, but offers a spellbinding look into the ancient city's history. You can explore the site in peace, and the fascinating adjoining Paestum Archaeological Museum displays the famous Tomb of the Diver – which dates from around 500 to 475 BC– one of the few examples of Greek painting to survive from antiquity ( Paestum is surrounded by serene farmland and pine forests, offering a striking contrast to the rugged cliffs of the Amalfi Coast. It's a fantastic spot for travellers looking to unwind in the countryside without losing proximity to the sea. The beaches near Paestum are sandy and sprawling, with crystal-clear waters and only a smattering of umbrellas. One particular highlight in the area is the San Salvatore 1988 Organic Farm, with its own vineyard, buffalo farm and restaurant. The fresh bufala mozzarella was divine and my group even got to watch a 'nonna' make pasta from scratch, which was a fascinating experience. You'll need a base in the Salerno area, and the Savoy Hotel & Spa in Paestum provides opulence with a quiet atmosphere, offering the perfect escape with the backdrop of an infinity pool and the surrounding hills. It even boasts its own beach club, perfect for a sunset aperitivo before you try the homegrown delicacies at its Michelin-star restaurant Tre Olivi. For those who may find even Salerno a little too busy, the area also boasts a number of beautiful villages well worth visiting including Trentinara, nestled in the hills, and Castellabate, which has the double bonus of a gorgeous view out to sea from the hills and a charming marina at nearby San Marco di Castellabate. The lovely fortress of Castello di Rocca Cilento was also a highlight, with more gorgeous views over the sea and great location for a pitstop with a delicious lunch within the castle walls. Having been to Sorrento a number of times, I have always been charmed by its old town, upscale hotels and delicious food, but Salerno is definitely an Amalfi Coast alternative worth exploring. A rich history, sweeping countryside and affordable prices – what's not to love? Book the holiday
Time Out
10 hours ago
- Time Out
Is a 3am cup of free chicken soup worth the wait at NYC's most iconic speakeasy worth staying out for?
If you were around the West Village last weekend around 2am on Saturday, you may have just spotted me standing outside in a queuing line, waiting to be let inside a bar. But despite the hour, I wasn't in a drunken state, charting a bar crawl of my own making. In fact, my purpose was a simple one: to score a soup that was only served at closing time. You see, more often than not, when bars flick on the lights and the sign flips from open to closed, those who were once patrons become parasites. In an instant, hospitality is all but lost as staff hurriedly shoo clientele out the door in attempts to close as soon as possible. Most parting words are barked by towering bouncers or said lackadaisically from the bar staff, smile included—if you are lucky. Food is usually on the onus of the drunken, as they stumble the streets in search of pizza slices and bodega burgers, or wander into one of New York's many 24-hour eateries. But one New York speakeasy ensures that the final goodbye is a memorable one. For if you stay until the closing hour at Employees Only, the reward is a cup of soup on the house. Back in 2004, founders Bill Gilroy, Igor Hadzismajlovic, Jason Kosmas, Henry Lafargue and Dushan Zaric decided to open a bar, intended to attract fellow barflies over well-made cocktails in a semi-secretive space that didn't take itself too seriously. Twenty years later, and folks still line up to seek the pseudo-psychic stand that hides this West Village speakeasy, vying for a future read with good tidings and, hopefully, good booze. But with such strong roots in hospitality, even the final send-off at Employees Only is taken with care. Instilling a tradition taken from Greek nightclubs, the bar passes out warm cups of soup to each guest as a way to say thank you. Curious about it all, I decided to stay up well past my bedtime, dragging a friend along with promises of revelry and, hopefully, good soup. After willing myself to stay awake, making a pit stop at a friend's small get-together in Brooklyn, I made my way over to the West Village. Arriving at 2am, I found that a line was already forming outside. It wasn't particularly long, and was mainly filled with twenty-somethings who looked nearly dressed for the club as short skirts and dresses were sported with sneakers and cowboy boots. But I wasn't too worried as I had a reservation, or so I thought. To be fully transparent, I had reached out to the press team about booking a late-night table, confirming one at 2am. So I beelined it to the bouncer to check in for my table. But he brushed me off rather quickly, saying that the last reservation ended at 11pm and pointing to the line behind me. Panic set in as I tried to explain that I had made a reservation with the team just for him to reiterate the same. As I thumbed through my phone for the confirmation, I timidly responded, 'I know I have one.' He snapped back, 'You think you know better than me, and it's my bar?' Not exactly the hospitality I envisioned. I was flustered but stayed calm as I showed him my credentials and revealed the purpose of my visit. He didn't waver but said he would at least check with the general manager inside. Returning a beat later and a touch sweeter, the story was still the same. Ironically, once rejected and standing at the back of the line, I looked up the bar's Instagram and found they had just shared our article on the best bars in New York, which featured them. I waited, as if to be let into a Miami club rather than a bar that prides itself on "hospitable ambiance." However, within 15 minutes of waiting, the same bouncer who rejected us flagged my friend and me to the front. I can't really tell what changed, but he checked our IDs and sent us inside with a hollow, "Have a good time." Sadly, that bad taste in my mouth was quickly replaced by another. Because just beyond the red velvet curtain lay a literal wall of people singing, yelling and cocktailing. Of course, it was 2am, but to say that the bar was packed was an understatement. Immediately, I had to play my least favorite game, 'where f*** do I stand?' as bodies fully pressed up against mine, everyone shifting to the whims of those coming and going. From the front, the only oasis for breathing room looked to be in the back of the bar. Yet as I pressed my way through, I found it was closed off for reservations, of which I was told there were none. I attempted one last time to ask about a table, flagging a server at the expo station. She said I should ask their general manager, turning on her heels down the hallway behind the bar. I thought she walked away to go find one, but it turns out she left because our conversation was apparently over. The next few hours were spent shoulder to shoulder with strangers, gripping my drink for fear of spillage. Yet the younger and drunker-than-me horde didn't really seem to mind. While the crowd leaned heavily with GenZers, the playlist leaned more into my generation as patrons sang along to 'American Girl' by Kanye West and basically fell out when 'Mr. Brightside' blared over the speakers. The playing of 'Viva La Vida' by Coldplay was damn near a production, as bartenders flicked the bar lights on and off and slammed shakers to the beat. One barman armed with a bubble gun, stood on the counter and sprayed the crowd to much glee. By then, I was able to rangle a seat at the bar, finally able to enjoy it all a bit more from my perch. As soon as the clock struck 3:30am, the lights turned on and the music that had once moved the crowd was immediately cut. Almost instantly, I could smell what I had been waiting for this entire time: soup. Carried around on metal trays were small white mugs of the stuff, as hands politely grabbed cups one by one. Inside it was a light chicken soup, but really just a ladle of it, with small chunks of carrot, celery, and onion floating around plus a single strand of the chicken itself. Was it a lot? No, of course not, but even I appreciated the gesture. Plus, it was relatively funny that the same mouths who were just belting out 'Purple Rain' hushed as the sounds of clinking spoons and slurping took over the room. I swirled the rest of my cup and made my way outside while bouncers counted down to closing time. Now, do I think waiting until 3:30 in the morning for some soup is worth it? No, not at all. To be honest, I didn't think it would be. Exploring this bar's longstanding late-night tradition seemed like fun. All in all, the experience was a rough sell, even if the night hadn't started with a power-tripped bouncer. Yes, the bar can still make a mean cocktail at any time of night, as the Ash On My Tomatoes, a clarified mezcal drink with rhubarb and tomato, was light, vegetal, and had a nice pat of blackened salt on the glass to balance it all. But with a party so packed, it basically guarantees that a portion of your $20 cocktail will end up sloshed on your feet or your neighbors. Thinking back to the Zillennials and Gen Zers around me—happily huddled in a tight squeeze, belting out the stuff that populated my iPod—I realize the soup was never going to be worth it, at least for me. But if you happen to be there and it happens to be 3am, you might as well stay for the soup. It may be the only modicum of hospitality you'll get at that hour of the night anyway.
