An unlikely drinking joint has popped its cork for gulping, eating and shopping. The concept store Elma & Fred is a unique venue in Nicosia which defines itself as a place where ‘food meets fashion’ and by food that most definitely includes alcohol too. For when long drinking lunches end and the sky begins to fade, Elma & Fred continues effortlessly into a bar mode, with a bespoke collection of predominantly Italian wines and premium alcohol cocktails.
Sitting on the busy corner of Grivas Digenis and Demosthenis Severis, Elma & Fred’s bar is attached both to the clothing section and food hall of the store. By day one can weave in and out of the different spaces readily, doing a spot of clothes, accessories and food or wine shopping, then washing it all down with brunch, lunch or booze.
Inspired by the super shops of Italy and London Elma & Fred is the kind of place where you can drop in to buy fashionable clothes, interesting household products, artisan food, followed by a merry evening of drinking and socialising.
The idea behind it, is a friendly space where people can find everything they need in one place. So even after shop closing time, customers can stay on in the bar and continue with a fun evening with food and drink.
It’s an interesting concept and although its one that’s more often found in the fashionable parts of other large cities, it seems to sit right at home here in Nicosia.
The bar, which opened in November, is pretty enough, large enough and nice enough. It’s predominantly an outdoor space which is kept warm and somehow removed from the outside noises of the passing cars. There are no crazy colour schemes and over the top fashion statements and yet it’s comfortable, relaxing and strangely ‘morish’.
Always an advocate for good gin, I popped along to explore Elma & Fred’s Gin & Tonic Wednesdays, ‘a place where Gin & Tonic meets Fashion.’ The menu did not overwhelm but the gin cocktails enticed. I ordered the Cranberry Lavender Gin & Tonic which came with a singular large round ice cube; it was subtle and very, very tasty, working more with hints and notes rather than overpowering hits of alcohol. Their Strawberry, Basil Gin & Tonic was equally flavoursome and refreshing.
On Wednesdays gin cocktails are available all day for €5 with a complimentary nibble. Complimentary nibbles are routinely served with all the drinks, highlighting some of the artisan food sold in their small food hall.
From April, Thursdays will offer a ‘wine tasting’ special, where three glasses of specialty wines will be on offer for €10; the choice of wines will change monthly.
There are also several interesting signature cocktails to choose from, the Hot Juliet with dark rum, passion fruit, Romeo & Juliet tea, red chili and lime grabbed my attention. The menu has a selection of specially chosen wines which are reasonably priced while customers are encouraged to check out the cellar to see the remaining wines on offer. Wine is available per glass but bottles come with €8 corkage charge.
Elma & Fred
Where: Corner Grivas Digenis and Demosthenis Severis, Nicosia
When: 9am -11pm Monday to Saturday. The bar also closes on special holidays, i.e. whenever the shop is closed.
Contact: 22 680400
