As a firm believer that Nicosia’s old town would benefit from being more heavily pedestrianised, I was pleased rather than disgruntled when my favourite short-cut was closed off to vehicles earlier this year, and turned into a charming little alley full of brightly coloured fashion and arts boutiques and a couple of cute little bars – one of these bars is a tiny little kafeneio called 7 Kleidia, meaning seven keys.
Inside is not really designed as a place for clients to sit, there are a couple of high stools at the open window style facade, where cool cats can either sit indoors and watch the world go by, or perch outside and face in. Instead the bar focuses on the ample amount of pavement and undisturbed street they can now use thanks to the no car rule, with umbrellas, stools, chairs and tables scattered where the vehicles used to pass.
This particular seating arrangement is perfect in the late afternoon or early evening, when the setting sun smears the alley with a romantically rose pink light, and the heat has cooled to an acceptable temperature. Customers gather round the simple wooden tables and chairs to enjoy cold coffees, beers and nuts or even an ouzo with a plate of octopus.
As the evening sets in, overhead street lamps illuminate the whole alley giving it a convivial feeling, as the artisan shop keepers lock up for the day and stroll over for an aperitif before dinner. There is already a neighbourhood-like vibe to the street.
Food is available in the form of nibbles and sandwiches, and the bar serves a variety of drinks such as wines, spirits, teas, juices and cocktails all at very decent prices. Whether you are looking for a bit of quiet time to enjoy a glass of wine alone with nothing but a good book for company, or you’re in a big noisy group on the hunt for a spot to kick off your shoes and get the beers flowing after work, 7 Kleidia is a welcoming, quaint and very dinky little place that is definitely worth a try, if only to see how nice it is not to have people parking right under your nose every five minutes.
7 Kleidia
Where: 92 Trikoupis St, opposite Faneromeni School, Nicosia
When: 11am – 12pm (opens 4pm in the summer)
Tel: 22 103857
