Eat and drink to your heart’s content
Plato’s, Nicosia
Dusty, scummy and downright dirty; as odd as it sounds, these are probably the three best words to sum up Plato’s appeal. There are broken glasses cluttering the top of the bar that haven’t been cleaned since the place opened, wine bottles ridden with cobwebs, and interesting knick-knacks and posters lining the walls that have inevitably browned with time.
But that hasn’t stopped the crowds pouring into this place that has become an absolute favourite venue. Oozing dirty charm, I’d easily rate Plato’s as one of the very best bars/pubs in Nicosia. Busy night in night out ever since it opened back in 1987, locals and visitors alike just can’t seem to get enough.
Set within a listed old house, you’d be forgiven for walking past and not even realising that it exists. Push open the rickety old door and you’ll be glad you’ve acknowledged its presence. It’s warm and inviting inside, with a good vibe and plenty of dark corners for more t?te-?-t?te moments. As for the music, it’s all about quality – rock, indie, blues, jazz, funk and just about any thing imaginable that isn’t classed as too ‘commercial’.
Attracting all sorts of age groups, it’s the kind of unpretentious place that you can turn up in just about any outfit you desire and no one will bat an eye lid. You’ll see smart suited business men, scruffy college students, wannabe hippies and ladies dressed up in glad rags as they prepare to dance the night away at a nearby club.
The d?cor is just about as random as its clientele – you really have to see it to believe it. We asked one of the friendly waiters how long the dusty glasses have been gracing the bar area and with a proud smile the young man replied “15 years”. Dirty and dusty may not be your thing, but it’s really all part of Plato’s charm. No worries, the glasses they serve you in are spotless!
Whereas it’s all cosy in the winter with two fire places that warm up the place, in the summer you can head outside into the cute little garden area. Our only complaint is that it gets a little too hot in the enclosed space when temperatures soar.
But it’s not just the space and d?cor that makes this place stand out from the rest. Ask any Plato’s lover why they became regulars and they’re more than likely to tell you one of two things – food and drink (or both). You just can’t beat the marinated chicken souvlaki that has graced the pages of their food menu for years. Then there’s the popular ‘belly buster’ cheeseburger, lahmadjoun and smoked salmon.
Once your belly almost pops, it’s on to the next best thing. This bar boasts the best selection of drinks you’ll probably come across on the island, offering some of the finest beers, wines and spirits from around the world. Whether you sit at the bar area or reserve a table for a wining and dining experience, your stomach won’t have any complaints.
For utter bliss, how about Hoegaarden Forbidden Fruit? A strong, dark beer, it’s brewed with malt barley, coriander, dried bitter orange peels and Hoegaarden yeast. Other Plato’s fans, like me, love going for Duvel, Pauwel Kwak or Chimey. The wine list is just as divine, and as for the spirits, there are over 15 types of vodka to choose from. Not many bars can beat that!
One last word of advice – leave your car at home or take a designated driver along with you because the drinks menu at Plato’s is likely to be one of the most wonderfully irresistible charmers you’ve ever come across. And no, it won’t let you slip away very easily.
Plato’s
Where 8-10 Platonos St, Old Nicosia
When 8pm-2am daily
Contact 22 666552
Reservations recommended for dinner, especially at weekends
www.platosbar.com
