Style on Makenzy
For many years the young and fashionable have headed to Ayia Napa and Protaras. A new beach bar in the Larnaca area might now stop them in their tracks
The last time I was at Makenzy beach was on an early Sunday morning almost five years ago. Why we were there I really can’t imagine as it’s not your typical hotspot for those around 20. Older people and families were enjoying the water as the younger generation had headed down the coast to Ayia Napa and Protaras. But today they are not the only ones there, since the opening of the Ammos Beach Bar two years ago, that gives the beach a younger, trendy appeal, hundreds of younger people flock there each weekend. A little further along the McKenzie strip is the Ku De Ta, another trendy bar where it is almost possible to drink at the water’s edge. It might not be Yermasogia, but maybe Larnaca is getting there.
As we drove up to Makenzy it looked similar to how it always has, a row of restaurants and mini markets. We parked and made our way to the beach hoping to catch a sign of anything that would lead us to utter fabulousness. It didn’t take us that long; a picture of complete whiteness splashed over chairs, tables, couches and tented beds was as reviving to our eyes as a glass of fresh, cold orange juice. “Oh, it’s gorgeous!” we both exclaimed, ignoring the beach and anything else going on.
I had been warned that the menu is equally inviting with drinks, juices, cocktails, salads and even sushi being served. I was keen to dig into a tray of sushi but we opted for something cold and refreshing to begin with; I had the Strawberry Berry smoothie with rum (£4) and my sister a Pina Colada sans the rum (£3). The atmosphere is so neutral, Ammos is definitely a place that can be enjoyed by anyone unlike many beach bars that have opened around the island; as I relaxed on a big white bean bag I noticed a family happily digging into their lunch while a group of younger people were sipping frappes, lying on one of the tented beds.
People were also walking up from the beach, picking up frappes and cocktails in plastic glasses and taking them back down with them.
After partaking of the facilities on the beach we headed back to Ammos for lunch. The service was impeccable and for a weekday relatively brisk. We sat down next to a table of businessmen. One Samurai Maki Roll (£9 for 24 pieces) and one Yaki Chicken (£6) was placed in front of us 15 minutes later and it did not disappoint. It came as no surprise when I was told you need a reservation in the evening when candles offer soft lighting throughout this minimal designed beach bar. You can also enjoy some downbeat Latin music as well as house mixed with funky jazzy tunes. It really is the perfect place to unwind.
Ammos Beach Bar
Makenzy Beach, Larnaca. Open from 10am to 2am. Tel: 24 828844
