Last orders at Leo’s Bar
A “CLOSED” sign went up for the last time at Leo’s Bar in Ozanköy after its owners held “open” and invitation-only farewell parties last week before returning to the UK.
Customers flocked to the venue on the Wednesday for a public event where they enjoyed their last time at the venue outdoors in the sunshine. The following day, some 50 invited regulars, who had become “good friends”, turned up for an open-bar farewell party hosted by owners Kemal and Denise Tüccaroğlu who had run the popular hostelry for 20 months.
The couple now plan to return to London to start a new life with their three children.
“Running a bar is a hard job and this was the first time we had tackled such a thing . . . But it was good experience for us as we met many good friends who helped us to get through the 20 months”, said Mr Tüccaroğlu. “They also enabled us to build a good relationship with the local community for the future, if we decide to return. It was an emotional night for some of us and to all our customers, who are mainly expats, I would like to say a big thank-you and hope to see you all again during future holiday visits.”
The venue is now to have a new name and be transformed into a “European cuisine” restaurant towards the end of this month as new owner Arif Hussain takes over. Mr Hussain, who has been in the catering business for some 15 years and also owned a restaurant in Gazimağusa, said that he hopes to reopen the venue and welcome customers “very soon”.