Summer is officially here, bringing with it long, hot days with warm nights; outdoor relaxation under moonlight, long iced drinks to wash the heat away and banter, ideally with great company. Lucky then for Nicosia folk that Garden Day & Night has just opened its doors for the summer season, with its roof made of stars, towering palm trees, eclectic cocktails and inviting albeit ornamental garden pool.
No need to traipse to a distant beach after work for an outdoor evening experience near water, one can head straight into town and sit on a pre-reserved table next to the low lit pool, sipping the night away. It’s easy to forget where one is among the greenery and endless sky.
Situated opposite the Archaeological Museum in Nicosia, the venue may be a mere stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre, yet with its garden oasis, you’ll be forgiven for feeling that you’ve escaped urban challenges to a more alluring space and time. One of the wonderful things about Garden is that it’s been around for a while in one form or another; it’s one of the oldest places in town. Renovations have been taking place since the new management took over in May 2015, gradually turning this historical hang out into the beautiful and updated haven it is now.
Garden has that perfect summer vibe, the venue is huge, it’s green and there’s an enticing pool in the centre with an old palm tree standing in the middle screaming ‘take a dip, take a dip’, although technically one should ignore that voice and abstain from such temptations. Swinging couch chairs pretty the circumference of the venue next to the green shrubbery which hide you from street view while high tables and chairs hug the winding curves of the pool. An oblong styled bar is stationed near the entrance.
The Purple Olives restaurant is snuggly situated up a garden step to the left on entry; it’s stunningly lit up with relaxing purple lights hidden in its numerous olive trees, food is also available in the bar area. For those desperate to pull some moves, a dance floor is situated in between the indoor and outdoor bar near the pool. And a DJ plays from an elevated caged stance with a spotlight highlighting his presence.
However beautiful the venue is, it can get very, very busy; Garden can cater to 800-900 guests. Yet with the help of clever table layout, it is possible to enjoy the evening in your own bubble, soaking in the refreshing surroundings blissfully oblivious to the masses, or revel in people watching. Dress code may be smart casual; however, characters swan in ‘dressed to the nines’ and the nightly face control staff will ensure that no ‘riffraff’ crawls in; it’s that kind of place.
Summer promises to be an eventful time at Garden, with weekly themed events and varying live DJs. Every Monday is R&B night; Tuesdays are Greek nights; Wednesdays are commercial night; Thursdays are for the dancers who enjoy phat house beats and Fridays are themed DJ events with special deals on unique and purpose designed cocktails. Wednesdays and Fridays are strictly for those over 22, face control assures this.
So what’s not to like? It’s not cheap. Arguably one pays for the ambience; the momentary escape from the entrapments of urban eyesores while still being in the heart of Nicosia.
Garden may not be everyone’s glass of Spritzer, yet there is no denying its welcoming outdoor appeal; it’s simply glorious.
Garden Day & Night
Where: 2 Mousiou Street, Nicosia
When: Open 5pm-2am Monday-Friday. Closed on Saturdays and Sunday’s for private parties.
How much: Standard and premium spirits with shots costing €6.50 – €9.50. Classic and unique cocktails €8 – €12 and glasses of wine are €5 – €7.50.
Contact: 22 662626, https://www.facebook.com/Garden-Day-Night-543716565697645/
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