Sah Marketplace....WOW!!

mrsgee · Post by **mrsgee** » Tue 28 Apr 2015 10:57 am

Just paid our first visit.....which definitely wont be the last. It is excellent. So much choice and good quality. Didnt find it anymore expensive than others overall, but did not do 'big' shop, just toe in the water experience. The wines are fantastic, and a good range of inexpensive to very expensive for special occasions. Wine lovers should appreciate it. The lay out is top notch, massive car park. Everything seems to have been so well thought out. One thing is for sure, I do not see the need anymore to go supermarket shopping in the south, so that's 25 euros saved straight away! Good luck to them with this venture. Just hope our old favourite, Erdener, does not suffer too much.....so will probably divide loyalties. All in all a great experience, and the self service food counter looked fabulous too. Top Marks to Sah Marketplace.

Groucho · Post by **Groucho** » Tue 28 Apr 2015 11:40 am

Erdener is due for demolition to make way for the bypass connection and will move into new premises set further back as I understand it...

Ozangirl · Post by **Ozangirl** » Tue 28 Apr 2015 12:05 pm

I paid my first visit today too, its a lovely supermarket. Especially like the salad bar and the cakes looked good too (although I didn't look for too long as I may have been tempted !). Very well thought out and a pleasure to walk around.

ardstrawray · Post by **ardstrawray** » Tue 28 Apr 2015 2:38 pm

Where is it please.

mrsgee · Post by **mrsgee** » Tue 28 Apr 2015 2:46 pm

Its the old Coca Cola factory in Catalkoy, by the road to Diana Beach. You can't miss it, its big with a huge carpark at the back.

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Tue 28 Apr 2015 3:23 pm

OMG

Though I had a flashback and was back at local ASDA in UK. A place I never want to see again and hoped never to see in Cyprus.

Miles of carpark, more cars than people in the shop, mysterious signs showing children and prams (? toilets?) but no apparent parking or toilet provision of for disabled. No provision for leaving trolleys in bays in the carpark.

Mostly not much that isnt available at other nearby Supermarkets.

Salad bar a good idea as allows a choice without waste, reminded me of a Berni Inn, but no as much initiative. Big disappointment only two English cheese and both mixed with other things I dont want with them.

I might have been tempted by the plants at the entrance but they werent priced and no inidication of where to pay.

The necessities I had gone for where either more expensive or just not there (despite the help of an admittedly helpful English speaking assistant)

The trolley were easier to steer, but why cant they do some smaller ones so one doesnt have to bend an arthritic back to reach things in the bottom.

Abandoned it and went back via Lemar where I found what I wanted easily.

I am really sorry to learn of the demise of my closest favourite for so many years, Erdener, and hope they will reopen soon somewhere close. I

mrsgee · Post by **mrsgee** » Tue 28 Apr 2015 3:36 pm

RR I parked my trolley in one of the bays for that purpose, on the car park, yes they are there. They had lots of different cheeses, Kerrygold, Cathedral City Mature Cheddar, ok they didn't have Stinking Bishop, have to forgive them for that one. The range of different oils and sauces for anyone wanting to cook special meals was excellent. And the sign with children and prams are bays for mother baby parking which you see all the time now in UK, or were you being a bit tongue in cheek there. I think that they have made a great effort to give the majority of ex pats what they are looking for. Great fish counter too. But as Abraham Lincoln once said you can please some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time, very wise...

Mollie the cat · Post by **Mollie the cat** » Tue 28 Apr 2015 3:40 pm

Erdener??? We live about 400 yards from the place and hardly set foot in there, not a patch on Supreme, in my opinion of course.

waddo · Post by **waddo** » Tue 28 Apr 2015 3:44 pm

RR, the big new building at the back of Erdener is "allegedly" going to be the NEW Erdener market once it is finished. It was also my favorite for many years but in the past year or so has gone down hill with too much dust on everything and lots of new stuff just jammed in everywhere. Still has the best bread mind you.

Changed allegiance to Supreme, partly because it was closer but mainly because it was clean and is a fast growing concern with lots to see and always fresh veg available.

Been into the new Sah but not that impressed, still no Jeys fluid anywhere, veg was sadly old but it is laid out well and lots of new fridges/coolers/freezers with the same old products on display. Good bread counter but the bread not up to Supreme standard and no where near Erdener quality. Nice to see the Kibet meat counter and even bought a piece of beef to roast to try it out, lamb looks good and there are frozen pork products if you wish for them. Fish counter available but have learnt my lesson from others and only buy fish from the Girne branch of the normal fish market - always fresh there. Loads of cheese but really could not find anything new in there that is not available elsewhere. Large selection of wines but no Stones Green Ginger wine anywhere (can only buy it in the south now that Erdener sold out) also no Anglias Brandy which you can buy almost anywhere else. All in all it is modern and clean and will give it another go in a month or so when they have things more organised. Have no doubt that the tourists will love it anyway as it gives the impression of a little bit of England. They seem to have organised it around good facilities and not gone for stocking loads of things that only ExPats would buy, good move - anyone find the toilets yet? Major concern when you get old that is. Parking is anywhere and everywhere and will rapidly turn into outside the main door like other places, pity they never added some strong bollards to stop the lazy doing that! Watch the road to your left as you exit the car park at the rear - nearly had a truck in my car despite the badly placed mirror to show you what is coming!!

Johnny Lee · Post by **Johnny Lee** » Tue 28 Apr 2015 3:50 pm

Must agree with Ragged Robin sentiments. I have not been in but sounds nice (if that's what you like). But this is not what I came here for
I thought we already had ample supermarkets with an incredible choice.

Please don't let this place get like a little England. What is this big thing about UK type products ????

Give me local every time and if you cant buy it just make it. Generally cheaper and far better.

Mollie the cat · Post by **Mollie the cat** » Tue 28 Apr 2015 4:57 pm

If you have not been in how you possibly comment?
Competition is always good, those who talk about the "good old times" here are living in cuckoo land!! Yes there are plenty of supermarkets around so whats wrong with another? For what its worth, I have spoken to many who like it, personal choice and all that.
I will certainly be going back, little England for me every time.

bornunderabadsign · Post by **bornunderabadsign** » Tue 28 Apr 2015 5:08 pm

We visited yesterday, it is something of a novelty, good parking, nice trollies and a good wine selection; that's about it, nothing else really any different from other supermarkets. We will continue to shop at Supreme, at least the staff here are friendly and smile!

PoshinDevon · Post by **PoshinDevon** » Tue 28 Apr 2015 5:16 pm

I do not side with little England, this is North Cyprus and we came here because we love North Cyprus.... Not little England. Whilst our Turkish is poor we do try hard to speak a few words and also shop and eat like the local population. We also are not really looking to hang around in bars/ restaurants with other ex pats.

But it is all about personal choice. As for Sah Marketplace we like it - competition is good and whilst some disagree we thought it was well planned, stocked and had plenty of choice. We will use it but only for special purchases... Maybe that special meal, bottle of wine or when we just want a change. Supreme is still our favourite, plus we like to buy fresh fruit and veg off the stalls or at the market. It's a positive addition and at the end of the day it's about choice. We are lucky we have the choice.

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Tue 28 Apr 2015 7:56 pm

mrsgee wrote:RR I parked my trolley in one of the bays for that purpose, on the car park, yes they are there. They had lots of different cheeses, Kerrygold, Cathedral City Mature Cheddar, ok they didn't have Stinking Bishop, have to forgive them for that one. The range of different oils and sauces for anyone wanting to cook special meals was excellent. And the sign with children and prams are bays for mother baby parking which you see all the time now in UK, or were you being a bit tongue in cheek there. I think that they have made a great effort to give the majority of ex pats what they are looking for. Great fish counter too. But as Abraham Lincoln once said you can please some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time, very wise...

Mrs Gee: No I wasn't tongue in cheek. It is 14 years since I was last in the UK and I didnt notice mother baby parking then - but they DID have disabled parking. Sah (isnt isn't ıt Şah?) have ample opportunity and space to provide some, and since they havent I will boycott them anyway . Though in fact though the mother and baby spaces were all taken I didnt see any mothers and babies in the shop! I rarely see children in supermarkets and cant remember ever seeing a baby! When you do see a Cypriot child it is usuallyold enough to walk better than I can, or a toddler being looked after and/or carried by its Dad. I do see a few elderly Cypriots who would obviously benefit by being able to park near the entrance, as I do myself.

Cathedral City Cheddar is available in nearly all the shops. What I was hoping for was other cheeses , loose not in packets, such as Wensleydale, Caerphilly,, Lancashire or Gloucester. btw for those who can afford it, Supreme still have a very good real Stilton!

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Tue 28 Apr 2015 8:23 pm

Waddo; Sorry I did not notice the toilets: by the time I realised that I had to go elsewhere because they didnt have what I needed in stock, and nothing else much different, I was just glad to get out of the place and back to Cyprus.

I normally alternate between Erdener and Supreme, but go to the Ckoy Lemar on Wed or Sat because I save time and petrol by combining with the outdoor market. I try the others I can get to occasionally, and the old Lemar because it does the best Cypriot take away food, and the only market I have found that does moussaka. I also go there occasionally if I am in an English mood because it is conveniently on the same side of the road as Upper Crust and I can go home the back way without risking death by a thousand 4 x 4s!

By the way has anyone else noticed poor and wilting veg and fruit (rots from inside in a day) at ALL the supermakets. I know its the wrong season for the best fruit but........... I bought strawberries from Lemar today (usually reliable) and one was already gone. It so many venues really a good thing if it results in a slower turnover and old stock on the shelves?

ifonly · Post by **ifonly** » Tue 28 Apr 2015 10:14 pm

RR - I don't understand why, if you don't want a re visit to a UK supermarket , you visited Sah after all of the comments on here and another thread about how like Waitrose etc it felt etc. You have looked and decided - it is not for you. That is fine --- for you. But some of your remarks are not quite as it is.
They do have disabled parking bays - they are on the first row of the usual parking bays
They do provide smaller "trolleys" for those who have difficulties reaching down low - they look like plastic shopping baskets (as you walk in) but are then clipped onto light weight high level frames (similar to trolleys) - more height but less bending down and very easy to manouvre.
Cypriot take away food - both times i have been to Sah the choice has been very good - for Cypriot and Non Cypriot food AND they had mousaka both times. Maybe your timing was wrong .
Each to their own - early days but so far i have been impressed AND none of their frozen food was semi defrosted (squiggie sausages and bacon) in their freezer cabinets - as was per today in one of the "other" local supermarkets ( who i have had to complain to about being overcharged on several occasions) - their chest type open top freezers were well above the safe/highest filling level !
It is a shopping choice - we can all choose where we shop. If there wasn't a demand then there would not be a need for them to supply. Good luck Sah - but i also hope Supreme - my favourite - (and the others) are not hit too hard.

jofra · Post by **jofra** » Tue 28 Apr 2015 11:03 pm

Ragged Robin wrote:OMG
Though I had a flashback and was back at local ASDA in UK. A place I never want to see again and hoped never to see in Cyprus......

Now what's wrong with ASDA?

....only 20 feet from my lounge window; a daily occurence, along with a petrol tanker, three or four smaller delivery vans, and three other large lorries......

If you want to know about Asda, a long saga is available here......what big businesses and corrupt councils can do (it's not limited to Cyprus!)

ToastLady · Post by **ToastLady** » Wed 29 Apr 2015 5:45 am

Sah toilets are straight on from the entrance, past the cigarette kiosk on the left, and you will find them at the right hand side at the very end. Unfortunately for some, they are up a flight of stairs. Lovely and clean, spacious, and no external door for someone to contaminate the handle, when they don't wash their hands.

Had a quick wander about the supermarket, very well laid out some nice new products, and a very good wine selection. There is also a cafe inside and out, with real coffee, not Nescafe....a thumbs up from me.

sophie · Post by **sophie** » Wed 29 Apr 2015 7:48 am

Loos upstairs? Oh well. Better than Lemar in Karaoglanoglu and Alsancak I suppose, also Tempo in Karaoglanoglu. When people were going on about all the cheeses available, I thought they meant loose cheeses cut to size but from messages above it looks like its pre-packed and that's available all over the place isn't it? Like ifonly I do hope they don't pull the rug from under the feet of Supreme. They have served the population so well over the years haven't they?

mrsgee · Post by **mrsgee** » Wed 29 Apr 2015 8:14 am

Sophie, they do have a loose cheese counter. As others have said each to their own - praps go and have a look. I bought some welsh cheddar cheese - Snowdonia, there are several different ones available, some mixed with various other ingredients some just plain. Mine had white port and wine. It was gorgeous. Comes in wax, the flavour is strong and the cheese is crumbly. very nice.

sparky71 · Post by **sparky71** » Wed 29 Apr 2015 12:12 pm

We popped in on Monday and overall impression very good, spent 150TL on bits and bobs and on checking the bill we're charged 17.25Tl for 250gms of baklava @ 69.00TL a kilo.
Passing today and went in to check but didn't have any left and no manager about to query price, must be gold plated.

Deniz1 · Post by **Deniz1** » Wed 29 Apr 2015 1:31 pm

I like the unusual plants I bought a small coffee tree today been looking for one of those for years.

owl · Post by **owl** » Wed 29 Apr 2015 1:43 pm

I can't wait to visit the new Aldi!

Steve C · Post by **Steve C** » Wed 29 Apr 2015 2:13 pm

Without doubt the best supermarket this side of the mountains bar none. No choice of cheese? maybe you were in the vegetable section as I saw numerous types of cheese from the UK and ample choices of wine to go with it. Comments of a negative nature just show how you can't please all the people all the time in fact some of them never!!

Mollie the cat · Post by **Mollie the cat** » Wed 29 Apr 2015 2:22 pm

I agree, its only been open a few days and people are knocking it already!! At least give it a chance, it will not suit some, we shop at Supreme and will continue to do so however, its a big thumbs up from us.

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Wed 29 Apr 2015 2:35 pm

Comments on something like this are valuable for those of who arent rich and fully able bodied. and draw attention to problems which could be avoided for those thinking of changes infuture. Toilets upstairs may well present problems for some -- so thoughtless. I would have though they would also have been a problem for mothers with babies and small children, rather ironic when they have parking spaces! Yet another example of paying lip service to the EU, but not thinking through the reasons or effects.

As for cheeses, I would like REAL English (or indeed French) not fancy designer brands, (its rather like the floured porridge that has recently appeared cant' people be given the choice to add add their own preferred flavours!) but I except for a few rare occasions I have lived without for many years and no doubt will survive!

Jonesy299 · Post by **Jonesy299** » Wed 29 Apr 2015 4:41 pm

Visited yesterday - in short, great for slightly more expensive treats / dinner party food (more specialist cheeses, broader range of wine and lovely delicatessen counter). Also a few UK items (sorry) that I like (English beetroot juice / organic apple & carrot juice) and the potted plants outside were cheaper than garden centre plants. Nicely laid out.
It's certainly a supermarket I will visit for treats but daily / weekly shop still at Supreme or local Starling / Lemars still on the cards.

woodspeckie · Post by **woodspeckie** » Wed 29 Apr 2015 5:02 pm

RR. I will bring you some crumbly Lancashire but you will have to wait until December.

kiplet · Post by **kiplet** » Wed 29 Apr 2015 5:28 pm

Before I make the journey can anyone tell me if they sell packet salad leaves ? I miss the ones from the UK

jen · Post by **jen** » Wed 29 Apr 2015 5:45 pm

Kiplet , haven't seen any ,although they do have mixed leaves on the salad bar ,you could always fill one of the takeaway boxes

Maisiemoo · Post by **Maisiemoo** » Wed 29 Apr 2015 7:31 pm

Thought it was well laid out and very clean looking, lots of Italian products on sale. I wouldn't make the journey from the west side to especially shop there but would call in if passing, still prefer Eroglu though! My husband found it strange the toilets were up some stairs as sometimes it can be a problem for him, why are there no disabled facilities available when they have disabled parking spaces?

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Wed 29 Apr 2015 8:09 pm

if only; The first two rows of parking bays facing the back of the building were full when I visited so perhaps the signs for disabled parking were covered up? Were they on the ground? The mother and baby signs were very clear, although all the spaces allocated for that purpose were taken though probably not by those they were intended for! Anyway although I dont normally use the toilets when shopping, I think its bad planning and wont use that shop when there are other perfectly good alternatives. Anyway if you are providing a cafe should you not provide hand washing facilities near it for customers? Some older places cant avoid stairs because of space or configuration of the building but this was an opportunity to make life easier for some missed.

Anyway no one has to agree with what I say, yet alone follow it, particularly after what I said was a very brief walk round - mainly out of sheer human curiosity.

However people should be advised of facilities for disabled or lack of them..

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Wed 29 Apr 2015 8:13 pm

Kiblet; I have seen loose salad leaves at Lemars and Erdener in plastic boxes, but expensive compared even with wastage of whole and I am dubious about freshness and crispness in a hot climate as they were on top of the shelves of fruit and veg and not in a cool cabinet.

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Wed 29 Apr 2015 8:20 pm

Woodspeckie: That is really sweet of you, and I look forward to it, and to seeing you again. Actually ,particularly from living in Cyprus before any of these English"goodies" were regularly available, I enjoy the rare treats more just because I dont have them everyday.

fatouche · Post by **fatouche** » Wed 29 Apr 2015 8:30 pm

There is a disabled toilet at the foot of the stairs on the right hand side.

kiplet · Post by **kiplet** » Wed 29 Apr 2015 8:40 pm

Thanks jen.

meldy · Post by **meldy** » Wed 29 Apr 2015 8:48 pm

Visited today and liked what I saw. Living in Karsiyaka I will not be shopping there regularly but good for a day ut and to get a few treats not availble this side. Cheaper than going to Alpha Mega.
Some really good gift things as well. Nice light roomy store with plenty of space to wander around the aisles.
Had some lunch but they need to clarify where to pay and use a better way of charging rather than give a sticker to hand over at the till. Open to abuse from less honest people. Like all the decor in the cafe.
All in all a good experience. Pity it was not on the west side seeing some seem to like Supreme or Tempo and see it as an unecessary addition!

mrsgee · Post by **mrsgee** » Wed 29 Apr 2015 9:13 pm

I was very impressed also with the good quality kitchen equipment.....I really don't know why some people are sooooo negative...it's new, it's different....what's wrong with that?.. Yes, some might criticise some aspects, like access for the less abled....but come on, which other markets provide anything better. I love Erdener actually but get a bit fed up of locals parking in the doorway so you can't even get your trolley out. Credit where it's due I think......Sah (and so sorry RR I clearly do not have a Turkish keyboard).....has done a good job.

Marions · Post by **Marions** » Wed 29 Apr 2015 11:19 pm

Surely it is just a matter of choices. I doubt we will get over that way, and we are pretty well satisfied with what is near enough to us. They supply what we want. I don't buy wine, and in any case would not know what is good, bad or indifferent. As to cheese, well, I have just ocme back form Itlay and that takes some beating.

But this is Cyprus, and it now offers more choices than when I first came here, and I believe it is called 'p[ogress'. You can't sotp it, but you don't have to share it.

I think it is great that people DO have choices but I do hope that in all the excitement of this new store that people won't forget our very own Alex who is trying to bring new life to Lemar at Catlakoy! It certainly seems a pretty good Lemar, but then so is the one in Lefkosia.

So glad someone said there is a handicapped loo on the ground floor, otherwise himself downstairs would not set foot in the place!

Thanks for all the feed back. My curiosity will no doubt get the better of me, and I shall have to go and have a look, as no doubt will many others.

But I might just go and see Alex first!

Deniz1 · Post by **Deniz1** » Thu 30 Apr 2015 4:16 am

I dont know of any cafes that offer hand washing facilities apart from the toilets.

Mint1955 · Post by **Mint1955** » Thu 30 Apr 2015 6:29 am

Well laid out very spacious and bright.

I was disappointed that the cheese deli didn't have any soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert, and the block cheese counters only had one small package of each and the other cheeses were just duplicated many times with the same brands. Hopefully this is just so the cabinets look full and more lines will be added over time.

I will pop in every now and then to see How it evolves.

Maisiemoo · Post by **Maisiemoo** » Thu 30 Apr 2015 10:35 am

Thanks Fatouche, husband saw the door but no sign, at least he knows where it is now.

owl · Post by **owl** » Thu 30 Apr 2015 10:39 am

Had their Moussaka for supper last night, possibly the best we've had here or in Istanbul! Very nice bottle of wine as well.

Seems to be a lot of development here on the East side. The massive hotel at Lara Beach is now supposed to be opening before Christmas, they're now laying soil for the landscaping, which should help reduce the 'duststorms' and the 'imported' beach is pretty big!
New filling station and mart coming on well at Alagadi. Quite a few other roadside areas been flattened and prepared for development from Acapulco towards East.

Is the Eastside becoming the new 'Westside'?

tomsteel · Post by **tomsteel** » Thu 30 Apr 2015 12:06 pm

Hopefully, the new 'East-side' will not extend beyond Esentepe!

EssexOB · Post by **EssexOB** » Thu 30 Apr 2015 4:52 pm

As we are going off topic, can I ask what Groucho meant in earlier post that Erdener was to be demolished for new bypass. What is this bypass ? Where does it start / end ?

vonnie · Post by **vonnie** » Thu 30 Apr 2015 5:45 pm

Well, I liked it.Its always good to have a little competition, btw, has anyone tried their icecream in the cafe section?snicker, cheesecake, bountie and many more flavours, Mmmmmm its a good job I live the other side of Girne, it doesnt do my waistline justice btw, the loos are in the seating area of the cafe

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Thu 30 Apr 2015 7:57 pm

Has anyone been watching "Back in time for Dinner" on BBC TV? It describes a family expriencing a week of the kitchens, equipment, food available, cooking and effects on family life from the fifties (when there wasnt enough food to the nineties when we were spoilt for choice. Fascinating , though I tremble to think what the Beeb spent on all the changes to the kitchen. I have just reached the mid nineties when they showed one of the larger English Supermarkets. It would take a week to go round and :whole rows devoted to a single item, and overbuying which led to the current problem of large scale obesity. I just hope it never reaches that stage here.

As a matter of curiosity what else is there upstairs apart from toilets at Şah?

vonnie · Post by **vonnie** » Thu 30 Apr 2015 8:43 pm

There is an upstairs? Ive never been upstairs.BUT..the toilets are downstairs in the cafe seating area.now I want to nose whats upstairs

Groucho · Post by **Groucho** » Thu 30 Apr 2015 8:54 pm

EssexOB wrote:As we are going off topic, can I ask what Groucho meant in earlier post that Erdener was to be demolished for new bypass. What is this bypass ? Where does it start / end ?

It is my understanding that a road joining the Girne - Lefkosa road to Karakum by a more direct route is due to be constructed with the junction coming out just where Erdener is just now. I've also been told that construction of Erdener's replacement building is underway. It will join the Girne -Lefkosa road somewhere up the hill, meaning those travelling from the East side of Girne (from Catalkoy for example) will once it's built no longer hit the bottlenecks at various spots starting in Karakum every morning....

Of course it may be some way off...

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Thu 30 Apr 2015 9:15 pm

Maisiemoo wrote:Thought it was well laid out and very clean looking, lots of Italian products on sale. I wouldn't make the journey from the west side to especially shop there but would call in if passing, still prefer Eroglu though! My husband found it strange the toilets were up some stairs as sometimes it can be a problem for him, why are there no disabled facilities available when they have disabled parking spaces?

Vonnie

Sorry ! I assumed there was an "upstairs" from the above post, but reading it again I see it says "some stairs" so I may have misunderstood. I am certainly now confused though it would explain why I failed to notice a second storey!

Were there steps leading to the loos in the seating area? For the benefit of short women struggling with things designed by tall men - as well as those of us with mobility problems - can you remember how steep they were etc. and how many?

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