The "Free Loaders" were thick on the ground.

[dap2410]

It was Hoots Bar (Ilgaz) opening night last night (Saturday) and the Free Loaders were out in force, yes there was a "free buffet" on offer. They were there loading up their plates at the buffet table, with their one (1) and only drink that would last most of the evening, faces that are only ever seen at such bar openings. Never to be seen again at the same venue purchasing drinks and supporting the new owners.

Well you "Free Loaders" your luck is in. It's the open night party to-night (Sunday), again with free food on offer at the re-named Bamboo Bar on the coast road just down from Hoots Bar. Lets see how many of last nights "Free Loaders" turn up for the free food feeding frenzy.

And yes before you ask, I do attend some opening night party's, and yes I do go back to that bar time and again to support the owners for their efforts. But I never take up the offer of free food no matter how good it looks. I leave that to the "Free Loaders" they are the ones living here in the TRNC on a tight budget.

[Jonnie]

That is simply not true. Most of the Brits there were from the village or people who have used the place historically and friends of Sali, most stayed for the duration, the bar was busy. Probably the ones not drinking too much were the older generation Cypriots who are on the whole not big drinkers. Cypriots there were there on the direct invitation from the "owner".

[Scruff dog]

I take offence at this comment as MOST of the customers there were from the village or old customers of Hoots. The owners had sent out a general invitation to all. it was a great evening and its great they we again have our local bar open. And Yes I will be at Bamboo as that I used to use that bar as well.

[Marions]

Ali at Bamboo Bar is hoping to see friends old and new, and is happy to feed them (so he told me), but of course he also hopes (and he did not tlel me this, but..) that many who go to the opening will decide it si a place to return to visit. He is going to have an interesting snack menu, and of ocurse he ran the Seli Restaurant in town for many years, so it would not be surprising if his buffet this afternoon disappeared quicky, no matter who was partaking of it.

But all these shops etc know when they have an opening , there is always the curious, and I know of two people who live in town who attend eveyr single opening to get their evening 'meal;, and are never seen again. but it is the case of 'win a few, lose a few'. But I would have thought that Hoots was a bit of a long climb for a 'freebie'./

Oh forgot to say , that Ali will be there welcoming folk from 3p.m. onwards.

[Soner]

Invitation is open to all, a push notification had been sent on the KibApp for the event.
Enjoy!

[face2face]

Hi can anyone give me directions, cos I'm really hungry!!!!! is it free drink as well??

[Marions]

A bit late n ow. It is opposite the turning to Ilgaz on the main road from Kyrenia to Alsancak. But oy might find something left. Loads of finger food, but pay for the drinks. Good balance and good idea.

The place was humming with happy voices, chatter, munching and much swallowing. And Ali was smiling.

But maybe you can get there to grab something left of the 'action'

[sophie]

We've known Ali (Bamboo Bar) for quite a few years from when he ran Seles with his brother (in the old town in Girne) He invited us but we couldn't attend today and went in yesterday to wish hin luck in his new venture. I warned him about the FAG's, who will go the opening of an envelope regardless of where it is, but as he said "I've been in the business long enough to spot them a mile off" He also has a black list of freeloaders that he's been warned about at this side of Girne. He's a very switched on person, so I don't think there are many people who will pull the wool over his eyes!!

[kaiserphil]

Yes, Ali is a great guy. I used to love the Sele, and his Sister was a great cook.

[Marions]

He was friendliness and graciousness personified. Hopefully the ones hwo went there today will recognize that and will try it again. Ali seemed quite 'chilled out' for, as you say, he has sene it all before.

Don't know when the last one left, but hopefully Ali did well on the bar!