Bells - End of an Era

[JBA]

I have waited with interest to see if anybody commented on the closure of Bells and I guess it is a sign of the times that nobody has. I am sorry but not surprised to see them go.

When I first came here in 2005 Bells was an essential ingredient of life. Many many items which you can now buy in any supermarket, or have been banned by the enlightened government here, were Bells exclusive preserve. Porridge, crumpets, English bread, fresh ham, Branston pickle, ginger ale, malt loaf, pork pies, syrup etc. etc. were only available from Bells. Gradually he lost the trade until I guess the business wasn't sustainable any more.

So I salute him and thank him for the years when he was unique.

[shamrock]

Sad when a business goes bust or closes down…how ever i didn't come to TRNC to hanker for British products, so only ever popped into
Bells once.
Didn't really see anything there that took my fancy.

[Jonnie]

To be honest I always thought it a bit drab. I get pretty much everything I need from Ilelli, I would rather have a nice fresh loaf of Ilgaz stone baked bread and don't really miss ham too much. I like living here probably miss a pint of Adnams in a pub or fish and chips in Aldeburgh walking along the sea more than much else. Embrace life in Cyprus!

[jayceebee]

It was becoming rather quiet and run down looking in July when we last visited. We will miss Bells, though...not a place for the "big buy in" for sure, but a good place for those little treats one enjoys now and then. Is Mr Porky in Alsancak doing ham now?

[Deniz1]

Yes Mr Porky has some very nice ham in both shops.

[JBA]

Tempo's Deli at Catalkoy has 5 or 6 different hams to choose from but the best I have found is sold by a lady at Lambousa market - she also has some excellent red roast beef.

[flowerfairy]

I must agree with your first post JBA. It's like a lot of businesses all over. Someone comes up with a good idea, it's noted
by others, they incorporate that into their business, then there isn't enough trade to go around.
Such a shame, when we first came over, Bells was the only place to go to get English 'treats'.

[Barbieb]

It is such a shame, as they tried so hard to make it work, they had the ideas box, and made changes, and tried different things, but as said now most products available from Supermarkets, it is such a shame for the couple who ran it for the owner, they worked very hard and were very loyal, wish them luck, and will miss Bells, as if you requested something they always somehow managed to get it, but same goes for Ilelli, as said end of an era!

[jayceebee]

Mr Porkys has two shops?? I know the one on the main road. Where's the other one?

[Deniz1]

They only have one shop now but have a concession in Supreme supermarket.

[Ballyboffin]

Sorry to hear that, Harbor is a lovely man.

[Deniz1]

Who is harbor the owner is Hamse and his soon is Salih

[chrisandsue]

Getting a bit confusing! Harbor was the owner of Bells and nothing to do with The pork shop!

Sue

[Deniz1]

Whoops