Constantinou Paleologou 32, 22760073, LEFKOSIA (NICOSIA)
Mon-Sat 19:00-2:00
Service: 2.5/5
Ambiance: 3.5/5
For some reason, I thought that Academy 32 was a traditional “bouzoukia” place or in any event a place with live greek music. I can confirm that when I went there for the first time I was surprised as what I found was not at all what I expected. The only way I can describe my visit to this cool bar is surreal. Not because of the place itself, but because it is nowhere near what I thought it would be. The space itself is a courtyard of an old house and the actual home of the owner. The fact that he is a musician (and a maestro!), who started off as having his friends and acquaintances over to listen to music and have some wine, led to Academy 32 having a very quaint and friendly ambiance.
The romantic, yet relaxed atmosphere (especially if you sit outside), and the good music (with live jazz on Wednesdays) is probably what attracts the loyal fans to this place. It could work as a restaurant or a café, but for the moment it is a bar/lounge with a cheese and charcuterie platter to nibble on. Definitely a good use of space!
The fact that it is a wine bar with a few good cocktails is certainly a good idea, but I didn’t like that its wine selection (which is not even big) was comprised solely of local wines and yet Italian imported water. I am all for supporting the country’s products and accept the fact that a lot of tavernas do not serve any imported wine, but in a place where you go to drink wine, a bigger selection would in my opinion be a definite advantage.
Nevertheless, ignoring my wine selection whining, I left Academy 32 quite happy that I had discovered such a nice and cute bar with good music and such a pleasant vibe.