The Story of Zorbas
With a humble beginning, Haralambos Michael founded Zorbas in 1974 with a love of food using recipes passed down to him through generations; a desire to bring a small taste of Cyprus to Liverpool.
The restaurant located on the bottom of Hardman Street could then seat only 20 people, this was when Haralambos began working as a chef on what would become his ‘little empire’. As time went by his passion for cooking didn’t go unnoticed, he worked his way up the kitchen ladder and was promoted to head chef. He would prepare, cook and serve food to customers who would later become some of his best friends.
"When my father was starting out, he worked alone in the kitchen, preparing and cooking for the customers, he’d then close for an hour whilst he washed the dishes and start again."
Enter Louisa in 1985, arriving in Liverpool from a rural Cypriot village with a culinary knowledge of food having grown up with her father serving as a military chef serving the British army.
Haralmbos and Louisa put together their strong family values, working as a team to build their dream from the ground up.
Zorbas can tell a good anecdote or two, it has catered to a wide range of patrons, including actors, poets, musicians and writers as well as the amazing locals ever since. Probably the least celebrated restaurant in Liverpool, as hidden away as the army inside a Trojan horse, its apparent obscurity is a big part of its charm.
In 2014, Zorbas celebrated its 40th anniversary. Haralambos and Louisa marked the milestone with a special celebration, which was attended by their regular customers including DJ Roger Phillips, Lord Mayor Cllr Erica Kemp and former Lord Mayor Cllr Eddie Clein.
“I’m very proud that Zorbas is still as successful as ever, with customers spanning three generations still coming to see us on a regular basis. I think what makes us so successful is that our customers are our friends – not numbers – and it’s the friendly atmosphere that keeps them coming back. It just goes to show that as long as you treat your customers well and sell wholesome, fresh food at a reasonable price you can last a long time.”
– Louisa Michael.
Generous plates of authentic Greek-Cypriot cuisine served in a down to earth and non-pretentious environment are the basics of its philosophy and have resulted in Zorbas cementing its place as the longest running restaurant in the city.
ZORBAS
1 Leece Street, Liverpool, L1 2TR
OPENing HOURS
Wednesday - Saturday - 3:30pm - 10:30pm
Sunday - 2:00pm - 10:00pm
Monday - Tuesday - Closed
Copyright © Zorbas Liverpool
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