FIRST STEPS


OUZOKAFENES RESTAURANT


‘Ouzokafenes opened in 2012, the year I left Rhodes to study in London. The crisis was in full swing by then, but they have succeeded by staying very much focused on quality. Of course they get a lot of tourist trade, but local people go there too. Word of mouth is very powerful on an island like this and people have high expectations. The food is superb – I always go for the seafood when I’m here. Now they will be thinking about closing up for the winter, and resting and regrouping ready to open up again next spring.’


KOKKINI PORTA ROSSA


‘Kokkini Porta Rossa is a beautiful boutique hotel in a very old historic building, right next to the Gate of St John. It only opened earlier this year.


‘On the face of it, that sounds like the worst timing, but when I went to take these pictures they were fully booked. The owners said the early summer was very bad for them, but once the danger of the Grexit had passed, people came back. It was as if they wanted to be here, and to help.


‘They explained that they have deliberately gone for the very best quality in everything – this is one of the most expensive hotels in Rhodes. It’s a big risk, but this means they can target clients who are not so badly affected by the crisis. What I really like about this place is that even though it’s a new venture, it reflects and celebrates the character and history of the town. To me that is the way forward and the key to creating a sustainable business.’


Autumn 2015 | SOUTH BANK | 21


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