Wednesday 18 March 2020

This is the end My lovely friends, the end!

So where oh where do i start this update. Rambling may occur.

OK, so while Sian and I were away i took some time out to think over where my future lies, what i need to do and where i need to be.

People always say when making a decision on an important issue "It was a tough decision to make", for me this decision wasn't tough to make at all but it was one that needed making.

For 19 years Zakynthos has been my main home which isn't bad considering in 2001 i was only meant to be there for 6 months.

I started off on Zakynthos as a young single cocktail barman at The Tropicana in Argassi with my great friends Andrea, Dez and Mia. I ended up running the bar for 6 great years and had some amazing crazy nights, it was party, party, party hard as long as my body would let me.


Forward to Oct 2006 and i find myself sat in Drunk Corner with no work, expecting 2006 to be my last season and making new friends with my best buddy on the island and nicest guy Tasos and his lovely wife Demi, both are the most genuine, helpful, amazing, funny and honest people i have ever met in my life and they were always there for me for the next 13 years. I love you both.
A day before leaving in that Oct of 2006 i came across an empty old run down bar called "ISIS", who would have thought that in years to come that name would become linked to terrorists. This was a turning point in my life, i took on the building and called it "Oceanic".




Year upon year i made improvements on the building and decor, came up with unique cocktails that were only served in Oceanic and a playlist other bars were to afraid to touch.


I started the bar as just a lifestyle, just enough money to pay the bills and a little bit of spending money, that's it, the sun, warmth, beaches and peacefulness of the island was all i wanted, money and possessions never drove me, i'm not materialistic, i think that showed in my prices as i didn't raise them in the 13 years i had Oceanic. I just enjoy life.

I took the bar on Tripadvisor from No.1 in the resort, on to No.1 on the island, even further to No.1 in the Ionian and finishing 2018 off as the No.1 bar for the whole of Greece. How many people can say their business has been No.1 for a whole country? Well..........there may be another 194 people as there are 195 countries but never mind about that. All this was done just by doing something i enjoyed, i wasn't trying to get recognition, i was just being me and doing my job.


Every single night in Oceanic was a joy to work and had some great times with my friends and customers (apart from 2015, that wasn't down to me but we all know that). I can honestly say there was never a night i didn't want to go in to work, i loved getting ready to open and there wasn't another bar like it in the resort or on the island, all proper branded spirits, unique cocktails, low level music, and most of that music being rock/punk/indie or alternative. It was one of a kind which no one could match or come close too.



As the years rolled on the bar grew and grew until i had created a monster. This is what i didn't want but it was what it had become. Gone was the lifestyle bar and a real business had taken over from season 2017, up until then it was nice just treading water. Now, don't get me wrong it was great being packed out night after night turning people away as you were full but when your not motivated by money then its more of a sadness than a happiness if you can understand my outlook on life. My life has always been about being happy, that's it! Money doesn't make me happy.

I loved every single minute on the island, I was happy there, i was happy with my bar, i was happy riding my motorbike and i was happy with the company my customers gave me.

Now this could go on and on as i got 19 years worth of amazing and joyous memories so i must move on.

Where was i ............oh yes.

So while Sian and I were away i took some time out to think over where my future lies, what i need to do and where i need to be.

4 Weeks ago my mum who is 82 this year was diagnosed with a heart murmur, i know its not a major problem and she's very fit and active, you all know where i get it from now.
This got me thinking, do i want to be over 2000 miles away if my mum ever needed me or if something ever happened to her and the answer straight away was , No. As the years have gone on my priorities have changed which changes where i need to be.
My mum has given me so much and done so much for me that now its time i want to be there for her if ever she needed me, being in Cardiff means i can get to her within 40 mins if needed and i go to visit her twice a week. Being over 2000 miles away means it could take me 24 hrs to get back which doesn't sit right with me.
Also my personal life has changed. Do i want to be away from Sian for 4 1/2 months of the year and the answer came back again, No. Sian would move out to the island in a heartbeat as she loved it there but our life will start a new chapter in my life with new adventures and we just enjoy being together whatever we may be doing and we don't need money to have great times, happiness is the key for both of us and i love her very much.

So there you go my lovely friends, what i'm trying to explain to you is there will be no more Oceanic, 13 years and gone but will never be forgotten. To every single person young or old who visited Oceanic you were what made Oceanic become what it was, a friendly, relaxing, socialising bar with No TV's, No WIFI, No Gimmicks, No Entertainment and No Hassle, just a plain and simple back to the roots bar with other bars not understanding why it was so busy, but we know my lovely friends,we know.

I want to thank every single customer for making my dream a reality and believing in what the bar was about, Chill Out. Without all of you there would be no Oceanic, the bar was always about the customers, never about me, So i thank you from my heart.

There are now some named thank yous. There are hundreds maybe thousands over the 13 years i need to thank but that would take forever, these people deserve more than a thank you but gifts cost money and now i'm unemployed so........there you go, a thank you it is:

Tasos and Demi - Well what more can i say, i will miss you very much.

Phil and Jan - My assistant manager and his lovely wife, i got your tips here, 25 cents, where you want them sent?

Jeanette and Nigel - Nigel wake up, Jeanette no more getting squiffy in the early hours and trying to get your steps in on the way home.

Lee and Emma - Emma text me with more embarrassing stories about Lee, Lee don't text me i'll text you when i get the embarrassing stories

Brian and Penny - Keep on being the resorts oracles when it comes to tourists information questions that i passed on to you

Chris and Sandra - Keep up the good F**king work, keeping it F**king real, you pair of lovely B***ards you

Paul and Lynn - Where you gonna drink now before bedtime? I'll leave you the keys to bar, let yourself in.

These people know me so well and they always were the latest and the last to leave on many an occasion, they have drank in my bar every night of their holiday for every single holiday they have had with some holidaying in Kalamaki for the 13 years i've been open.
You gave me some great late night drunken laughs, not me as i've never been drunk in my bar but you and those are some of the best moments of my life, i've laughed so hard with you that its hurt.
We still stay in touch through the year so i'm sure we'll meet up again sometime to have those laughs once more.

To everyone else i've met through this wonderful crazy journey, you've been amazing and i've loved it.

So i guess for the last time ever for a blog update.........................until my tell all expose of life on a Greek island

Serve All, Love All, Peace All, Kevlar Out!


You know i'm only joking.

I will leave you with some wise words.............



"Its better to be someone for a day than a nobody for a lifetime"



THE END?

44 comments:

  1. Best of luck for the future dude. Was nice to enjoy the bar and your company when we could. Still got your x-ray if you ever need it and if you ever Nottingham bound give us a shout.

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  2. Hey guys, thanks you so much for the comment. We were due up to Nottingham from 10th till 13th April but the ice hockey weekend has been cancelled, we still may be up though as hotel paid for and transport, just depends on what gets shut down next but yeah we'll def meet up no problem.

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  3. Hiya.......last messages bounced back so if this duplicates.....delete if you want......so sorry you’re leaving but happy for you. I’m guessing not an easy decision but the right one now your life has changed.........I’d booked to come back in May but reckon that’s going to be cancelled, and there’s a crowd of us coming in September to say bye to you.......but you’ve gone...so,I’m glad I was able to get there in October 2019...........you might not realise the impact you have on people but so many of us only come back for the bar and your company. Jan loved it there and you were the last bar she made it to......good in one way that she had such great memories of that last trip and we still have the pics.....just sad how she never made it back.........she couldn’t wait to come for a cocktail.....even on her scoot when she was so ill......I can never thank you enough for making her time happy.......I know you will be missed by so many people and kalamaki has lost a real character and a fantastic bar.......and I’m pretty sure they will lose a few visitors now you’ve gone as there’s nowhere else to chill in the same way.........I hope I can get back there after the virus has died off........but know it won’t be the same and certainly I won’t know where to go for a drink knowing people I’ve met will be there too......I’m really happy for you and you deserve it after all the years of work you put in........your enthusiasm, kindness, passion and humour made that bar like no one else can ever do........I’d love to meet up in the uk sometime....I do get to Cardiff once in a while, but if your up near the Midlands any time I’ll make sure I get to you somehow.....Steve and Clare were over last weekend and we had a great time.....so if you want to get together let me.....us.....know....tried to send e mails but bounced ........if you can drop me an e mail I can reply but use the cloud account....

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  4. Sounds good to me a get together, we'll get something sorted as got lots of time now.

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  5. Fantastic........steve and Clare might come back for the chippy, real ales and curry night........would be a great night with Alan TINA and Tom as well.....

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    1. Thank you Kev for my wonderful Cocktails over the years , Chris and I will really miss you , ah i wish i had the recipe for the turkish Delight cocktail Kev !!! , all the best to you and Sian

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  6. Ah, you made our holidays Kev, wishing you all the best in your future adventures! Take care.x

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  7. Best wishes for your future adventures Kev, the Oceanic was the best bar everrr, you made our holidays to Kalamaki. Take care.

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  8. Sad to hear that you're finishing. Karen and I always enjoyed our visits. Looked forward to seeing what your imagination came up with for me with my non-alcoholic, no banana and no pineapple requests. The chocolate orange one was a particular favourite. Wishing you all the best for the future Kev.

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  9. Sorry to hear this Kev - we were hoping to visit this summer as this was going to be your last one but totally understand your decision (especially in light of all that’s happening now with this virus). Glad we got to give you some of the best black pudding ever last year (Stornoway of course) and I’ll wear my Oceanic t-shirts with pride. Live long and peace out Kev, love Christine & Andrew (Scotland)

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  10. Hi mate sorry to hear your news but good luck for the future we haven't been able to visit for a few years but have never forgotten the good times we had with you. Alan & Fiona xx

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  11. Ah Kev.. the end of an era for sure. Thanks for all the good times. We made some wonderful friendships in Oceanic and we will miss it loads. Take care.. and if you're ever up North we'd love to catch up with you. All the best for the future. xx

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  12. All the best Kev, really enjoyed your bar when we visited and your Ace Of Spades cocktail was superb

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  13. We had many nights in the Oceanic over the years,just a perfect place to chill with a cocktail and conversation.Very best wishes Kev for the future with Sian,top bloke,you deserve all the happiness you gave to come roaring back.Cheers from Dave and Lyn in Gloucester.

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  14. All the best Kev,enjoyed many nights in your unique bar ovet tbe years.Kalamaki will no be the same.Cheers and good luc.Dave and Lyn Tiley,Gloucester

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  15. Just a suggestion but what about the oceanic book of cocktails. What i'm after is my banoffee cocktail.
    all the best for the future, what ever it may bring. If ever you see a bald headed bloke with a Bath accent looking at you, with that look of do I know you, its me.

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  16. Best of luck Kev will miss your lovely bar and you of course Who will I pester now to play Buble best wishes Chris & Keith xx

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  17. All the best Kev, so many happy nights in the Oceanic over the years. I hope the future will be good for you. Take care matey, and thank you for all the wonderful memories.

    Good luck
    Kevin, Carlisle

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  18. Wishing you Sian and your mum all the very best for the future
    If you can give Myself and Sian any info on your landlord at you rented home that we were going to see later this year it would be very much appreciated by us.
    All the very best Mark

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  19. Yeah as this was going to be my last season this year and i remember that you wanted to take it on at end of 2020 season but my landlord is going to use it for his family now when i messaged him that i had decided it was time to stay in UK.

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  20. Thank you for the amazing T Shirts, the great music and above all else the most innovative range of cocktails we have ever had.
    The pleasure you have given us over the years knows no bounds and your tremendous energy and zest will always be remembered
    Good luck for the future.
    Rob&Jayne from Durham.

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  21. Thank you for the great music, the classy T Shirts and above all else the most innovative range of quality cocktails known to mankind.
    Your tremendous energy and your boundless zest for life will never be forgotten and the best of luck in everything you do in the future.
    Rob&Jayne from Durham.

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  22. Hi kev, really sorry to hear the news, have loved chilling out at the oceanic for last 6? Years. Was booked for may 4th, have rescheduled for October. Hoping to catch your last season! Good luck for the future. Let us know if open up similar venue in UK. Rita & Dave

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  23. Joe and I are so sad that you and your lovely little bar is no longer going to be a big part of our holidays in kalamaki.
    We wish you well and hopefully we may see you again.
    Take care of your mum and sian your better half.
    Thank you again for the best cocktails and great chats we had with you and we loved your musical taste too. We wish you all the luck in your future xx

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  24. Best of luck Kevin
    We will miss you.
    From the Irish guy who sat on your bike one night a few yesrs back.
    Take care and wishing your mum the best.
    John

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  25. Hiya keV you brought tears to my eyes.We have had some great times and will miss you.I hope your mum is ok.Wishing you and Sian every happiness Denis says keep in touch pm me.No more bike rides in Kalamaki Xxx

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  26. Hi fella ,

    Really sorry to see you go Kevin, I remember the Tropicana back in 2006 in Argassi (still one of my best years) times seemed simpler and fun.

    Jane and I always enjoyed the Oceanic when we could get there which would very early in the morning after I'd finish work. Jane and her Mother always would visit and they will miss you also, and send their love.

    We loved the concept of what you did at Oceanic Bar, which seemed very simple and begam a little oasis to the compedititivness and at times the madness of all that was going on around you.

    You made it look so easy, while others were fighting to get ahead, stay in bussiness and trying to get people into their locations, people just gravitated towards your place.

    I've had many people come to me talk about their dreams of opening a bar and I would use you as an example of how to do it right (to many examples of failure), by keep it simple, do it yourself, do not employ staff, and have quality product and exercllent service, added with the most important thing, too make time for yourself, no point being open 18 hour's a day for very little foot traffic, so open early evening's till late, and enjoy your day and what the island has to offer.

    Take care fella in what ever you decide to do, and if anybody takes the bar, remember it isn't the bar it'self that is the reason for it's sucess (it's a prop), it's the person who run's it.

    Kevin you are a legend of Zakynthos, another of those that were here and has left a positive mark, who will be missed and the street will be a little darker for it also.

    All the best, xx

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  27. So sad but understandable Kevin. Another end of an era in Kalamaki 😞 Wishing you and Sian all the best and hope our paths may cross somewhere in the future (Darren says at the wedding so he can have some ‘blue ones’ cocktails 🤪 Thank you for being a massive part of our holidays to zakynthos. Lots of love, Jayne and Darren xxx

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  28. Good luck Kev, hope everything pans out for you and your mum/family, visited Kalamaki 5 times and always looked forward and going to the Ocianic or Chill-out bar as we call it, from the first time we went in, always friendly, cheerful and great music and some great company, always somebody to talk to, and you were such a great host, one of the highlights of our holidays there was going to visit you at your bar, TC and have a great life in what ever the future brings you, i'm sure whatever it is, it'll be fun, All the best,x Brian and Debbie.

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  29. Hi Kev, Kel and me always enjoyed visiting the bar and over the years bought more of family there. Not one of your hardcore late night drinkers but more of a stop for dessert cocktails. If you open a similar bar in Cardiff or South Wales pop a message on here. All the best Rory and Kelly from ystradgynlais.

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  30. Big hole left in a lot of people's holiday in Zante. Won't be the same down the old road All the best for the future kevlar

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  31. Hi Kev we all knew this was coming but it's still sad to read about it here. As you know Lyn and I rediscovered Kalamaki after a 32 year break having honeymooned there in 1986. On our return 32 years later we discovered your bar and spent many, in fact most evenings drinking until early morning. I'm not sure what you put in your cocktails but the early morning walks back to our hotel was never easy on rubbery legs. We were hoping to return this year to give you a send off but your decision to not reopen and lockdown scuppered those plans. We totally understand your reasons and wish you all the best for the future. Thanks for some great holiday memories buddy.
    All the best,
    Paul and Lyn

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  32. So sad to think you will not be there when we next go to our 2nd home, weve been coming to zante for 20 years and known you for most of them. We hope all goes well back in the uk, we will miss your bar, always our last stop before bed at antonis pool. Take care dear friend warmest wishes Gail and Barey Derbyshire from Salford, UK

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  33. Hi Kev very sad you're not there this year but you need to do what's best for your family.

    Would still love to buy that Amy Winehouse chalk drawing as discussed last year if you still have access to it?

    All the best mate to you and yours..

    John and Amanda
    Ps. Release a book of your cocktail recipes, I need to try the Turkish Delight for one last time...

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    1. Hi there, i got the picture here with me in UK, its been taken off the frame as it was easier to carry.

      Who knows, i may open again at some point, never say never.

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  34. Hi Kev.
    Glad that thoughts still there.......we had to cancel for September so we will be missing the sun, but more to the point we shall miss the bar and your late night company.......it would be great of you did go back......at least I know where I can come for a relax on my own and a few friendly faces......although I was booked twice this year I know it wouldn’t be as good on my own with nowhere to chill.....so having the holidays cancelled was a blessing really.....please stay in touch......I think you have my e mail and I’m back on the bikes again know so I’m up for a run to your part of the world.....stay safe

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  35. Hi Kev....you definitely will be missed but you need to do what feels right for you.
    Hopefully I will see you again one day out in Zante.
    At least you can get those crumpets now.

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  36. Hi Kev, this is really sad news! Rod and I are due back to Kalamaki in September and one of the highlights would be visiting you in the evenings. Completely understand, but you will be missed xx

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  37. Hi Kev always enjoyed oceanic ,I have a dark rum and coke and Fiona Gin and tonic Molly will miss the Turkish delight cocktails. Take care mate

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  38. Hi Kev will never forget all the years we have been to Kalamaki and spent most nights at the oceanic, large rum and coke for me Fiona will have Gin and tonic and molly a Turkish delight cocktail .Remember the first time many years ago you said look after the bar jumped on your bike and returned with a bottle of rum hahaha

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  39. Such a shame we tried to visit you last year while in Argassi but dave wasnt the best was meant to come in june but was cancelled we was hoping to see you then we were on honeymoon in 2013 when we came across your place it was fabulous like yourself take care good luck for the future be happy joyce +,dave

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  40. Cant believe it was a year ago when thos blog was written....and were still locked away........so if you’re reading this Kev, drop me a line so we can grab a pint once it’s all settled....and we know your ok...steve

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  41. Hi Kev, I was just reminiscing of my one and only visit to Kalamaki. It was back in 2012 for my honeymoon with my now ex wife (long story). It was the week of the Eurovision Song Contest when Engelbert.. . Well less said about that the better! I was checking through the places we visited and of course Oceanic was one. I recall great cocktails, a super host, fairy lights and board games. Very unique but what was best was saying I had been there and met fellow legendary Welsh man Kevlar. So sorry to hear that Oceanic is no more but awesome how many years you kept it going with so many happy visitors. All the best to you and Croeso nol i Gymru ��

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