Yiayias Kitchen opens in Winchester in unit formerly occupied by Tom's Deli as owner Tom retires

Restaurant owner Paul Pyrgoudes has announced Yiayias Kitchen will open in 56 St George’s Street, serving a menu inspired by his grandma, Yiayia Christalla, who lived in Famagusta, where he spent his summers growing up.

It will open in the unit currently occupied by Tom's Deli.

Tom's Deli has been running for more than 30 years and early last year the businesses went on the market when owner Tom Romita said he was looking to retire.

It was bought by Paul, who said he will be slowly transforming the deli into Yiayias.

Paul said he was delighted to be coming to Winchester, and that he hopes people will love his menu, which he makes with fresh ingredients and local produce, catering for vegans and meat eaters.

He said: "Winchester is beautiful and has a lovely demographic. There are a lot of restaurants but no Greek, so I wanted to bring that to Winchester.

"I have only been in Winchester for two days but the customers are a pleasure. Engaging with people this week has been fantastic. We want to give back to the community and I think I can add value to a great town."

Paul will be trading as Tom's Deli for around two months, while Yiayias Kitchen is being prepared. The original staff with also stay at Tom's Deli, with an additional 10 vacancies soon to be available, from kitchen staff to front of house.

Owner of Yiayias Kitchen, Paul Pyrgoudes pictured with the owner of Tom's Deli, Tom Romita

The restaurant will serve an extensive menu of Greek flatbread wraps, Cypriot style kebabs, salads, seafood, platters and deserts and has a price range of £5 to £38.

A description on the website states: "Yiayias Kitchen is located across Surrey and Hampshire. Our Surrey restaurant is located in the town of Farnham, 35 miles southwest of London and our newest addition will be opening in Winchester, Hampshire Spring 2022 with more opening on the horizon."

Yiayias has won several awards for its restaurant in Farnham - picking up UK Business of the Year, UK Restaurant of the Year, UK Greek Restaurant of the Year, Farnham Restaurant of the Year and Farnham Business of the Year at the best of Business of the Year Awards 2020.

The business opened its second Yiayias Kitchen restaurant in The Fox pub in Lower Bourne, Farnham in 2019.

Yiayias Kitchen will be open seven days a week from 9am until 10pm.

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