Interview with Mr. Richard Stevenson

Owner of Tipsy o'Turtle Irish Pub

Cyprus Alive spoke with Mr. Richard Stevenson, owner of Tipsy O'Turtle Irish Pub . Read the interview below to learn more about this wonderful Bar in Protaras.

1. Mr. Stevenson, when was Tipsy O'Turtle Irish Pub established?
In 2017, more specifically on May 7th, 2017.

2. What inspired you to open your own bar?
It all began when I ran a diving school in the area. As a diver, I used to take my customers to different bars after our dives. When this particular bar became available, I decided to take over. Over time, I transitioned from diving to focusing entirely on running the bar.

3. How did you come up with the name Tipsy O’ Turtle Irish Pub?
It’s an interesting story. In 2014, while diving in the Red Sea, we talked about opening a bar one day and naming it "50 Bar," referring to the point during a dive when your air pressure drops to 50, signalling it’s time to exit and go to a bar. However, after discussing the name with others, we realised it didn’t resonate, and some thought it was targeted at 50-year-olds! Since Cyprus is known for its turtles, a favourite sight during dives, we thought "Turtle Tipsy" would be a fun name. But that didn’t quite fit either, so we settled on "Tipsy Turtle" in 2018.

In 2019, after taking full ownership of the bar, the pandemic hit. Meanwhile, someone in Pafos copied our name, and rather than create issues, I decided to rebrand as an Irish pub, reflecting the Irish roots of many of our people and helpers. Initially, we considered “Tipsy Irish Bar,” but when a friend jokingly called me "Mr. O’ Turtle," the name "Tipsy O’Turtle Irish Pub" was born.

4. What can guests enjoy at your bar, and what are your most popular dishes?
We serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with a daily special—a different baguette each day, served with coleslaw and a glass of wine or a pint of beer for just €7.95. Some of our most popular dishes include Steak & Kidney Pies, Cottage Pies, Fish & Chips on Fridays, and our Sunday Lunch, served weekly. Our most popular beers are Keo during the summer and Leon in the winter.

5. Where is Tipsy O'Turtle Irish Pub located?
We are in Protaras, specifically in the Pernera area at 13 Aphrodites Street, Pernera, 5390 Protaras.

6. What makes your Irish Pub stand out?
We serve the best pint of Guinness on the island! We ensure top quality by maintaining regular checks. Our food is also a standout - flavourful and reasonably priced. We pride ourselves on offering excellent customer service and warm hospitality.

7. Your beer garden is beautiful. Can you tell us a bit about it?
People love relaxing in our beer garden, especially during autumn, spring, and even the cooler winter months. In summer, it can get too hot, so most prefer to sit inside. Our garden is busiest from the early evening onwards.

8. Is it true that you have live entertainment every night?
Yes, we have live music inside the bar every night from 9:30 PM, and once a month, we host a special gig in our beer garden.

Thank you, Mr. Stevenson. We wish you continued success and are sure visitors will be impressed by the food, drinks, entertainment, and hospitality at your Irish Pub.