MR CHRISTODOULOS D. CHRISTODOULOU

The names of my parents are Demetris, popularly known as ‘Jimmy’ and Andriana.  ‘Jimmy’s’,  the family restaurant, is certainly a big part of my life.  We grew up loving our parents very much.  My father was a real character!  When I started school at the age of five, I could not speak English.  I also attended the Greek school of All Saints Church.  To this day I still remember my teacher’s name –Zarmas.

At our restaurant in Frith Street, Soho, we had a lot of Cypriot customers; ‘mbekiarides’ i.e. young and single males who usually shared a small room and, dozens of students who came over to further their education.  We cooked traditional Cypriot food, so our clientele was expanding all the time.  My father helped many students to find part-time employment.  The money they earned covered at least some of their expenses.

We now have many non-Cypriot students who frequent our restaurant, as well as actors; among them Larry Hagman and Michael Caine, who are a permanent fixture there.  All are well satisfied.  We get write-ups in the United States, in Europe and even in China.
Weekends are very exciting.  We have Greek music ‘rembettika’. This gives the opportunity to my son’s friends to come and dance.  There’s fun for everyone.

Koulla, my wife, thinks the world of our children; Demetris who is now 14 years of age and Elena who is two years his junior.  She insists that they do not deviate from our traditions and our culture.