The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Berytus Pub is hidden inside the Zayed Hotel; a two star but well-regarded establishment in Mohandiseen. Once we’d navigated our way through the hotel lobby, we were directed through a heavy door and led into the large bar area. We sat at the back of the pub on one of their many sets of high tables with a view of the dance floor where we spotted a few older men trying their luck with a group of young girls.

A happy-go-lucky party goer once told us that it’s not necessarily the décor of a bar that’s important, but it’s the crowd and drinks that make all the difference. Berytus Pub stumbles at the first hurdle; the dark, shabby, dingy interior seemed to be themed on something between a cave, a dungeon and an old fashioned saloon.

We almost immediately gave up trying to have a conversation as the deafening oriental music from the DJ was the only thing we could hear. However, we hoped that Berytus might save itself with the last on the barometer – delicious drinks.

The glow-in-the-dark menu boasts a full range of local and imported spirits as well as a range of wines, beers,  alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails and hot and cold drinks. Berytus Pub also offers shooters, Sangria and non-alcoholic beer (13LE). We ordered one Mojito (50LE) and the resident cocktail, a Berytus (50LE). The casually dressed waiter told us that, regrettably they were out of mint and couldn’t make us a Mojito so we went for a Long Island Iced Tea (50LE) instead.

The drinks arrived quickly and, judging on appearances, there was nothing notable about them. The iced tea was a mixture of whiskey, rum, vodka, tequila, triple sec and supposedly, Coke. We couldn’t taste even the slightest hint of cola, just straight alcohol. We were forced to request for half of it to be poured away and for more replaced with more Coke, which they cheekily charged us for. The Berytus cocktail was better; a medley of sweet banana liqueur, Baileys and Cointreau. Its sweetness might not sit well with everyone; it tasted just like banana candy but with a sharp, alcoholic twist.  

Berytus Pub also offers a massive selection of food; cold and hot mezzas, soups, pastas, grills, steaks, kebabs, meat, chicken and fish dishes are all on offer.

Unless you’re looking for somewhere you can get drunk at maximum speed, have no qualms about drinking half a pint of straight spirits and intend to dance around like a maniac with youngsters to tuk tuk music, you are not only braver than us but you might actually enjoy an evening at Berytus Pub.