City Style - Cairo | The Times
The Times | April 2009
City Style: Cairo
L/R: Olivia Graham, Sue Ryan, Laura Ivill, and far right Lucy Cleland at the Sofitel el gezirah
Hopping, eating and sleeping in Egypt's bustling metropolis. By Laura Ivill
Sofitel el gezirah
Occupying the finest location in Cairo, on El-Gezirah island in the centre of the city, the atmosphere at the five-star Sofitel is luxurious, calm and relaxing. You’ll be spoilt for choice for drinking and dining options – cocktails on Le Deck, fine dining in Le Vendôme and a nightcap in the opulent Buddha Bar. A room facing upriver will take your breath away.
3 El-Thawra Council Street, Zamalek (00 202 2737 3737;www.sofitel.com ).
Azza Fahmy
Having learnt her trade alongside the men of the Khan el-Khalili souk, jeweller Azza Fahmy has gone on to become Egypt’s first international brand, collaborating with Julien Macdonald.
Al-Ain Gallery, 73 El-Hussein Street, Dokki (00 202 3749 3940;www.azzafahmy.com).
Tamari
The latest addition to the city’s buzzing nightlife, this high-style restaurant/bar/club takes its inspiration from the ancients. The designers have gone wild with texture and colour, installing, as a centrepiece, a pharaonic sun-boat that appears to be floating.
North Tower, Nile City Towers, 2005c Corniche el-Nil, Bulaq (00 202 2461 9910).
Beymen
The luxury shopping at this department store brings in well-heeled women from across the Middle Eastern states for Fendi, Marni (above), Marc Jacobs and Dior. Look out for deals on the more body-conscious Western designs, then relax among the chic crowd at the Beymen Caf?.
Four Seasons Cairo at Nile Plaza, 1089 Corniche el-Nil, Garden City (00 202 2791 7000).
Abou El Sid
The city really comes alive at night, and this contemporary Egyptian restaurant, with several branches, is perfect for after-dark buzz and tasty, authentic dishes. Order a shisha, or hubble-bubble pipe – a custom now de rigueur for the modern Cairene woman.
157 26th July Street, Zamalek (00 202 2735 9640).
Garden Promenade Cafe
Visiting Cairo in the spring means dining outdoors is a real pleasure. This alfresco caf? serves international dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Wander the gardens for a break from the heat and dust, and take home a silk-screened bag or artisan basket from Tukul Crafts next door.
The Cairo Marriott, 16 Saraya El-Gezirah Street (00 202 2728 3000; www.marriott.co.uk).
City Style is edited by Laura Lovett