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Family pay tribute to beloved Bedminster cafe owner
The family of George Zographou have paid tribute to the popular Bristol cafe owner following his death at the age of 77.
Zographou was the founder of George’s in Bedminster, which he opened in 1969 after moving to Bristol from Cyprus.
George and his wife ran the well-known business on East Street for almost 20 years, before passing it onto his daughter, Eva, who ran it for a couple more decades until the current owners, the Sala family, took over.
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Even though the cafe changed ownership, George remained a frequent visitor, with his final trip being a few weeks before he passed.
Bedminster cafe owner George Zographou (right) has died at the age of 77 – photo: Miriam Soteriou
“He was a very larger than life character – always laughing, smiling, and telling jokes,” said George’s wife, Miriam, who lived with him and their children above the cafe for many years.
“He looked out for people,” she added. “Anybody who came in the cafe that didn’t have any money, he’d give them something to eat.
“I think George will always be remembered because George’s has been there for so long and his personality was such that I don’t think he could ever be forgotten.”
George opened his cafe in 1969, after moving to Bristol from Cyprus – photo: Miriam Soteriou
George, who had been battling Parkinson’s in his later years, passed away from pneumonia on February 21 after being taken to hospital for a stroke.
Many will also remember him as the owner of the now-closed Golden Nugget Amusements in Stokes Croft, which he set up after leaving the cafe business.
Though George’s has changed hands over the years, the menu is nearly exactly the same as it was when Zographou was at the helm.
Family man George also ran Golden Nugget Amusements in Stokes Croft – photo: Miriam Soteriou
“My gran and grandad worked hard so they could provide for our family, passing on the cafe to their daughter and the arcade to their sons,” added George’s granddaughter, also called Miriam.
“Whenever I say my grandad set up the cafe, everyone always says, without a doubt, that George’s does the best omelette.
“It has survived the highs and lows of the area, which shows its legacy. You couldn’t have East Street without George’s.”
For George’s funeral on March 15, the family is inviting the public to gather outside the cafe on East Street, which the hearse will pass between midday and 1pm.
Main photo of current George’s owner Kosta Sala with the late Zographou: Miriam Soteriou
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