Bell Foods, Use It Or Lose It

marcosthechef



Joined: 30/11/2009
Posts: 646

Message Posted:
25/05/2010 10:02

I read in Cyprus Today an advert from Harbor at Bellfoods asking us to support his business, the ad is on the letters page, so have a read but more importantly PLEASE SUPPORT HIM and make sure he is still there next year,



Bells was one of the first shops to offer premium UK branded frozen foods and is geared directly to the Expat community, they offer a great range of frozen, dried and alcoholic products at competative prices.



Please shop there as Harbor is a very well respected, liked and honourable man who has worked hard to offer us all this and it would be a crime to see him pack up and close shop.



SHOP THERE TODAY, USE IT OR LOSE IT



Thank you all and have a great day



Marcos

jamestalbot


Joined: 20/12/2009
Posts: 958

Message Posted:
25/05/2010 10:18

Where is the shop?

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
25/05/2010 10:22

Marcos,



"Bells was one of the first shops to offer premium UK branded frozen foods...."



But you can now buy most of the things that Bells sell at other supermarkets now. Bells hasn't moved with the times and IMO it may be more to the point to become a wholesaler/supplier to other supermarkets rather than a retailer in competition with them.

marcosthechef



Joined: 30/11/2009
Posts: 646

Message Posted:
25/05/2010 10:26

on the contrary bells have kept up and he offers a good range of stuff at great prices, your right its good old fashioned competition time, look what Tescos have done to the high street in the UK, do we really want corporate monsters here too ?

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
25/05/2010 10:34

Bells have been known for lots of things but never "great prices", in my experience of 10 years in TRNC.

Variety? - yes. Availability? - yes. Great prices? - hmmm.



Supermarkets here don't really understand what real competition means. Most think it means selling things at the same price as everyone else.

wanderer


Joined: 05/02/2009
Posts: 1653

Message Posted:
25/05/2010 10:53

Where's the shop please

Then we can decide for ourselves

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
25/05/2010 10:58

As you leave Karaoglanoglu on your LHS going towards Lapta.

Ailletoo


Joined: 24/01/2009
Posts: 1003

Message Posted:
25/05/2010 11:14

I would never shop in Iceland, therefore why shop at Bells and pay at least 3 times what Iceland charges?

airy____fairy


Joined: 14/06/2008
Posts: 813

Message Posted:
25/05/2010 12:04

The prices at Bell foods are competative now - they USED to be expensive - not any more!!!



I bought some fabulous fish from there last week - John Dorry - never heard of it before - the lady in the shop said it is a bit like sole - so thought I would give it a try .

15TL per KG - filleted fish - lovely soft pink flesh - absoulutely beatiful and excellent price.



I am with Marcos on this one - would be terrible if they closed down - so if you havent been there for a while take a look the prices ARE good.

BoTanica


Joined: 22/12/2009
Posts: 714

Message Posted:
25/05/2010 12:24

That is really good price for that fish!! Also all the ex pats rallied around awhile ago to support another local business - so why not?

MickyFinn


Joined: 30/06/2009
Posts: 102

Message Posted:
25/05/2010 12:37

Botanica. Also all the ex pats rallied around awhile ago to support another local business



I couldn`t agree more, and that was a very over-priced restaurant, but it seemed to do the trick.

I also agree with airy_fairy about the John Dory. Melts in your mouth and I haven`t seen that anywhere else.

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
25/05/2010 13:26

I stopped going because of the prices so I will give it another go.

I hope to be pleasantly surprised.

TopTen


Joined: 15/04/2009
Posts: 1246

Message Posted:
25/05/2010 14:40

Did,nt they add some kind of tax or something on the shown price

mamachina


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 730

Message Posted:
25/05/2010 16:19

i also stopped going as it seemed expensive, and most of the Iceland stuff is available elsewhere =- at a price - so I dont buy it. But if they have lowered their prices a smidgeon maybe I should give it another try. Not that I like Iceland stuff as a general rule, but for fish its ok (what a thing to say living by the sea!!) Wish you could get real "just caught today" fish somewhere.

airy____fairy


Joined: 14/06/2008
Posts: 813

Message Posted:
25/05/2010 16:32

Bell foods has so much more food than just Iceland products - you all really should go and take a look!!! They are I think the only place on the island that sells Quorn and soya mince ( that I know of ) ok it is dearer than in the UK - but if you want it you have to pay for it to get here!!!!



Give them another look - really is worth it!!!

yorkshireve


Joined: 03/05/2010
Posts: 36

Message Posted:
25/05/2010 16:47

very expensive and still is was there friday illeli any day

bridie


Joined: 18/09/2008
Posts: 308

Message Posted:
25/05/2010 16:57

The "John Dory" they are selling is definitely not John Dory as we know it here in the med. I have bought it in Kyrenia in the Autumn whole from the fishmongers and served it at a dinner party to chefs from the then newly opened Jasmine Court Hotel. The flesh of the fish is firm and white, and shrinks dramatically in cooking.

When I saw the fish in Bells, I suspected it was Pacific cod from Vietnam, which is slightly pinkish.

itsadogslife


Joined: 17/03/2009
Posts: 121

Message Posted:
25/05/2010 17:36

If you want to pay over £3 for a non branded frozen cut loaf go to bell foods.!

Suffolk



Joined: 31/08/2008
Posts: 222

Message Posted:
25/05/2010 19:54

We have always found that their chilled ham is really nice, its quality and therefore don't mind paying a bit more for it. They also usually have a good selection of cooked prawns, and prawns in filo pastry etc. The large South African (Simmonay) wine boxes are good quality and reasonable value for money. Agree the sliced bread is quite pricey but again it is great for toasted sandwiches.

airy____fairy


Joined: 14/06/2008
Posts: 813

Message Posted:
25/05/2010 20:37

The bread I find better value for money than other sliced loaves here - for example dano sliced bread is 2.5 tl and the slices are about 6cm so you are only getting half a slice - and the bread in Atakara tastes sugary and is 3 tl for onyl 7 or 8 slices !!! So if you want sliced bread that is the best value imho !!!

jimchris09


Joined: 13/02/2009
Posts: 547

Message Posted:
25/05/2010 23:11

We use Bells a lot for their pork products...especially the packets of boiled/smoked ham. Racks of pork ribs are good. Also good for unusual seafood items from time to time. Sometimes good discounts on booze. It's at the bottom of the hill from Karmi/Karaman and so is easy to call in at when on the Tempo...Bektas...Lemar circuit. I think he does OK in the summer when Brits are on holiday here.

marcosthechef



Joined: 30/11/2009
Posts: 646

Message Posted:
25/05/2010 23:29

I am only trying to do my bit,



Thanx for all your comments



Try it and make your own mind up, but do please try



have a great day XX

marcosthechef



Joined: 30/11/2009
Posts: 646

Message Posted:
25/05/2010 23:37

Just another thought on this subject



Read this post



http://www.cyprus44.com/forums/36738.asp



This would never happen at Bellfoods



Enough said

straitasadie


Joined: 14/09/2009
Posts: 450

Message Posted:
25/05/2010 23:45

the prices are a joke.i know they have import costs but until they cut their profit margins they will fold like many n cypriut busneses

HildySmith


Joined: 02/07/2009
Posts: 1708

Message Posted:
25/05/2010 23:46

Where is it - I have looked and cannot find it.

marcosthechef



Joined: 30/11/2009
Posts: 646

Message Posted:
26/05/2010 00:10

HildySmith: heading from Kyrenia through Karanagalou passed Tempo and then passed the new Bektas, Bellfoods is about 500m on the left

Check this link out with a map hope it helps



http://www.cypyp.com/Maps/mapbellfoods2007.htm



straitasadie: If his prices are a joke then vote with your feet and shop at Lemar or Starling and enjoy, but check your change ;-)

Ailletoo


Joined: 24/01/2009
Posts: 1003

Message Posted:
26/05/2010 00:17

HildySmith:



Count yourself lucky and shop elsewhere!



Brits ripping off brits....



Shop at the local shops.. better deals and not restricted to frozen goods.

marcosthechef



Joined: 30/11/2009
Posts: 646

Message Posted:
26/05/2010 00:37

Frank some FACTS for you



Bellfoods is not owned and run by an Expat but by A Cypriot: Fact



I have traded here for over 7 years and import from South Africa and my business is geared to Expats and Cypriots and I DONT rip them off either: Fact



I could go on but it would be assumption and conjecture ; Assumption



Nite nite, sleep well :D

rowlo



Joined: 12/10/2008
Posts: 4796

Message Posted:
26/05/2010 01:50

msg28 , relax dont let them wind you up ,

Whistler


Joined: 28/07/2008
Posts: 1332

Message Posted:
26/05/2010 02:06

Yes, the bread is about 3gbp in Bell Food, but it is no cheaper the other side. Checked it out this week and it

worked out to 3gbp plus a little in Carrefour, which is where I bought it when we went across.

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
26/05/2010 05:35

You know guys/gals,having to live by your means is one thing,who charges what for whatever another.What one must be aware whilst living/visiting TRNC is that we cannot compare the prices of anything with UK.We do live in an embargoed place from almost everything and to top it all,I think we all also know or have a rough idea of the import taxes on anything one has to import whilst trying to make the living.



Now,I dont shop at BELLS,simply because frozen food dont appeal to me,however,£3 for loaf of bread,well I'm glad I dont shop there,thats nearly 7tl at todays rates.I could buy nearly dozen local (fresh) bread with that.

We too have also found it very hard when first moved back because of what we used to be able to get at a cost of almost nothing didnt exist here,but got used to it now.Buy local,eat local and soon you'll all find that life is not too bad even in TRNC after all.



If you still insist on "I want to live the same life that I lived in UK",I'm afraid you have to pay

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
26/05/2010 05:36

cont.



for it.

Mrwilson



Joined: 31/10/2008
Posts: 470

Message Posted:
26/05/2010 10:00

Great response Yougozlu.

cyprusjoker


Joined: 29/08/2009
Posts: 1107

Message Posted:
26/05/2010 10:27

Here here Mr Wilson.

spider


Joined: 03/01/2009
Posts: 5527

Message Posted:
26/05/2010 13:59

Sorry but i am unable to see the point of buying frozen..the only thing i would buy is peas..thats about it.!! When everything fresh is calling at me..Keep the frozen rubish.!!!!!! ))







Spider,X

alshaheen


Joined: 10/04/2009
Posts: 736

Message Posted:
26/05/2010 20:32

BELL FOOD always have good quality food.we use for our both Restaurant every thing is very good.

GOOD LUCK BELL FOOD

IMTIAZ AL SHAHEEN Restaurant

dizzycows


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 2736

Message Posted:
26/05/2010 21:46

Here here spider, the fresh veg in NC is so much nicer. Peas are the only thing I buy frozen even in GB...

everon


Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 956

Message Posted:
26/05/2010 21:59

me too, but I just love frozen peas! sweet as the moment when the pod went 'pop' x

dizzycows


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 2736

Message Posted:
26/05/2010 22:28

crikey everon thats an 'old un', but its so true, peas dont seem to loose thair flavour like other frozon veg....

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
27/05/2010 00:23

well i do have the greatest respect fot harbour and i visit his restaurants when i can, i often pop in to buy peters pies, the owners of the company are actually my grandkids godparents, i was charged 8tl for a sausaghe roll, my fault i wanted it, cardiff 49 pence. today after reading the reports we went to but paramasene cheese 14tl per kilo more expensive than polar foods and so much more than south, im so very sorry but the amount we use its a lot of money. we all want to help to support but the cash crisis is with us and we look where we can

dizzycows


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 2736

Message Posted:
27/05/2010 12:38

There you go, Lili is saying she has to look after her own, or she wont be there too.



Its called the recession, and I dont think its going to get any better, but worse....



Bell foods will have to offer something different every week to get the punters in ....

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
28/05/2010 09:02

The cost of electicity, alone, must be a 'crippler' for 'Bell Foods', never mind the disproportionate amount of import tax levied on 'luxury' items (food).



What expats consider as a staple diet - certainly not 'luxury' - the Customs obviously don't, and penalise the retailer and customer accordingly!



Having said that, prices in the South, considering it's in EU, are totally ridiculous, and seem to increase every month, or less.



The only items, as far as I can see that are cheaper in the South: meat products and coffee, which are half the price of TRNC.



How the does the whole island's [Cyprus] prices [for imported foodstuffs] compare with other expat and holiday destinations in other EU countries?



Oh, and by the time you add up the costs of insurance and petrol/diesel to cross the border for shopping, you might discover that a quick trip to Bell's Foods, if slightly more expensive, is certainly worth the 'saving' in hassle, and the worry of being searched at the border!

Doris


Joined: 25/08/2008
Posts: 30

Message Posted:
28/05/2010 10:19

I went to Bells on Wednesday and spent quite a lot but am delighted with what I got and I do think he is trying to keep his prices competative!!

ghdfans2010


Joined: 28/05/2010
Posts: 2

Message Posted:
28/05/2010 11:58

Hello, everyone! I'm new here! Nice to meet you!

Cyprusquest


Joined: 09/12/2008
Posts: 428

Message Posted:
28/05/2010 13:13

Nice to see some of you have gone to Bell's I will try it next time over - always just assumed it was trade.

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
28/05/2010 13:19

Tenakoutou,

Coffee beans in the South, cheapest I can find - 8.70Euros for 700Gms. Coffee beans in the North, from Jon Coffee Shop - 15TL (7.75 Euros) and a good quality for 1 Kilo. Grind your own beans and forget instant and you get better coffee and much cheaper without having to go South.



Meat is cheaper South without a doubt and mostly of better quality as well.

jimchris09


Joined: 13/02/2009
Posts: 547

Message Posted:
28/05/2010 15:19

TRNC obviously cares about us all...meat is costly...so eat less and be healthier!

barbieb


Joined: 05/07/2009
Posts: 277

Message Posted:
01/06/2010 01:03

We are all so sad, another winging point, and how we all go on, Bell Foods sell things we cannot get, so if we want them we have to pay, we do not live in UK, so we should eat local, but we don't, so as I said if we want them we have to pay, hope they don't have to shut, sure they won't, it is good getting a post like this, maybe we will all do a shopping morning in support??????!!!!!!!!!!!!!

marcosthechef



Joined: 30/11/2009
Posts: 646

Message Posted:
01/06/2010 01:55

I was approached by a drunken ( and I may add Brave ) fellow last week who said I had a commercial interest in placing this post. and yes I do, but I also have a huge amount of respect and admiration for Harbor from Bells and he is a wise fella who I listen to and converse with on a regular basis.



He does sell my wines and I hope he will carry on doing so for the forseeable future and anything I can do to assist, I will ;-)



But ultimately, its not up to me, its up to you,



Vote with your feet and your TL, £ and Euros



PS, Oh by the way drunken Brave Fellow, you can taste my wines free of charge at Bells anytime, all day , Every day, all you gotta do is ask, just do it nicely ::::----))))

snakes



Joined: 28/10/2008
Posts: 1512

Message Posted:
01/06/2010 21:20

Mark we all try to do something with genuine feelings and interest please dont give up as I know you are only trying to help one of the many struggling businesses in TRNC ! Chef Ainsley Harriet tried to help an Irish sausage maker by using his name last year but they had his picture on the packet holding a sausage on a fork with the heading "prick with a fork sauages " OOPS they were quickly withdrawn from shelves and re named ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! regards Barry

Jeannie


Joined: 04/08/2009
Posts: 3283

Message Posted:
01/06/2010 21:24

snakes - I bought a birthday card for a friend recently. The picture on the front was that of a man and woman standing in a garden.



The lady is reading the cooking instructions on a packet of sausages. She says "prick with a fork". The husband (standing at BBQ) - answers "Yes?".



Well, it made me laugh

snakes



Joined: 28/10/2008
Posts: 1512

Message Posted:
01/06/2010 21:48

very similar jeannie i'm glad i only cook chicken or steak on bbq but did go red once when mrs snakes shouted "get yer meat out ready" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!