IT has been a culinary landmark in Camden Town since the 1950s – and now renowned Greek Cypriot restaurant Daphne is back open.

The Bayham Street venue, closed for the past 20 months for a re-fit and building works, lit up its charcoal grill this week  – marking a return of one of the area's best-loved establishments.

The Lymbouri family took over from it's previous proprietors in 1984 and have long had links with Camden Town: owner Nicholas Lymbouri's grandparents Evangelos and Olympia moved to London in the 1950s and ran Delancey Stores on Delancey Street.

Nicholas recalls how Camden Town has changed since he first went as an eight year old to Billingsgate, Smithfields and Covent Garden Markets with his father to buy ingredients for the family business.

He said: “It was predominantly Greek and Irish families, and it has changed over the years. But what is lovely about Camden Town is people have always accepted and enjoyed the mix of people here. It has benefited  Camden Town enormously.”

The re-opening of Daphne's is an important reminder of an area once known as the 'Peloponnese Triangle' due to its large Greek and Cypriot community, and that still boasts world class Greek cuisine.

He added: “Many people whose families were from Cyprus have slowly moved further north  – to Green Lanes, Wood Green and Barnet. But we're  pleased to still be here. We have so many regular customers. Because we are not on a high street, we don't get so much passing trade. I would say around 70 per cent of people are those who know us and return time and again.”

The menu has echoes of Nicholas's mothers home village Dora, which lies between Limassol and Paphos. As well as fish and lamb, there is a slant on pulses, too.

He said: “My mum's village was known for food such as  black-eyed beans with spinach, a lentil pilaf with fresh tomatoes, broad beans with artichokes, so they are also on the menu.”

And his family are also responsible for the celebrated Primrose Hill restaurant, Lemonia, which is owned by is uncle Tony.

He added: “When I go to the markets, I am known as EK Two, while Tony is known as EK One. They  were my grandfathers initials and the tradesmen there still remember him.”

And the family's legacy looks set to continue with another generation.

“My seven year old daughter Leah has told me she wants to go to university – to study how to become a waitress,” he said.