Initially, I figured I would address all those stuck in Athens during August who, instead of feeling left out when reading their friends’ enviable Facebook updates from the islands and the Greek countryside, could enjoy the “village vibe” by making their way up Strefi Hill to Exostrefis (“extrovert” in Greek). The attractive venue in the Exarchia district, set on a cool, tree-shaded part of the hill next to a small basketball court, with a lovely vista of the city, is by no means just a reasonable alternative; it is precisely the kind of thing that makes you feel good for living in a city with such idyllic corners to discover.

The people who have been running the meze bar for the past few years have done a really impressive job. Despite the constant stream of customers (you may have to wait some time for a table), they manage to provide service that is quick, without making you feel rushed. Also, they have succeeded in putting together a fine, easily navigable menu that enables you to quite happily sit for hours, eating and drinking. Last time we were there, we accompanied our ice-cold draught beers with a wide variety of delicious mezedes: wonderful delicately smoky eggplant dip, memorable smoked Rethymno sausage, seasoned cured pork (apaki) deglazed with wine, slightly bitter greens, expertly sautéed and quite delectable, super-tasty chicken livers in olive oil and oregano sauce. And whenever the beer or tsipouro reignites the appetite, you simply order something else; such as the celebrated kebab in yogurt, fried zucchini patties or pastourma in pan-seared cheese.

The place is very busy all summer long (in the winter it moves down to Exarchia and offers live music), but noise levels never get too high. “It’s like sitting in a village square and quaffing beers with childhood friends,” someone posted on the Internet, and he’s spot on. You are in your “village”, in the heart of Athens, drinking beers and paying next to nothing.