ATHENS – Alexandros Syropoulos was one of the most successful models in the field of haute couture and is still one of the most charming men in Athens. His name is associated with the most popular bar-restaurants in the best areas of the capital. Today, Syropoulos and his wife, Maria Chorianopoulou, are considered one of the most successful couples in the field. Syropoulos is the owner of Gypsy Jungle, one of the nicest all day bars that stands out for its aesthetics, and also of Mexico Mi Amor which, although it opened recently, has already conquered the lovers of Latin American cuisine. He also owns Mika, one of the best gastrobars in Kolonaki and the amazing Bla bla in Agios Dimitrios Square in Panormou. But Syropoulos never stops creating. In the works is MU.TE, a new private music theater coming in September to shake up the waters in the capital not only with its aesthetics but also with its concept.

TNH: You left modeling relatively early, at the time when you were very successful in the field. Why did you choose to leave this profession?

Alexandros Syropoulos: I started modeling completely by accident when after a serious accident I had to, unfortunately, give up basketball. My dreams of a career in the Greek basketball league remained dreams, but from a very young age I learned that difficulties can act as a trigger for very beautiful things. So, when I was approached by a modeling agency, I immediately and without thinking about it said yes, and so began an exciting journey in the world of fashion for me that developed into a successful career. In my career pick I realized that what interests me is to be a Citizen of the World, but not a model. My next professional venture was in business and public relations. I created my own company based in Constantinople and worked with the biggest names in showbiz in Turkey and around the world. My life was constantly on the road, until I made an important stop in Sydney, Australia and took over the Hellenic Club, the Greek Shipowners’ Club.

TNH: You don’t drink, you don’t smoke, you have a beautiful family. How easy is all of this for someone who works mostly nights?

AS: Sport, fortunately for me, left me with only good habits: exercising, not smoking, and not drinking alcohol. So my work didn’t affect my lifestyle at all. As for my family, I created it at a relatively old age, when I ‘had enough’ of everything that a man who enters a serious relationship at first and then takes on the huge responsibility of bringing children into the world can be deprived of. My wife and my twins are my great loves, my strength, and my constant in this life.

TNH: All your businesses in the entertainment or restaurant industry have always been very successful. How do you do it?

AS: When I started building businesses, I realized that entrepreneurship and the restaurant industry are my passion. I’m good at finding spaces that no one imagines can be made into successful venues, envisioning them, designing them and transforming them into hot spots. Of course, a nice space alone cannot lead you to success without human resources. And that’s what I think my success is based upon – apart from good aesthetics, I also have a good instinct in choosing partners.

TNH: At Gypsy Jungle, on Aiolou, in Monastiraki, it is not easy to find a table. What has made this bar so beloved?

AS: Gypsy Jungle on Aiolou, is and I think will always remain, my favorite child. The spot is amazing, the energy from the Sacred Rock of the Acropolis sublime, the view breathtaking. It is a beautiful all day bar restaurant that has it all. High aesthetics in interior design, good food, Acropolis view, sophisticated and transcendent music, hookah, and excellent signature cocktails. And all these together and each separately are the elements that undoubtedly rank it in the No. 1 choice of Athenians and tourists.

TNH: You recently opened two new places. Where are they located and what do they offer to their patrons?

AS: Fortunately or unfortunately, my entrepreneurial spirit never sleeps and is constantly generating ideas. I am never satisfied with successes and I constantly want to create new things. I recently opened a Mexican restaurant at Tsakalof 10, in Kolonaki. It is a place that takes you on a journey to Mexico but also to the whole of Terra Latina both from its decoration and from its flavors. What I and my team want is for Greeks as well as tourists who will choose Mexico Mi Amor to try something completely different from what they have tried so far from Latin American cuisine and I think that even though we have been open for a while, we have succeeded! Within a short distance, I also created Bla bla, a new hangout in Agios Dimitrios Square in Panormou. With dominant shades of black and white, neon and bougainvillea inside and outside the space, painted walls and unforgettable parties, this gastropub has in a very short time won the hearts of its patrons who choose it for its diversity and its beautiful aesthetics that have caused a stir in the public square.