Loulla Astin was born in Avgorou a small traditional village in Cyprus. Her grandmother was Loulla’s earliest and most important inspiration. From her, Loulla learned all about generations-old Cypriot and Greek cuisine. At fifteen Loulla came with her family to Britain, where her father Solomon Solominides was a major player in bringing Greek food to Manchester and was the first person to bring Kebabs to the city at the much loved and fondly remembered Prego on Oxford Street! By 1981 Loulla, with husband Stewart, joined the family business and opened Manchester’s now famous Kosmos Taverna.