Pepe's Fishing Club in the harbor of Byblos, Lebanon. |
The restaurant was founded in the early 1960's by
Pépé Abed, a Lebanese adventurer, entrepreneur and businessman. Pépé Abed was a legend in his day and is still considered exemplary of Lebanon's Golden Age. One of the streets in the center of Byblos has been even named after him.
Pepe's restaurants greets visitors with a large board in French. It reads Rendez-vous des personnalites internationales La Tradition Continue, meaning in English Meet International Celebrities The Tradition Continues.
Pepe's Fishing Club occupies several old caves which date back to the Crusaders from Genoa who came to Lebanon in the 11th century. The caves were inhabited by poor fishermen before they were converted into a restaurant. The restaurant's terrace offers a magnificent view of the old harbor in Byblos.
Pepe's Fishing Club terrace. |
The spirit of the past comes to life in the old pictures of the owner with actors, celebrities and politicians, which cover the Fishing Club's walls.
Numerous old pictures cover the walls of Pepe's Fishing Club in Byblos. |
Picture signed by Brigitte Bardot in Pepe's Fishing Club. |
The Fishing Club was also popular with many Lebanese and foreign politicians. The numerous heads of state, who have visited, include Czech President Václav Havel, Mexican President Miguel Alemán Valdés and Lebanese President Camille Chamoun.
Pepe's Fishing Club even has a signed picture of John F. Kennedy and Jackie. |
Carlos Slim also hangs among the many pictures on the walls in Pepe's Fishing Club. |
Pépé Abed was so proud of Lebanon's rich history that he created a small museum right next to the restaurant. The museum contains a small collection of artifacts from Lebanon's rich past.
The Pepe Museum features a collection of archeological artifacts. |
A huge part of the Fishing Club’s experience is its ambience. You will find yourself surrounded by a small treasure of Phoenician anchors, Greek amphoras and antique columns.
Pepe's Fishing Club has a unique ambiance reminding of Lebanon's rich past. |
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