Manilva restaurant Roman Oasis reopens in style

WHAT happens when you cross a leafy Manilva hillside with a sumptuous buffet fit for royalty and a phenomenal violinist?

Why, the eclectic Roman Oasis restaurant reopening party of course.

Owner Paul Hickling’s eccentric eatery is back for another summer season and the Olive Press was lucky enough to attend its dramatic opener.

The atmosphere was electric, with Quike Navarro’s explosive catalogue of pop remixes on his violin raising the roof, alongside guitarist Steve Nelson.

Now in its 33rd year, the Roman Oasis has grown from a barren tract of land into one of the coast’s most loved restaurants, and it is also a favourite of TV chef Keith Floyd.

And the entire turbulent history has been put down in words by Hickling in his book, My Roman Oasis, available on Kindle and at local bookshops.