CityLife

Dimitris

Dimitris
City centre
March 2011

(Bar review)

Overall: 4/5

Friends couldn’t believe I’d never visited Dimitris, the Greek restaurant and taverna bar whose faux Grecian pillars have propped up the Deansgate corner of Tonman Street for more than 20 years.

I had thought the blue neon signs and mock temple frontage a little tacky, but on reflection they signify a bar that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Snobbery left at the door, I soon discovered why many label the venue a Manchester institution. A combination of its Greek authenticity, fresh Mediterranean mezze and tapas, live music and staff who genuinely want you to have a good time, make it a winner on many fronts.

Though not quite as affordable as nearby Italian tapas restaurant Pesto, prices are still low end, with a variety of offers to be had.

Candelight, sweeping red velvet curtains, wooden furnishings and Grecian art make for a romantic setting in the front bar area. Through the back are more tables and chairs, and a semi-al fresco arcade, which I imagine has a very continental feel in summer, and the restaurant continues in the downstairs cellar.

To immerse yourself in the high-spirited Dimitris experience, the best place to be is in the front area on Thursday to Saturday evenings when live Latino, jazz and string-based acts create a lively atmosphere. Try bottled Greek lager Mythos or Cypriot beer Keo, choose from the Mediterranean grape spirits, or go for Greek organic red wine Kali Gi Mavro.

Campfield Arcade, Deansgate, Castlefield, Manchester, M3 4FN (0161 839 3319).

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