Christakis Greek Taverna

Traditionally Greek restaurants are seen either as places of boisterous entertainment, or discerning dining in an atmosphere of supercharged emotion with the one you love. Whilst there is an element of both at Christakis it's fair to say that the emphasis in on the former. The traditional plate breaking must be an absolute gift to crockery manufacturers, and dancing in a ring of fire is attended by suitable precautions, just in case.

Christakis looks after its guests too, with a very active Loyalty Club that gives substantial advantages to its members, such as 10% off the bill and a free shot of Ouzo, Sunday to Thursday on the standard evening menu. In fact it?s all about menus here with one for every possible occasion, of which the Greek banquet is by no means the least. This traditional feast for two or more comes in meat, vegetarian or fish form, each carrying over twenty courses.

The à la carte menu never fails to impress and it quickly becomes apparent that a banquet of twenty plus courses is a doddle for them. From amongst the starters expect to find delicious Greek vegetable salads, stuffed vine leaves with mince meat and spices or the traditional taramasalata with smoked cod roe, celery, olive oil, bread and lemon juice. Pickled octopus in white vinegar will be new to some, with grilled smoked sausages or lambs liver cooked with spring onions, tomatoes and olive oil (sikoti) is superb.

Moussaká seldom fails to please, maybe it's the blend of béchamel sauce and meat, and macaroni with mince meat, herbs and beil sauce can make a good high tea dish for those eating early; talking of which the three course early evening menu makes a brilliant, good-value at under £10 start to any sort of evening, particularly one where some extra stamina may be required.

A certain religious Order will tell you that a child attracted to their cause before the age of 7 is likely to become a lifetime follower. Christakis seem to think along the same lines and a childrens' menu carries eight choices with a good deal more healthy eating amongst them than many a homemade school lunch. It's gestures like these that demonstrate the restaurant's eagerness to follow the tastes of their customers which, combined with some fun and frolics - and why does belly dancing come to mind - makes for a thoroughly good evening out, be it a family celebration or a romantic tryst which can flourish perfectly well against a background of laughter and enjoyment.

There are those who like their Greek cuisine with some assistance from fairly fiery cocktails or spirits, though Greeks are no strangers to wine, some of it grown in their own country, some imported, and there is a list to help with choices.

Click on their Website for details of events, including ladies nights for which, naturally, there is a special menu, and the wine flows freely.