GREECE AND RUSSIA WITHOUT LEAVING LIVERPOOL
Christakis Greek Taverna and St. Petersburg Restaurant
Dine
in Greece, drink in Russia and never leave Liverpool. A pair of local
restaurants with a world
reputation.
I was in Cannes at the Film
Festival telling a buddy of a fun night in Liverpool where a friend took
me out for some Musaka and went from plate smashing and Ouzo in a home-style
Greek Cypriot Tavern to Vodka and Cognac in an authentic Cossack Russian
tavern in one night and a friendly Brit nearby chimes in with a grin, “I
know that place.” Sharing a not-so-secret secret.
In
an unassuming brick building on a corner of York Street in Liverpool,
the Christakis Greek Taverna
fills
the ground floor and the St. Petersburg
Russian Restaurant is just a few steps up the stairs with two dining
rooms. Demonstrated by tables crowded with women in odd headwear the
Christakis Taverna is a very popular destination for “hen parties”,
the British version of a bachelorette party. One group in bunny ears
filling the long communal table in Greek style and another cackle of
hens at another table in red wigs, having a rowdy grand old time. After
the lamb and a few shots of Ouzo, we went upstairs to St. Petersburg,
with its authentic Russian red décor and menu to sample some Cognac
at the bar and watch the belly dancing, then back downstairs for the
Greek dancers complete with smashing plates in a circle of lighter fluid
on the floor, delighting the hens.
The
Christakis Greek Taverna was opened 29 years ago by Renos Vassilades,
father-in-law of current
proprietor
Christakis, who with his wife Francesca
have operated the Liverpool landmark since 1999, following the family’s
simple secret, quality food bought daily and served with Cyprus hospitality
and service. And their success shows with packed tables on weekend nights
when the belly dancers and Greek dancing performances bring standing
cheers when the last plate is smashed.
The
St. Petersburg Restaurant is a bit more subdued, but no less charming
and entertaining, the atmosphere
intimate and romantic. Since 1996 the
authentic Russian dishes combined with the rich mood setting style of
imperial St. Petersburg have held the claim of the only true Russian
restaurant in England outside of London, and truly a journey to another
time and place. The Tsar's Dining Room with its dark reds and intimate
seating around the small performance floor offering live entertainment
of Russian Cabaret, music and belly dancing from Thursday to Sunday is
a perfect setting for traditional Steak Tartar and Beef Stroganoff. The
Izbushka Dining Room on the second floor with soft golden hues is more
sedate, and the “Peter The Great” Bar a cozy spot to sample
plain and flavored vodkas.
The Restaurants at 7 - 71/2 York Street are a 15 minute walk from Liverpool’s Lime Street Rail Station. Car parking is available in the public lot on Duke Street. © Bargain Travel Europe
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Christakis Greek Taverna
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See Also:
LIVERPOOL
- BEATLES TOWN FOREVER
ALBERT DOCK MERSYSIDE MARITIME MUSEUM
HOGHTON TOWER - KNIGHTING OF THE BEEF
BEATLES LIVERPOOL DAY TRIPPER TOUR BY RAIL
