The Real Greek | Westquay Southampton

Sunday 29 January 2017


Not everyone gets a launch night perfect, but the guys at The Real Greek* did just that. A group of us SotonBloggers got the chance to go along to see what they are all about. From the moment I set my eyes on the decor, I fell in love. With the classic blue and white through out the restaurant, a wall with the back drop of the beautiful Santorini, even different crockery on the walls. If you have visited any Greek friends houses, you'd know about the crockery rules. You'd also know that Greek food is for sharing. Which is exactly what we did.





We were very warmly welcomed and seated. Once we were settled, the waitress looking after us for the evening came over and explained what our evening will involve. As this restaurant is the first one to serve cocktails from their Santorini Bar we had their in house mixologist come over and tell us about the flavours and even the special cocktail of the night. I obviously went with the classic cosmopolitan. But if there wasn't anything that tickled your fancy, the lovely guys would mix you up something you like if they have the products.

Then for food we had the chance to basically try their whole Meze menu, which was perfect as we were a big group, it pretty much gave us a chance to try a little of every dish on the menu. And I couldn't fault any of it. For someone that hasn't ever really experienced Greek food to the fullest, this night opened my eyes to a whole new cuisine that I now love. We all ordered 2-3 small Meze options and shared them out between us. 

As we were waiting for our food, we met Tonia Buxton, the face of Greek food in the UK and the reason The Real Greek is around. What all of us found lovely is the fact that Tonia didn't do a big speech before the night began, but she actually came to all the tables individually, sat down and had a chat. Spoke to us about the food and where the inspiration comes from, the fact that we were planning to share everything and why that is exactly what she wants customers to be able to do, and generally just have a chat and get to know each other. I found that so much more welcoming than a general speech in front of everyone.

We also couldn't decided on deserts, so our waitress just said she will arrange it. Cue a tower of deserts to share and forks handed to us all. There's something much more enjoyable about sharing your food, thoughts and reactions as a group. 

Everyone within the team were so passionate about the food, where its sourced from and just generally the Greek heritage, and not forgetting to mention, making sure you were enjoying yourself. I personally can't wait to go back, they've made such a great first impression on me and I can just see us sat outside in the sunshine sipping on cocktails. 

Have you ever visited TRG?
Emily-May x

* complementary experience for review purposes
- Photos provided by Alice Spake

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