Food enthusiasts, local businesses, family and friends turned out in force at the weekend for the official opening of a new contemporary European restaurant in Derby.
The new Dreams Bistro opened its doors at the grade II listed Riverside Chambers on Full Street, which was the subject of a £4m refurbishment in 2015 and is now a thriving managed workspace operated by Derby City Council’s Connect Derby.
The restaurant celebrated its official launch with a weekend of festivities, including a ribbon cutting ceremony, which was carried out by Ann Bhatti, head of Connect Derby.
Guests were treated to a taste of the restaurant with a buffet and prosecco throughout the evening, with discounts for diners throughout the weekend.
Dreams Bistro has been set up by Christos Martzelou, his sister Eleni Martzelou and Ioanna Michailido, who purchased the business from Martyn Daykin, following his decision to close HIDE Burger Bar, which he had operated since 2018.
The bistro is set to bring a whole new vibe to the Derby dining scene, with a contemporary menu of Mediterranean and English cuisine taken from a variety of culinary influences. It will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and can cater for a variety of dining experiences from a full energy breakfast to after work drinks and formal events.
There are plans to host special dining nights once or twice a month too, featuring different cuisine from around the world.
With an indoor area that can cater for 70 people and an outdoor area to accommodate 60 people, the restaurant will also be able to cater for large parties and events, including birthday parties, weddings and other special occasions.
A takeaway service will also be available to enable diners to enjoy the Dreams Bistro menu at home.
Refurbishment works were carried out ahead of the launch including redecoration and other interior improvements to create a lighter and more colourful and elegant look.
Commenting on the launch of Dreams Bistro, Ioanna said:
“We’re excited to have opened our new restaurant in this fantastic grade II listed for Magistrates’ Court building, which we hope will bring a whole new vibe to the Derby eating scene.
“We had been looking for a suitable location for a while, but when looked round Riverside Chambers, we knew immediately that it was the perfect place for our restaurant. We love the surrounding area, especially the river located nearby.”
“Christos and I are both originally from Greece and have experienced lots of different cuisines, which we look forward to introducing to our diners.”
Christos added:
“Ionna. Eleni and I are both passionate about food and have always dreamed of running our own restaurant. The opportunity to set up Dreams Bistro in such a fantastic setting was too good to miss and we’re looking forward to developing our food offering the coming months.
“We are committed to quality and will be sourcing our fresh ingredients from local farmers' markets to ensure that regardless of the time of year, customers can be sure they’re eating the best of the season.”
Ann Bhatti, head of Connect Derby, added:
“I am delighted to welcome Ionna, Christos and Eleni to the Connect Derby community. We have a diverse range of restaurants and cafes in our buildings – the addition of a contemporary European restaurant is exciting, and I’d like to wish you the very best of luck for the future.”
Dreams Bistro is open seven days a week - Mon – Tues – 9.00am – 3.00pm; Wed – Sat 9.00am – 3.00pm and 5.00pm – 10.00pm; Sun – 12.00pm – 4.30pm.
For further information, visit www.dreamsbistro.co.uk