Taste of real Greece comes to town centre

The Vangeli brothers are bringing a little taste of the real Greece to the centre of Middlesbrough.

Aimiliano and Mikael – alongside their wives Arena and Eriola – have opened The Greek Spot in Dundas Street.

It’s already rekindling happy holiday memories for the thousands of Teessiders who visit the mainland and islands every year.

“A couple who came into the bakery said they’ve been going there for 33 years,” said 36-year-old Aimiliano. “And they said they wanted to try something to get the feeling of being back there again.”

The Greek Spot sells spanakopita, golden tiropita, creamy bougatsa and of course –  baklava, and authentic Greek coffee — all made in the traditional way. Its pastries and pies are imported and sandwiches are prepared on the premises.

The brothers grew up in the picturesque island of Paros.  Aimiliano came to the UK in 2013 when the Greek economy was on the verge of collapse.  Younger brother Mikael, now 33, followed shortly later.  They settled in the North East in 2021 and, following in their dad’s footsteps, set up a painting and decorating business.

During a break from working at Teesside University they walked around Middlesbrough town centre and noted that something was missing.  “You had the kebab shops, the burger shops, but something Greek wasn’t around,” said Aimiliano. “We wanted to bring something from Greece here, do something that we like and give to other people as well. It’s definitely authentic Greek, not Greek-style.”

The Greek Spot, expertly painted by the brothers, is not just a bakery but somewhere for people to meet and talk and after just a few months it is already attracting regular customers.   

“A husband and wife come here every week since we opened and try something different each time,” said Aimiliano. “The husband is on the pastries and the wife is on the cakes.”

The Vangelis approached commercial property agency Portland Dodds Brown for help in finding a suitable site for their business.

Partner Richard Wilson said: “It was a pleasure helping the brother achieve their dream.  As well as their fantastic food, they have really created a bakery which I’m sure wouldn’t look out of place in Greece itself.

“I’m sure it’s going to prove a popular addition to the diverse range of choice available in Middlesbrough town centre.”