A popular and longstanding restaurant in Grimsby town centre is closing down.
Today, on New Year’s Eve, Othello on Bethlehem Street – which has been serving generations of customers since the 1970s – will close its doors for the last time.
The restaurant, which specialises in authentic Greek cuisine, has a rich and vibrant history. It was first opened around 50 years ago by the late Cypriot restauranteur Vasos Vasiliou, who would go on to hand over the reins of his beloved business to head chef Simon Elmhirst, who has continued Vasos’ legacy.
In a heartfelt post to its Facebook page in late September, Othello confirmed the “rumours are true” about the restaurant closing its doors for good, and thanked customers for their support over the years.
The post reads: “The rumours are true! On 31.12.24 the Othello will close its doors for the very last time. The restaurant was opened by the wonderful Vasos in the 1970’s. Simon has proudly worked at The Othello for 26 years and owned it for 11 of those.
Vasos Vasiliou opened Othello in the 1970s – he passed away in 2019
(Image: Grimsby Live)
“We want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support and choosing us time and time again whether it’s been for a weekday meal, a birthday, anniversary or a wedding- we’re so grateful to have been a part of it all.
“The time has now come for new adventures – but we want to see each and every one of you wonderful customers before we go.”
Diners flocked to the comments section to react to the news, with one writing: “The Othello has always been our ‘go to’ place for special occasions and also our place to eat just because we loved it there. We started eating there in the late 1970’s, Vas was usually there to meet and greet, the atmosphere was wonderful.
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“So sad to see the place go, at least we got our 60th wedding anniversary there. Goodbye Othello, we have some wonderful memories, thank you for each and every one of them.”
Another customer said: “So sorry to read you are closing your doors, I have got the most wonderful memories of birthday and family celebrations where you have made us all feel very special, decorated our table and given us the most delicious meals and have put yourself out to make sure we never went away dissatisfied, will miss you, good luck with your new adventure.”