Bitola Nightlife

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This is a cracking little bar that I discovered on my first night here in Bitola. Early evening there were only a couple of regulars and the proprietor present, the ashtrays were taking a beating and there was some chill, vaguely recognisable, music being played over the speakers. My stumbling effort at asking for a beer in Macedonian resulted in welcoming smiles and the useful guidance towards the Prilep-brewed "Zlaten Dab" - "Much better than "Skopsko" was the consensus. So who am I to go against the consensus? - especially where beer is concerned.

This was my first taste of the " ' Dab" (the name means "Golden Oak") and yep, following the consensus was definitely the correct course of action.

So one beer became three and a very pleasant hour enjoyed during which I was quizzed (in an interested rather than inquisitive fashion) as to where I was from, what I was doing in Bitola and how did I find this bar?

I was tempted to hang a while further but not having eaten since breakfast in Skopje solids had overtaken liquids on the agenda. So I bade my farewell to the guys and off I went in search of food.

The following morning I happened to be passing and the proprietor and a couple of the guys were sitting outside having a coffee (and of course beating the ashtray to death). They waved me over and the boss shot upstairs and brought me down a coffee. I assisted with the death throes of the ashtray as I got the lowdown on the elections which were running at the time - the guys were not impressed with the main "nationalist party".

HA! By now I'm starting to feel like a local.

I didn't manage a visit that evening but the following one, my last night in Bitola, I made a purposeful visit about 11-ish. This is about the time Shrek comes to life. The lights are dimmed and the light show flackers as the proprietor mans the decks. The music was still vaguely recognisable, the volume not too deafening, and once again I was welcomed like a long lost brother. The bar was busy, various couples and groups occupied most of the tables and my presence upped the average age quite considerably. This became another three beer mini session and I bought the guys a beer as I said my final farewells (for this visit at least).

I liked this bar - people make places - and even though it is a bit younger and trendier than suits my personal tastes it has a great atmosphere. Most Sundays they have live music whilst Friday and Saturday night the boss does his DJ bit. Unfortunately I didn't catch a Sunday night but next time...