CASA BIGOTE Michelin Bib Gourmand It was in 1951 when a local sailor, Fernando Hermoso, opened a despacho de Vinos selling manzanilla to fishermen. Fernando grew an Errol Flynn-style moustache, and his friends started calling him “El Bigote”. Manzanilla, a salty, extremely dry sherry (the salt comes from the local bodegas’ proximity to the sea air), originates from Sanlúcar de Barrameda, and you will still find it on almost every table. In 1970, Fernando Jr. took over t

LA BODEGA DEL CANTINERO Mark Walsh returned to another of his favourite spots in San Pedro de Alcántara, just outside the famous resort of Marbella. La Bodega del Cantinero, often known as “Casa Alberto,” is a modern restaurant with a family-run structure, Alberto manages the front of house and hosts guests, while his wife handles the kitchen. This owner-chef partnership is typical of newer Spanish “personal” restaurants, which contrast with traditional taverns. La Bodega de

CASA LOLA We were with Mark Walsh of @walshjewellery , looking for a few tapas in Malaga, so we stopped by the buzzy Casa Lola for lunch. Located in the centre of Málaga, Casa Lola is a popular bar favoured by locals. It offers a wide selection of tapas at very reasonable prices, along with a daily special that provides excellent value for those on a tight budget. You can choose a few pinchos and tapas to enjoy at the bar with a drink or take a seat at a table. We had a pin

BODEGA BAR EL PIMPI We were with Mark Walsh of @walshjewellery in Malaga and popped into this lively bar, located in the historical city centre next to the Alcazaba, which is among Málaga’s most renowned establishments. El Pimpi is featured in virtually every tourist guide imaginable. Even with its popularity as a tourist destination, El Pimpi has preserved the high-quality food that made it renowned. It is reasonably priced. Bodegas Bar El Pimpi is an interesting maze-like

RESTAURANTE LAS GITANILLAS This restaurant, which we have visited several times, is located in a wonderful spot on a pedestrianised street in the heart of Estepona. The family have had a restaurant in Estepona since 1970. In 2004, Paco Bazán, son of Francisco Bazán Hormigo and María Peña Gil, who learned from a young age both behind and in front of the bar alongside his parents, opened Las Gitanillas (which is Spanish for the little gypsy girls). Paco’s daughter, Gema Bazán (

This was our second visit to Uvedoble Taberna in Málaga City, conveniently located near the Roman Theatre and below the Alcazaba in Málaga’s historic centre, inviting exploration and a sense of place. Despite its characterless, tourist-café look, this restaurant and bar serves interesting tapas, including several typical Málaga dishes, adding an authentic local touch. The interior is minimalist with a lively bar area. On our first visit, we had eaten elsewhere before coming h

ANYWAY WINE BAR Mark Walsh paid a visit to this fantastic little wine bar in Málaga City, founded in 2018 by local entrepreneur David Camino after he returned from working abroad and pursued his idea for a wine-centric concept in Málaga. It is a wonderfully cool place for serious wine drinkers, quite near the paseo marítimo; it’s the perfect spot for an early evening drink after work for the city’s creative in-crowd. With over 200 wines, all served by the glass, the list is

ALFREDO BAR RESTAURANTE Mark Walsh returned to one of his favourite spots in San Pedro de Alcántara, just outside Marbella. We keep going back to Alfredo Bar Restaurante, and for good reason. It’s a family-run spot (open since 1981) that doesn’t shout from the street but welcomes you like an old friend once you step inside, transporting you back to ’80s Spain. The decor reminds me of when I went to Spain as a kid. You will find a large dining room with old Spanish pictures an

CASA PUGA There is no more classic bar in all of Almería than this one. It is an old-style bar known for traditional Andalusian tapas steeped in history. It dates back to 1870, undoubtedly one of the oldest in Almería. Overloaded with ancient wine bottles on dusty shelves, tiled walls, a marble bar, an exposed iron grill, and hanging Jamónes, these are key parts of the decoration, as are the several non-stop waiters. All the tapas are excellent but straightforward. Try, Ques

The beach at Caños de Meca curves inland from the Faro de Trafalgar in the Cabo de Trafalgar. This is where Nelson defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Trafalgar, which took place just here in October 1805. It's something to think about as you enjoy your lunch! Things have chilled out since then. The beachfront is still wonderfully underdeveloped, save for most of the dreamlike Chiringuitos around the corner at Pago de Zahora. Here, you will find some of Andalusia's iconic beac