TITAS GASTROBAR This is the second restaurant our friend Howard Goldsmith, who lives in the area, took us to. It was a completely different experience from the first one, which was very traditional, but both were very good in their own way. Titas gastrobar is in the old historic centre of Villena and serves tasty, well-presented food, whether you are vegan, vegetarian or carnivorous. There’s a real buzz about the place, with many locals sharing tapas at the bar. This gastrob

TABERNA MANOLO CATECA Tucked away in a corner alleyway, this hidden gem gives you the feel of being a local. The bar has been on this side street since 1920, when it was a wine despacho. In 1952, it became Taberna La Goleta. The current owner, Manuel Navarro, who goes by Cateca (hence the new name), took over around 12 years ago. Although small inside, it always seems popular, day and night, as it is packed with people standing outside drinking and enjoying Sevilla’s nightli

EL FARO This hidden treasure, tucked away in the old fishing quarter of Cádiz, offers authentic Spanish dining. A locally popular family-run restaurant. Nicely set-up tables and unpretentious cuisine, featuring outstanding fish and seafood dishes. In the past, we have eaten in the restaurant and the bar area. It’s a different place post-COVID. The bar has been revamped with three new rooms, each the size of the original. I miss the hustle and bustle of people and the theatre.

TAST CATALANA PERMANENTLY CLOSED 2026 With Chef Paco Perez at the helm, Tast Catalana opened in King Street, Manchester, in 2018.  Although we are in Manchester quite often to watch football, this evening, Manchester United vs Olympique Lyonnais, this was our first visit here, on this chilly Mancunian spring day. They offer two different dining areas, both stylishly modern: a bar and terrace on the ground floor, and a casual restaurant on the first floor. After settling in a

I’ve walked past S-Mari Cocina Bar countless times, thinking it was just another hostal with a bar. I even had breakfast there once, ages ago. But a friend recommended it for dinner, and I decided to give it another shot. To my surprise, it turned out to be a classy and welcoming local restaurant. It’s a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of central San Antonio. Breakfast Bliss Every morning, they offer a fantastic breakfast selection. If you’re craving a traditiona

CASA BALBINO Sanlúcar de Barrameda (or simply Sanlúcar) is a city in the north-west of Cádiz province, part of the autonomous community of Andalucía in southern Spain. Sanlúcar is situated on the left bank of the Guadalquivir River, at its mouth, opposite the Doñana National Park. Sanlúcar de Barrameda is one of Spain’s three best-known sherry-producing towns. (The other two are Jerez de la Frontera, for which sherry is named, and El Puerto de Santa María.) Although a seaside

RESTAURANTE BALANDRO Our friend, Bill Benham, visited this excellent Restaurant in Cádiz, offering a varied and high-quality menu featuring local fish. They serve designer tapas in a modern, hip, and vibrant place. There is a Restaurant area that requires reservations, as well as a bar area featuring high stools. It does get extremely popular, so get there early (8 pm) if you want a seat at the bar. Tataki de atún Ensalada de langostinos and mango Albondegas de merluza Gambas

SAN CARLOS BAR RESTAURANTE During our mid-March trip to Ibiza, we ventured up to the northeast of the Island and popped into Bar Ca n'Anneta, where I purchased a bottle of their famous homemade Herbes de Ca n'Anneta. The bar was pretty full for March. We then had a short drive to our first visit to San Carlos Bar Restaurante. This Uruguayan-style meat Restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for groups and couples. It serves the finest cuts of grilled Uruguayan Angus meat,

CHIRINGUITO SA TRINXA UPDATE JULY 2025 From July 1, 2025, Chiringuitos on Ses Salinas beach are no longer permitted to have DJs playing. CDs and background music are allow ed. Due to regulations of the Ses Salines Natural Park, Chiringuito Sa Trinxa has been forced to suspend DJ performances. We have been here many times before and will return in 2026 This is the place for people-watching. On arrival at the ses Salinas beach, turn left and keep walking until you reach the gre

HOTELA M&UGA We stayed for three nights in the Basque Country town of Elorrio. The Town stands out for its unique medieval and modern heritage. In 1964, it was declared a Medieval Heritage Site. It is set in a green valley with the river Zumelegi running down its centre. It is a delightful walk through the streets of palaces and ancestral houses, built of stone and carved masonry from the 17th and 18th centuries. We chose to stay in the M&UGA Hotela. The hotel is a minute’s w