Our friend, Howard Goldsmith of Alicante Sunshine Villas, moved from Manchester to just outside the small village of Sax, in inland Alicante, over twenty years ago. This story is one of the reasons he loves it there and would never return to the UK. Our elderly (elderly!! I’m 65) neighbours have adopted us as their children. Manolo and Maruka (Maria Eugenia) are 89 and 78, respectively, and they live in an enormous townhouse where she was born, and she won’t sell it; she want

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

SEGOVIA - MESÓN DE JOSÉ MARÍA Michelin plate IIO If you are looking for a traditional Spanish food experience, then Mesón De José Maria, a conventional Castilian Tavern off of Plaza Mayor, is the place for you. It as been here since 1982. Walk into the busy bar, and you will find it filled with a mix of locals, from those taking a break at the end of the day to families who wheel their baby prams into the bar to catch up with friends and family to enjoy a drink or tapa. Thi

RESTAURANTE ASADOR TXAKOLI SIMÓN After a 15/20 minute walk from the Funicular de Artxanda (funicular railway), you arrive high above Bilbao at Restaurante Asador Txakolli Simón. The Friesian breed of cow is the favourite of Óscar García, the grill master at this restaurant, which stands out for its value for money. On busy days here, eight strips (rib strips) can be dispatched in a single service. When the sun is shining in Bilbao, you go to Artxanda, the viewpoint of Bilbao

If you're dreaming of sun-soaked beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a plate piled high with mouth-watering local dishes, the Balearic Islands should be at the top of your list. This archipelago off Spain's eastern coast is more than just stunning views and vibrant nightlife. It's a treasure trove of culinary delights that will have your taste buds dancing. Ready to dive into a world where tradition meets flavour? Let's explore the Balearic Islands' food guide together. Your U

If you’re dreaming of sun-soaked beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a vibrant food scene that’s as rich as the islands’ history, then the Balearic Islands should be at the top of your list. But let’s be honest - the real magic of any trip lies in the food and drink. Lucky for you, the Balearics offer a feast for your senses, blending traditional Mediterranean flavours with local twists that will have you coming back for more. Ready to dive into the Balearic Islands’ cuisine g

CASA EGEA If you are looking for well-made, traditional Spanish food on the long, winding beach road that runs along Mojácar Playa, Casa Egea is the place to go. The restaurant is a little set back from the beach and has a glass terrace. Since 1995, you will find authentic Spanish food, lovingly prepared from traditional recipes, at this family-run restaurant spanning three generations. They serve excellent seafood and fish, along with an ever-changing menu of local special

RESTAURANTE CASA TORIBIO PERMANENTLY CLOSED 2024 (The restaurant is now a new establishment) This is a very traditional restaurant in the heart of Madrid. In 1980, they opened as a pub called New Street, whose interior was based on a London street. After several years of making their name with Gin-Tonic with lemon peel, champagne cocktails, and Irish coffee, they began acquiring exclusive Rabo de Toro de Lidia (bull meat) from the nearby Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas (the

A FEW DAYS SPENT IN AND AROUND HARO IN LA RIOJA We arrived from Bilbao airport and checked into our hotel in Haro, the splendid HOTEL LOS AGUSTINOS Calle San Agustín 2, 26200 Haro, La Rioja +34 941 31 13 08 Founded as a convent in 1373, the building has been through various guises, including a Guarnición Military (Military Garrison) in 1809 Hospital Military (Military hospital) in 1811 Carcel (Prison) in 1839 and Hotel 1989. It is a beautiful building steeped in history.