Monte Francisco
Sep 21st 2017, 10:48 am
#1
BE Positive
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,980
Monte Francisco
Things are looking up in MF.
With local and EU funding, they are building a park with sculptures etc just opposite the Campesino resto/bar community centre.
The Campesino has recently reopened with a new (& charming) manager, Lucia who speaks a bit of English. There is no resto, (for the moment) but snacks like eg bifanas, bacalhao a la bras etc are available......also on Sunday's there is often live music around 19:30.
We enjoy lunching in MF and having pre/post drinks at amazing prices at either Campesino, or the little bar/resto opposite Cacadores run by the equally charming Maria and her daughter Deborah.
With the Golf club charging 3.50€ for a beer,
its better and cheaper to have a day out with friends and share the taxi fare.
I am always surprised how MF, a small place compared to CE, has so much more to offer. AND they are building parks etc.
The GC has been a disappointment this past 6 weeks, and I hope they will come 'alive' now that it's cooler and more golfers will come. Ive never seen the GC so dead in high season. At the same time Ive not seen CE so busy. The car parks were full. A lost opportunity. We've walked out twice, and have only gone there with a pre-arranged meeting with friends.
Thank goodness for the shop, the social centre of CE..... And to have Monte Francisco so close by.
Jon
With local and EU funding, they are building a park with sculptures etc just opposite the Campesino resto/bar community centre.
The Campesino has recently reopened with a new (& charming) manager, Lucia who speaks a bit of English. There is no resto, (for the moment) but snacks like eg bifanas, bacalhao a la bras etc are available......also on Sunday's there is often live music around 19:30.
We enjoy lunching in MF and having pre/post drinks at amazing prices at either Campesino, or the little bar/resto opposite Cacadores run by the equally charming Maria and her daughter Deborah.
With the Golf club charging 3.50€ for a beer,
its better and cheaper to have a day out with friends and share the taxi fare.I am always surprised how MF, a small place compared to CE, has so much more to offer. AND they are building parks etc.
The GC has been a disappointment this past 6 weeks, and I hope they will come 'alive' now that it's cooler and more golfers will come. Ive never seen the GC so dead in high season. At the same time Ive not seen CE so busy. The car parks were full. A lost opportunity. We've walked out twice, and have only gone there with a pre-arranged meeting with friends.
Thank goodness for the shop, the social centre of CE..... And to have Monte Francisco so close by.
Jon
Last edited by Jon-Bxl; Sep 21st 2017 at 10:56 am.
Sep 25th 2017, 8:27 pm
#2
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 231
Re: Monte Francisco
Things are looking up in MF.
With local and EU funding, they are building a park with sculptures etc just opposite the Campesino resto/bar community centre.
The Campesino has recently reopened with a new (& charming) manager, Lucia who speaks a bit of English. There is no resto, (for the moment) but snacks like eg bifanas, bacalhao a la bras etc are available......also on Sunday's there is often live music around 19:30.
We enjoy lunching in MF and having pre/post drinks at amazing prices at either Campesino, or the little bar/resto opposite Cacadores run by the equally charming Maria and her daughter Deborah.
With the Golf club charging 3.50€ for a beer, its better and cheaper to have a day out with friends and share the taxi fare.
I am always surprised how MF, a small place compared to CE, has so much more to offer. AND they are building parks etc.
The GC has been a disappointment this past 6 weeks, and I hope they will come 'alive' now that it's cooler and more golfers will come. Ive never seen the GC so dead in high season. At the same time Ive not seen CE so busy. The car parks were full. A lost opportunity. We've walked out twice, and have only gone there with a pre-arranged meeting with friends.
Thank goodness for the shop, the social centre of CE..... And to have Monte Francisco so close by.
Jon
With local and EU funding, they are building a park with sculptures etc just opposite the Campesino resto/bar community centre.
The Campesino has recently reopened with a new (& charming) manager, Lucia who speaks a bit of English. There is no resto, (for the moment) but snacks like eg bifanas, bacalhao a la bras etc are available......also on Sunday's there is often live music around 19:30.
We enjoy lunching in MF and having pre/post drinks at amazing prices at either Campesino, or the little bar/resto opposite Cacadores run by the equally charming Maria and her daughter Deborah.
With the Golf club charging 3.50€ for a beer,
its better and cheaper to have a day out with friends and share the taxi fare.I am always surprised how MF, a small place compared to CE, has so much more to offer. AND they are building parks etc.
The GC has been a disappointment this past 6 weeks, and I hope they will come 'alive' now that it's cooler and more golfers will come. Ive never seen the GC so dead in high season. At the same time Ive not seen CE so busy. The car parks were full. A lost opportunity. We've walked out twice, and have only gone there with a pre-arranged meeting with friends.
Thank goodness for the shop, the social centre of CE..... And to have Monte Francisco so close by.
Jon
Oct 1st 2017, 11:55 am
#3
Banned
Joined: Jun 2015
Location: Algarve, Portugal.
Posts: 4,478
Re: Monte Francisco
Things are looking up in MF.
With local and EU funding, they are building a park with sculptures etc just opposite the Campesino resto/bar community centre.
The Campesino has recently reopened with a new (& charming) manager, Lucia who speaks a bit of English. There is no resto, (for the moment) but snacks like eg bifanas, bacalhao a la bras etc are available......also on Sunday's there is often live music around 19:30.
We enjoy lunching in MF and having pre/post drinks at amazing prices at either Campesino, or the little bar/resto opposite Cacadores run by the equally charming Maria and her daughter Deborah.
With the Golf club charging 3.50€ for a beer, its better and cheaper to have a day out with friends and share the taxi fare.
I am always surprised how MF, a small place compared to CE, has so much more to offer. AND they are building parks etc.
The GC has been a disappointment this past 6 weeks, and I hope they will come 'alive' now that it's cooler and more golfers will come. Ive never seen the GC so dead in high season. At the same time Ive not seen CE so busy. The car parks were full. A lost opportunity. We've walked out twice, and have only gone there with a pre-arranged meeting with friends.
Thank goodness for the shop, the social centre of CE..... And to have Monte Francisco so close by.
Jon
With local and EU funding, they are building a park with sculptures etc just opposite the Campesino resto/bar community centre.
The Campesino has recently reopened with a new (& charming) manager, Lucia who speaks a bit of English. There is no resto, (for the moment) but snacks like eg bifanas, bacalhao a la bras etc are available......also on Sunday's there is often live music around 19:30.
We enjoy lunching in MF and having pre/post drinks at amazing prices at either Campesino, or the little bar/resto opposite Cacadores run by the equally charming Maria and her daughter Deborah.
With the Golf club charging 3.50€ for a beer,
its better and cheaper to have a day out with friends and share the taxi fare.I am always surprised how MF, a small place compared to CE, has so much more to offer. AND they are building parks etc.
The GC has been a disappointment this past 6 weeks, and I hope they will come 'alive' now that it's cooler and more golfers will come. Ive never seen the GC so dead in high season. At the same time Ive not seen CE so busy. The car parks were full. A lost opportunity. We've walked out twice, and have only gone there with a pre-arranged meeting with friends.
Thank goodness for the shop, the social centre of CE..... And to have Monte Francisco so close by.
Jon
Hi Jon,
You mean the Portuguese MF village near the C.M course??
Thanks
Oct 1st 2017, 12:09 pm
#4
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2007
Location: Ayamonte
Posts: 876
Re: Monte Francisco
Yes he does
Oct 4th 2017, 4:10 pm
#6
BE Enthusiast
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 465
Re: Monte Francisco
Guys, If you consider 3.50 for a GC beer is pricey I felt truly ripped off at the SUGAR REEF yesterday. In spring this year they made it known their Guiness was now Full on draught. No fizzed up 500m cans, but a full pint of draught. In 2016 it was 4.00 euros, and then this spring it went up to 4.50 but it WAS real draught Guiness. Yesterday, I ordered and then I heard the snap of a ring pull can being opened which was disappointing. My biggest gripe is the price is now 5.00 euros AND we are back to only 500ml not a pint (568 ml ).
Much as I like the location I will not be going back. Plently of other bars.
Much as I like the location I will not be going back. Plently of other bars.
Oct 6th 2017, 7:21 am
#7
BE Positive
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,980
Re: Monte Francisco
Guys, If you consider 3.50 for a GC beer is pricey I felt truly ripped off at the SUGAR REEF yesterday. In spring this year they made it known their Guiness was now Full on draught. No fizzed up 500m cans, but a full pint of draught. In 2016 it was 4.00 euros, and then this spring it went up to 4.50 but it WAS real draught Guiness. Yesterday, I ordered and then I heard the snap of a ring pull can being opened which was disappointing. My biggest gripe is the price is now 5.00 euros AND we are back to only 500ml not a pint (568 ml ).
Much as I like the location I will not be going back. Plently of other bars.
Much as I like the location I will not be going back. Plently of other bars.
If you fancy eating al fresco, you can eat (say) at the resto on the T junction - square in CM where you turn left to go to the chemist or PO. There is a board on the tree a few yards before with the dishes of the day.
If you get a group together its fun to eat in the covered courtyard at Tasca Medieval in CM. Just past the roundabout opposite the camper vans.
I should have named this thread Castro Marin AND MF.
Have fun!!
Jon
Oct 6th 2017, 7:40 am
#8
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 47
Re: Monte Francisco
Re. The Sugar Reef, we love going there after a day on the beach for a couple before heading back home for a shower etc, and also for any sporting events we want to watch, and Tina is the life-blood of that place, she is quite an exceptional host and without her, the place wouldn't exist. Having said that, yes, the prices are a bit lumpy and creeping up, but in my opinion the measure's have in the last 6 months or so, been reduced quite drastically. So previously you didn't mind paying 5 Euro's or so for a Bacardi & Coke, because the measures were huge, but sadly now the measure's being served don't really warrant the cost you're getting charged, which in my opinion has taken the attraction of going there away a little. All of this is soley my opinion of course, but we'll still use the place as it's become part of our holidays in the CE/Ayamonte area.
Also, having seen the positive comments about MF & CM, we'll also have to start hunting some of the resto's/bars in those locations, quite a hardship don't you think ??.
....
Also, having seen the positive comments about MF & CM, we'll also have to start hunting some of the resto's/bars in those locations, quite a hardship don't you think ??.
....
Oct 6th 2017, 8:25 am
#9
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Joined: Nov 2004
Location: Ayamonte
Posts: 1,022
Re: Monte Francisco
Re. The Sugar Reef, we love going there after a day on the beach for a couple before heading back home for a shower etc, and also for any sporting events we want to watch, and Tina is the life-blood of that place, she is quite an exceptional host and without her, the place wouldn't exist. Having said that, yes, the prices are a bit lumpy and creeping up, but in my opinion the measure's have in the last 6 months or so, been reduced quite drastically. So previously you didn't mind paying 5 Euro's or so for a Bacardi & Coke, because the measures were huge, but sadly now the measure's being served don't really warrant the cost you're getting charged, which in my opinion has taken the attraction of going there away a little. All of this is soley my opinion of course, but we'll still use the place as it's become part of our holidays in the CE/Ayamonte area.
Also, having seen the positive comments about MF & CM, we'll also have to start hunting some of the resto's/bars in those locations, quite a hardship don't you think ??. ....
Also, having seen the positive comments about MF & CM, we'll also have to start hunting some of the resto's/bars in those locations, quite a hardship don't you think ??.
....Last edited by MikeCol; Oct 6th 2017 at 8:28 am.
Oct 6th 2017, 8:27 am
#10
Forum Regular
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 35
Re: Monte Francisco
Likewise we only go near the place if unable to watch rugby matches elsewhere. There are rumours that they are intending to make a bid for Jags old place which is all well and good but I would much prefer a Spanish resto than the full English type fare on offer in the Sugar reef. Also agree that MF restos are v good value.
Oct 6th 2017, 9:08 am
#11
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 47
Re: Monte Francisco
Well we're hoping to get out again for a sneaky week late November, and will defo have a drive around MF & CM for a look-see, appreciate that it won't be as busy as in the summer months, but will give us a good understanding of the roads & potential locations etc.
Appreciate it's only a rumor, but wouldn't take much notice of the "Jag's" rumor though, we've heard one or two others, and the Sugar Reef/Jag's one could be well down the order of merit !!. Having said that, if it were to happen, got to be way better that the current status at Jag's, regardless !?.
Appreciate it's only a rumor, but wouldn't take much notice of the "Jag's" rumor though, we've heard one or two others, and the Sugar Reef/Jag's one could be well down the order of merit !!. Having said that, if it were to happen, got to be way better that the current status at Jag's, regardless !?.
Oct 6th 2017, 11:20 am
#12
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 465
Re: Monte Francisco
Apparently, the group of homeowners that control the hola 19 property would only give a maximum lease of 5 years. I understand that Manolo removed all the kitchen equipment and extraction chimney hence the business will require a substantial investment to get it up and running. Suppose you go to all that effort, work long hard hours to make it a success and then the owners jointly decide not to renew your lease in favour of someone else. The capital investment required is too great to write down in only five years. I therefore do NOT see it reopening anytime soon. Shame, as it was so handy for us.
Oct 18th 2017, 6:50 am
#13
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 231
Re: Monte Francisco
Things are looking up in MF.
With local and EU funding, they are building a park with sculptures etc just opposite the Campesino resto/bar community centre.
The Campesino has recently reopened with a new (& charming) manager, Lucia who speaks a bit of English. There is no resto, (for the moment) but snacks like eg bifanas, bacalhao a la bras etc are available......also on Sunday's there is often live music around 19:30.
We enjoy lunching in MF and having pre/post drinks at amazing prices at either Campesino, or the little bar/resto opposite Cacadores run by the equally charming Maria and her daughter Deborah.
With the Golf club charging 3.50€ for a beer, its better and cheaper to have a day out with friends and share the taxi fare.
I am always surprised how MF, a small place compared to CE, has so much more to offer. AND they are building parks etc.
The GC has been a disappointment this past 6 weeks, and I hope they will come 'alive' now that it's cooler and more golfers will come. Ive never seen the GC so dead in high season. At the same time Ive not seen CE so busy. The car parks were full. A lost opportunity. We've walked out twice, and have only gone there with a pre-arranged meeting with friends.
Thank goodness for the shop, the social centre of CE..... And to have Monte Francisco so close by.
Jon
With local and EU funding, they are building a park with sculptures etc just opposite the Campesino resto/bar community centre.
The Campesino has recently reopened with a new (& charming) manager, Lucia who speaks a bit of English. There is no resto, (for the moment) but snacks like eg bifanas, bacalhao a la bras etc are available......also on Sunday's there is often live music around 19:30.
We enjoy lunching in MF and having pre/post drinks at amazing prices at either Campesino, or the little bar/resto opposite Cacadores run by the equally charming Maria and her daughter Deborah.
With the Golf club charging 3.50€ for a beer,
its better and cheaper to have a day out with friends and share the taxi fare.I am always surprised how MF, a small place compared to CE, has so much more to offer. AND they are building parks etc.
The GC has been a disappointment this past 6 weeks, and I hope they will come 'alive' now that it's cooler and more golfers will come. Ive never seen the GC so dead in high season. At the same time Ive not seen CE so busy. The car parks were full. A lost opportunity. We've walked out twice, and have only gone there with a pre-arranged meeting with friends.
Thank goodness for the shop, the social centre of CE..... And to have Monte Francisco so close by.
Jon
We didn't eat but the smells coming out of the kitchen were
Wonderful. Lucia The manager is under going transforming the out
side area. A new brick built Stage is nearing Completion, plus new
banquetas out side. The Sunday nite Dancing has now moved
inside for the winter.
Oct 20th 2017, 8:19 am
#14
BE Positive
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,980
Re: Monte Francisco
Hi Jon We were there on Sunday 3.20 For 2 pints of very cold larger.
We didn't eat but the smells coming out of the kitchen were
Wonderful. Lucia The manager is under going transforming the out
side area. A new brick built Stage is nearing Completion, plus new
banquetas out side. The Sunday nite Dancing has now moved
inside for the winter.
We didn't eat but the smells coming out of the kitchen were
Wonderful. Lucia The manager is under going transforming the out
side area. A new brick built Stage is nearing Completion, plus new
banquetas out side. The Sunday nite Dancing has now moved
inside for the winter.
Thanks Bill and Claire
Isnt it great to see what they can do just across the water in a smaller development, imagine if we had some of that happening in the huge CE development.
Lets go there next time we get together!
Cheers
Jon
Oct 20th 2017, 8:53 am
#15
Banned
Joined: Jun 2015
Location: Algarve, Portugal.
Posts: 4,478
Re: Monte Francisco
Really will have to explore it some more. I must have walked round in my usual daze.