Re: Restaurants
 

Nothing but praise for the food the new chef turns out (when open).

The previous chef was a bit variable, we had some good meals and a couple of shockers.

I'm a bit concerned about the atmosphere. I know Manolo speaks no English (and why should we expect him to?) and seems a bit shy so maybe that's the barrier. Maybe what's needed is a really good manager with plenty of pub/resto experience. Not sure the amount of trade can stand it. Hopefully, as Manolo has the shop as his year round income and seems to close during the off season, there will be enough trade to sustain the business long enough for it to pick up and thrive. But I share John's worries, especially as the neighbour seems to have so much influence and no neighbourly feelings.

Re: Restaurants
 

Had dinner twice at the club house over the last week and we have been very pleasantly surprised. We found the menu to be nicely varied, food is well presented, perfectly cooked and portions are generous. The service, although a tad slow, is delivered by a charming young lady who is more than happy to help with wine selection. In fact she offered us a taste of the wine and if we didn't like it was prepared to take the bottle away. Fortunately, her recommendations were both very acceptable:)

Re: Restaurants
 

I agree that an experienced manager could make a huge difference.... same was said re the Golf club for years. There's MONEY in them thar clubs!!!

Also they should have regular opening hours, not a board outside saying open at 18:30 one day, no board another day (and closed) and then open all afternoon another day. Even weekday and weekend hours advertised clearly on the 19H door/gate and the shop. I also think they should not just rely on facebook to advertise e.g the re-opening. Even a poster with a DATE at the shop in addition and a DATE on the 19H gate would have been better.... and a 're-opening' event - with maybe posters on the bins (like Jag did) to spread the word. Just my personal opinion. We drive past daily when we are there. And I often see the sandwich board with the arrow pointing away from the 19H! It just takes a second to turn it around! An experienced manager would not let this happen. We are very fond of Amalia and JM - and really want them to succeed for them... and us, who are willing to pay for a good 'do'.

As mentioned in post 1074, events are a great way to get a community spirit going, some 'brand loyalty' and of course revenue for them. http://britishexpats.com/forum/ayamo.../#post11623311

I don't understand the noise rules. In order to open they had to build a HUGE wall to give the neighbours privacy, disabled ramps etc. This cost money and I cant see how they didn't have a agreement over music, opening hours and noise. Surely that would have been a fundamental part of the re-opening plan! Note the plan was also supported (and jointly run by) by the villa management community - so I am bemused as to why this obvious point was not covered. I know the villa owners that were active in this resto/club opening - and they 'know their onions' (pun intended :)) Like say live music OK till say 11/12pm. Pretty basic thinking/preparation/planning I would say. I'm even wondering if the neighbour was used as an excuse for not having music at the last event... which would be unfair IMO.

The good news is that both the 19H and GC are getting great food reviews - and to have that on the 'doorstep' is a great improvement.

Lets hope we can sort this opening thing with 19H - if it hasn't been sorted already right from the start... which I obviously reckon/guess was already covered previously.

Jon

Re: Restaurants
 

You may have a very good point there, Jon. There have been a lot of new purchases along the Ayala (some Brits). Perhaps some are not aware of their role in the H19H club? Maybe their community can vote in a set of sensible rules agreeable to neighbours and customers and therefore trump the individual complainants. After all, it must be in their financial interest to get a good subsidy for their community from a thriving operation.

Although rumour has it that there were some complaints from ME in Jag's day.
Personally I don't think music has to loud to be enjoyable. :cool:

Re: Restaurants
 

Hi Mike - its possible that new owners arent fully aware of their connection to the 19H. However the opening of 19H closely involved the management team of the community so I have to suppose that it was voted in... meaning with the absence of another vote - the original decision remains.

I have to believe that there were some agreements before any investment in e.g walls, ramps and kitchen extractors etc. But I don't know for sure. It doesn't make sense (to me) that they open with this huge 'banana skin' on the floor!

I'm sure ME also complained - but I have to assume again, that when a licence is granted there is some 'leeway' on noise. i.e you cant 'win' a complaint if there is noise/live music at say 10pm. I wonder if there is a limit and I suspect its around 11/12pm... in a residential community. In town much later.

Even an 11pm cutoff would work. The Brits aren't generally as late up as the Spanish and we could have an event ending then with drinks after and the Spanish can come for that before heading into town (maybe). Or just start 'early'. The Spanish are 'noisier' later than the Brits. In fact I know people that MEET after midnight to go out in Spain, when the Brits are thinking about hitting the sack! The nightclub in the Ind. Estate opened around 2am, when most clubs in the UK are closing... So there is more 'noise-flexibility' in Spain - I would suggest/suspect. I dont know for sure, though. This post is full of supposition on my part. This is NO criticism of the Spanish, many hot countries have later hours to enjoy the cooler evenings, so I suppose that there are more flexible noise rules to support that late night culture.

With events driving the biggest business (IMO) I would never open a resto/bar without some sort of agreement / understanding on the noise issue. It seems to me that this is a basic business requirement and the first thing to be crossed of the list... Note I am not an experienced resto-bar manager... but very experienced as a customer! :)

Jon

Re: Restaurants
 

If it's a big thumbs up re the food,and it's defiantly a thumbs up regards Location/ views/ and being local to us all,why don't we all just go there maybe once a fortnight, Saturday/Sunday,use it to meet up catch up and enjoy the Venue food,we don't have to have music playing, most people know each other and the place soon fills with chatter and laughter,if every one knew there were lots of people in more will follow,and it becomes and great place to go meet and socialise.

We all wanted it open,and now it's open,let's use it regardless,if it was your local Pub you would go there before driving past to another one,without us it will close for sure.

Ken.

Re: Restaurants
 

Good idea, although the main competition would be the Monday Club and I can't see that moving as it's so handy for a short stroll, and I would not even suggest it :sneaky:
Maybe you could host a "Thursday Club" invite all comers as the Monday Club seems to have erroneously a reputation as a men's club. Fridays and weekends might be more busy with visitors.

Re: Restaurants
 

Agree with all you say Ken, but I had a mate over for golf last week and suggested we go there for a drink and a meal. Unfortunately Manolo hasn't a clue about being mine host (I know this isn't news to anyone) but burying his nose in his ipad and just about making the effort to serve us a beer was enough to convince us to go elsewhere for a meal. Great shame as I would love to support it. I recall lovely evenings, in the Jag era, sitting on the terrace enjoying the view, good food, and the ambience, of a busy establishment....but a customer needs to feel valued and if I'm not, there are plenty of others who do make the effort. I would be disappointed to see it close but I won't give my hard earned to someone who doesn't appear to care.

Andy

Re: Restaurants
 

I wonder if he was reading (by google translate) BE Ayamonte Club on his iPad. ;)

There is so much good will towards the H19H (don't forget the 2 Hs as it is AngloSpanish name) which seems to be being squandered. Great shame.
Maybe a little of the problem is ours in the Brit culture of only drinking to get pissed in order to have a good time, which is at odds with the Spanish culture. Maybe Manolo has a cultural problem with drunken Brits - he just doesn't understand. I have seen several incidents of drunken Brits squaring up to each other - not an enriching experience and Manolo just doesn't know how to deal with it firmly and so it goes on. Just saying.
BTW I only drink in Moderation - perhaps that's what the name should have been :lol:

Re: Restaurants
 

Same here, far too mature to want to go to a resto/bar and get pie eyed. Can't say I like drunk Brits either but I sincerely hope he doesn't assume a couple of 60+ Brits automatically = drunks:)

Re: Restaurants
 

Trouble is that a couple of rotten apples - often holidaymakers who have no concept that people live or long term stay here - can spoil the barrel for the rest of us. Of course they have a God-given right to cause mayhem, after all they pay for it!

Re: Restaurants
 

I agree Ken, and mentioned in an earlier post that we go there just to give them business.... but have either been there alone or with maybe another couple, on many occasions. We've also planned to go in - even if alone - only to find they have decided to close. I also mentioned in that post that I am concerned about 19H and it could/might be 'use it or lose it'. I hope not. Amalia, JM, Carlos etc are part of the CE-scene and we sincerely hope they can come up with a formula for the 19H

The bottom line is that its been busy every time there has been an event... like the Paella, the 'birthday bash' in April, the beer day .. the wine day, the music afternoon etc. etc. Outside of that its been pretty empty.. and the opening hours are variable... when they should be fixed and advertised up front.

If they haven't planned for events - and/or aren't able to have scheduled events - then my concerns are magnified. They need a valid revenue stream. And I wonder if us going every fortnight would be enough for them. We already go more than that. It would be great if it became more of a local... but that's where the discussion about having an experienced bar manager came into the discussion. People dont 'feel' it as a local - in general, IMO. We have mutual friends (plural) who wont go there unless its a special occasion and other friends are bound to be there... We also know some friends, nice people, who have decided not to go as well.

The shop - or as we call it- 'the local' is really that, busy lots of the time with a good crowd having a laugh. Amalia is not 'experienced', but has managed to create a good atmosphere.... so it can be done.

So I remain a bit concerned about the future of 19H.. and will do my bit re 'clubs' - regular meet-ups - lunch meets etc... After all we have good food the best views .... and more importantly a great option in the crisis-hit CE. If they can get the formula right. Many (like ourselves) feel the same and we will come - with funds - to have a good time.
Jon

PS one shouldn't open a bar - if one cant handle people, at times getting drunk!
PPS we arent criticising here I think JM/Carlos needs some advice/help. We always get great service at 19H from them and the chef, Shamo will often come up for a chat. Great!

Re: Restaurants
 

Are we still talking about H19H? :wink_smile::wink_smile: :hysterical:

Re: Restaurants
 

There you go, being 'PC' again :) H19H is right, but I've got 19H stuck in my head.

Lets hope for a good season for them...

Cheers

Jon

Re: Restaurants
 

We went to Luis's (Restaurante Lupi in Monte Francisco) for the regular Wednesday night curry buffet last night. As usual, the food was great, but sadly we were the only people there.