Last month Bar Amalia in Archez was opened by Dot Barrett. Dot is by no means a stranger to the community having lived in the village for around 11 years and is married to the local English electrician Mike.
Just before Dot and Mike moved to Spain they ran a Restaurant, Bar and Motel business in the Lincolnshire Wolds near Skegness. Dot was the chef serving both traditional pub food in the busy restaurant and fine dining at the weekends. It wasn’t unusual for Dot to cook for 90 to100 covers over the weekend. The Restaurant was so successful they bought a pub in the next village and ran both places at the same time! It was always Dots dream to have a restaurant as she loves cooking and has gained Diplomas in both professional cooking and ca employed as PA to MD of a large international group and attended corporate events where her love of cooking was well known so she was often invited into the kitchens of large hotels and shown around. Dot was also able to put her love of cooking into actual practice as she regularly entertained Mike’s clients at home. However, as soon as they were in a position to buy their own restaurant and the kids were older they fulfilled their dream of owning their own business and Dot could cook every day!
As a result of both business being successful Dot and Mike were incredibly busy leaving very little times for themselves and each other so they decided to slow down and retire to Spain. They settled in Archez and renovated a town house which kept them busy for a while. However, it wasn’t long before Dot was bored and looked to cooking to occupy the gap. Dot became well known in Archez for her fabulous Jams and chutneys then cakes and scones and more recently for her frozen meals, which she delivered locally.
At the beginning of the year they decided it was time once again to take on their own place as retirement and even semi retirement didn’t suit them! They were aware of Bar Amalia being up for rent and with its fabulous views and different seating, eating and drinking areas they thought it would be the perfect all year round place to take on. Dot explained they had to make a considerable investment, new kitchen, washer, cooker and utensils along with make the place brighter, lighter and more modern than before. So last month they finally opened Bar Amalia which they hope offers a place to dine, drink and relax in the lovely village of Archez with great views of the countryside. The Bar is separate to the dining areas and there is English television in the bar which will show the latest sporting events. However, the best bit is the food! Dot is back in the kitchen doing what she loves with a menu to appeal to all nationalities, from Shnitzel to Indian food alongside traditional Spanish favourites. Every week there are 4 to 5 specials which are changed every Friday evening giving you a reason to keep coming back to try something different. Along with a full menu you can also stop by for a snack, breakfast or tea and homemade cakes or scones. Sunday Lunch is also proving successful and this runs alongside their normal menu and specials board. Dot will continue her frozen meals business and this will operate out of the bar along with anything you want as takeaway on the menu. Also, her jams and chutneys can be bought that are on display in the bar which is called her Country Kitchen.
Dot is pleased to be back cooking and welcomes you to her restaurant and hopes you enjoy her meals as much as she has enjoyed preparing it.
