Zanpedro café bar in Torre del Mar has its grand opening weekend on the 13th and 14th of May. The bar was previously known as Patrick's Place but has now been given a new lease of life, under the new management of Sandra and Peter. Drop by to meet them and of course take the Grapevine advert to get your free drink and take advantage of the free buffet!
Sandra and Peter moved to Spain at the beginning of this year. However, they opened at the end of January a month after taking possession of the bar. The opening party is this month – so what have they been up to! In the UK Sandra was a Psychiatric nurse for children and adults with special needs. Sandra only gave notice at her work place once they took over the bar. She needed to stay in the UK until her notice period ended. Peter came to Spain first, after completing his notice as manager of a food factory which manufactured marzipan and icing. Here, he was affectionately nicknamed by his friends as“Mr Marzi Mill!”
Sandra and Peter moved to Spain from Southport both looking for a better quality of life and more time together. They already had a holiday home in Torre del Mar which they eventually wanted to retire to. However, one day they decided why wait? Why not try to make a living in Spain? They spent a lot of time researching and looking at bars. Sandra explained she was born in a pub so she feels she was destined to run one, one day! Eventually they found what they were looking for. Sandra was drawn by the arches round the bar, the Spanish feel and Moroccan influence. With a terrace outside with sea view and inside seating they expect both summer and winter trade.
They opened the bar at the end of January with no changes made at all. Sandra and Peter, sensibly, wanted to understand the place, the people, what worked before and what didn't. Slowly over the last month they have begun to make their own mark on the place.
They don't want it to be known as just an “English bar”. They are keen to welcome all nationalities. Sandra and Peter have a sensible approach and aims. They are slowly making changes and just want to make a living, if more happens fantastic! They now offer a full menu with take -outs for the beach “off the beach” cocktails and a selection of tapas and Panini Melts. Their Full Breakfasts and Sunday Lunches are already enhancing their reputation. They offer a warm welcome to children with a special kids menu available, encouraging them to draw on their tablecloths!
Peter is a keen cyclist, often riding to work and wants to show cycling classics as well as the World Cup on their television. Other ideas for the future include deliveries in the area by telephone order. Perhaps this is another chance to see Peter in his Lycra cycling shorts! Also, Sandra would like the bar to hold activities such as Spanish speaking forums or ladies coffee mornings.
Zanpedro is open 7 days a week and is the only place in the area open Sunday morning for coffee. Food is served 10am -10pm and the bar is open until midnight sometimes later. They offer a traditional 2 course Sunday lunch 1.30pm -5.30pm for 9.00 Euros p/h.
So with all this hard work have they had a chance to miss the UK yet? Sandra answered “only Eastenders”. However, she now has family taping all the omnibuses and they are bringing the tapes out to her when they visit. So please don't tell Sandra what is going on in the soap and spoil it for her! Peter answered “Cains Bitter” (a Liverpool brew) but quickly added San Miguel is just as nice!
