CHICA DE MAZARRÓN

  So last Saturday night, I'd planned to go out with friends and have a well deserved night off from the day job and blogging.... Then a saxophone started up, my blogging brain kicked right back into action and I knew I had to write about The All Skas! The last time I saw live music at The Condado Club, we were still under strict covid restrictions. So much so, the band Los Duques live streamed into the club exclusively, as they were not allowed to travel and perform - They were fantastic and against all the odds The Condado Club hosted a fantastic night under the circumstances. Saturday on the other hand was a totally different story and it was fabulous to see the club bouncing, full of happy people dancing, having fun and at last back to some sort of normal.  Ska music is a particular favourite of mine and whenever I see a new band I find myself in this catch 22, where I am so excited to hear them play but also praying they don't murder my favou...

  Set back from the paseo in El Puerto de Mazarrón you will find Cee Jay's Cafe Bar, just two streets back and a 3 minute walk from the front. Located on Avenida Tierno Galvan, down near the Gran Mundo Wok, it is simple to find. On arrival you will receive the warmest welcome, the cheekiest smile and top notch services from the gorgeous Carlos and his team.  Whether you are looking for a quick coffee, an afternoon of sipping something cold on the terrace, tapas, something more substantial or an evening of entertainment it is all on offer here.  The outside terrace offers plenty of seating with the options of sunshine or shade. There is a vast selection of beers, wines and spirits, tapas on display on the bar and a menu for snacks and main meals. The food and services are very focused around the British and you will enjoy the lively bustle of people enjoying themselves, the food and, of course, a drink in the sunshine. From English Breakfasts and Tostadas to Sandwiches, Su...

I' ve seen a couple of posts recently where people are asking what to do and who to call in an emergency here is Spain. Whilst those of us that live here generally know of the services available to us and the numbers to call, there will be newbies and holiday makers who aren't sure from time to time and so I thought I would post a few handy bits of info… Call 112 and ask for an English speaking operator, they are really good and will be able to accommodate this. 112 is the equivalent of our 999 in the UK and the operator will route the correct emergency services depending on your situation.  The other option, which not so many people are aware of is a mobile phone/tablet app called AlertCops.  You can download AlertCops from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store and other android app stores. Once downloaded the content is in English and this app can be used both for emergencies, as well as lower level communications you may need with the Policia.  You can fol...

  Thank you to everyone who reads my blog and the groups that allow me to post to their pages. In just under 2 weeks there has been over 1000 visitors to the blog pages and, whilst I appreciate it isn't everyones cup of tea, that is an incredible response for the local businesses, services and places we have on our doorstep.  In that time we have managed to accumulate readers from here in Spain, the UK, France, Begium, the Netherlands and the US to name but a few.  There have been so many likes, shares and positive comments about each of the businesses and services within the blogs, it has not only made me feel my writing is worth while but has also put a smile on a lot of buisness owers (and their employees) faces - for me that is all this is about, sharing our positive experiences and giving praise where it's due! If you would like to catch up on past blogs you may have missed, please click this link and feel free to make suggestions on things you´d like to see from me...

  So, this is a local business that I've used on very many occasions and their ever growing range of food and drink, entertainment offerings and support for charities and other local businesses if never something which esacpes my notice.  Often with a full days schedule packed in from opening to closing, I sometimes think it would be possible not only to eat three meals in a day there but also to finish the day with cocktails, live music and friends without even moving from my seat! With the above in mind, I have to say that a personal favourite of mine it to go up early morning on my day off, before the hustle and bustle of the day really begins and enjoy scrambled egg on toast, a big mug of tea and enjoy the company around me.   With a full breakfast/lunch and specials menu, afternoon tea, cakes, coffee, milkshakes, snacks, alcoholic drinks and cocktails there really is no end to what's on offer and how they keep up with it themselves I don't know!? In addition to ...

Aledo is a beautiful town located 30 minutes from Camposol, just on the other side of Totana and on the southern slope of the Sierra Espuña. With a population of  893 inhabitants Aledo has a very traditional Spanish feel and emits a magical feeling of community. As you drive up to the town through it's narrow, windy streets you get a sense of the history, tradition and community that Aledo has in abundance and as you reach the top, the view gives a glimpse of the true power of such a little town up high in the mountains.  On making it to the top of the village we were greeted by the imposing entrance to the church of Santa Maria La Real. The church was built on the location of a former Muslim mosque and is now a christian chapel.  Santa Maria is the patron of Aledo and within the church there are some extremely important sculptures, including the figure of Santa Maria La Real, as well as piece by the master of Baroque sculpture Fransisco Salzillo. Beyond the c...

Since moving to Spain I've tried many nail technicians and have never found anyone as good as my lady in the UK.... That is until now! I started to see posts appearing in my facebook feed for Nails by Bori Lovick and they kept grabbing my attention, until I finally dropped her an enquiry on messenger.  From that initial contact Bori was a pleasure to deal with - her replies were prompt, informative and both friendly and professional and so I booked an appointment.  On arriving at my home Bori had all the kit with her (god knows how she lumps it around all day without getting a bad back!) and she had plenty of choice of colours and designs.  She works maticulously, is incerdibly knowledgable of her trade and has a passion about her that fills you with confidence in her work and makes your appointment a nice relaxed experience.  The follow up message I received inbetween my appointments to make sure I was still happy with my nails was a nice touch and made me realise h...

  With the recent departure of the English Butchers on A, I thought you might find this blog of interest if you're missing your favourite cuts of meat and, of course, a good old British Banger! Reeves English Butchers has been around a long while, with their main shop in Torrevieja and more locally doing fresh deliveries to order across Camposol, Condado de Alhama, The Country Club, Mazarrón Town, El Puerto de Mazarrón and just about everywhere else inbetween.  With qualified British butchers, an extensive list of local and British suppliers the quality and range of their products is fantastic. Whether ordering for a BBQ, special occasion or just a good old English breakfast or roast dinner, I have never been disappointed.  I started using them during the lockdown and have to say I have never looked back. With various ways of ordering, either through their facebook page, WhatsApp, in their Torrevieja shop or through their camposol base at Luz del Sol it really couldn't be...

  One of my favourite ways to enjoy the beach is relaxing on a comfy lounger, cocktail in hand, the smell of tapas and listening to the giggles and music wafting from a friendly little Chiringuito. El Polvorín is a wonderful chringuito on Bolnuevo Playa, offering a vast variety of food and drink, as well as bistro tables on the decking in the shade to escape the sun or loungers on the beach to bask in it.  For 7€ a day you can hire a lounger and parasol and enjoy the delights of Bolnuevo Playa.  With plenty of free parking, just across the road, access to this gem is fantastic and everything you might need for a wonderful day at the beach is on hand - but arrive early, as they are extremely popular duing high season and they fill up quickly! The snacks and drinks are very reasonably priced and even if you don't fancy a day lounging on the beach, I would still recommend stopping by and taking in the atmosphere, views and fun of the beach whilst enjoying a coffe...

                                                         This is a blog I have been dying to write for some time and is, in my opinion, the perfect way to relaunch Chica de Mazarrón.  This restaurant is my absolute number one on Camposol and the team here really deserves the recognition, support and celebration they get.  As an absolute favourite with my friends and family, this is our go to place for any special occasion, be it a birthday, people visiting from the UK or just because we deserve to treat ourselves.  Since The Grove opened we have probably tried everything on the menu, including their famous homemade steak pie, seafood risottos and pastas, steaks, lamb, duck, chicken and many more regular dishes and house specials - there really is something for everyone and the standard and value of the fo...

¡Hola, I'm back! So, during one of the toughest lockdowns in Europe I created the Chica de Mazarrón blog to support, champion and celebrate the hardworking local businesses, beautiful places and experiences we have on our doorstep and generally promote the positive reasons to live or visit the Costa Calida and in particular Mazarrón.  At that time, there was a lot of uncertainty, fear and negativity that was having an impact on a beautiful place that has some amazing services, people, attractions and locations to offer.  As things picked up (and I got sidetracked with the day job) I felt things were moving in a positive direction and that Chica was no longer required.  It has been wonderful to see how things have grown and the progress made, in what I consider to be our first proper summer season since pre-pandemic, and I really want to see that continue.  With all the negativity in the world I've noticed recently some of the legal, well established businesses that h...