IT BAR OPENING AS SUPERMARKET?

Was at HDA last week.

Resort was busy and looked immaculate.

Heard that the IT bar was opening as a small supermarket and cafe.

Lights were on in the Hotel.

Would have gone to the fish and chip night in the clubhouse but it wasn't advertised so missed it.

6star cruise ship in Port in Cartegena on Tuesday,,must be so good for the shops as it was crowded.

I too spent the last 10 days at HDA and it was in good shape with lots of tree pruning etc.

I went to the Friday fish and chip night at the club and there was about 20 or so people in there. I have to say what a marked improvement from my previous visits with both the food and service. Excellent value at 14 euros for 3 courses. It has changed hands and is much better with a mixture of Spanish and English dishes. Visited 3 evenings out of my 10, all were excellent.

Also spent some time at Spaniard Inn. Food is fairly basic here as its on the BBQ griddle but its quite good. Started doing roasts on a Sunday and the odd special of the day. They should do afew more dishes as not everyone wants something and chips, maybe a paella, or garlic prawns, or a pasta dish. etc. Also just wish the bar had more relaxing areas with a couple of sofas, lit candles, softer music etc.  They could easily turn it into a more wine bar feel of an evening and probably improve their turnover. I would certaintly stay for longer periods if it was more comfortable. Still, great to have a bar on site and really hope it works out for them.

Weather was good and look forward to my next visit, im starting to enjoy HDA again !

We too are now enjoying going to HDA.

The Spaniard Inn has made the world of difference.I agree the food is well cooked and good value for money but as you say there are chips with everything and loads of them. I asked for a jacket potatoe instead of the chips and had to pay extra for it despite not having the two ton of chips,this I found very strange. We asked if they had any pasta and were told no.

In Mercadona they sell exellent chilled trays of cannilloni ect. for around €2 it would be easy to buy a few and just heat them up.There must be a profit to be made by doing this,after all thats what our local pubs do.

Hi Ricky and Phase1

We are off to HDA, next week too !

We know Kevin and Joe really well and I will recommend that they read your points, I totally agree.

The food is great but it is chips with everything and your ideas are good, I will see what they say.

Kindest regards

Garry

Hi Gary,

Hope you have a great week.The weather looks marvellous.Keep us all updated with any news.

Kind Regards,

Ricky

I used to visit HDA for 1 long weekend every month, say Thursday through to Sunday and with the cheap flights and car hire its used to be economically viable to do this. However, although flights are still relatively cheap, its the cost of car hire that puts me off staying for short regular periods anymore, and you need a car at HDA to buy groceries.

(I tend to use Carjet for but if anyone has any other suggestions for cheap car hire, please let me know)

If a supermarket or convenience shop does open and with Corvera only a taxi ride away, then short breaks without car hire is possible again, its also good news for any bar or restaurant as visitors are more likley to eat out in the resort.

I think HDA needs a company ( a bit like Barwell ) to organise short long weekend packages for golfers / tennis / football teams flying in and out of Corvera which will breath life into our resort. Word of mouth will soon get out and investors would hopefully be encouraged to open other facilities. HDA has all the facilities built and ready ( ie Spanish Village) it just needs the bank to offer initial rent free periods and attractive lease contracts to fill up the empty commercial units.

Hi Phase I

You are right about the car hire.

We ordered a Focus automatic from Centuro though bravocarhire last week and they gave us a 7 seater and the fuel cost was€104.We gave it back over half full and feel we were conned because they have a policy to return empty.

There were only 2 of us and when we said that we had ordered a much smaller car they said that was all they had available.

This is blatent because they know that  you will not use that amount of fuel.

The car hire was approx €300

Hi,

Point taken regarding food options at the bar, we always have weekly specials which are quite often pasta and rice. However we will endeavour to follow your suggestion and have a rice or pasta option on a permanent basis.  We will continue to expand and improve the menu within our theme and capability.

The menu options will always follow the bar theme which is that of a pub, tradionally know for decent portions, reasonable prices and a good selection of beers and booze (which believe me is not easy in this part of spain) and a lively atmosphere with live sports and music plus a family feel.

We have considered changing the furniture but to be honest that is what the club house offers, and to duplicate what little facilities the resort has to offer at this stage of its development is probably not what is needed.  That is not to say will will always take this view.

Those of you who know us, always know we genuinely welcome suggestions and ideas, some are taken on board, some not but all are appreciated and governed by business factors.

Thanks for the ideas and comments.

We hope you continue to enjoy the bar and please feel free to talk to us, as i have mentioned on many occassions, all of us owners have a vested interest in the success and future development of HDA.

See ya soon

Kev

Hi Kev

Great reply, everyone knows the support that the residents give you and Jo is crucial to the family feel and welcome provided by you all at The Spaniard Inn.

Without you guys I am sure the feel of the place would not be the same.  Not only the great food but a great meeting place too! 

The Spaniard Inn is the equivalent of 'The Rovers' of Coronation Street or 'The Vic' from Eastenders, (Without Betty's Hot Pot of course !!)

Keep up the good work guys. 

See you all next week my friend.

Garry, Paula, Matt & Dan