A decent pint of real ale—finally!

IT all happened, just like that. Two friends were discussing a world important situation late into the evening. Where does one get a good, decent, “proper” pint of real ale in Spain?

Neither had the answer but one of them decided to do something about it— Ian did.

He built his own brewery just up the road from here in a lovely place called Velez Rubio… right there in the shadow of the Indalo. With some grateful help from the Junta Andalucia who sponsored his building for the first three years, he made frequent trips back to England to take courses and consult other specialists.  His brew evolved.

What sincere welcoming news. Following a hot summer wherein one had to imbibe copious amounts of tasteless cold bubbles (lager beer) with the cooling of the season we can now sip on something with taste, lip smacking good.

Popular rumours fly quickly around Spain, and before too long, he got a first major order from a place that claims to be the best English bar in Spain, “The Robin Hood” in distant Estepona. Yet, you do not have to go that far to enjoy this simple pleasure. Mojacar’s own very popular ‘Bar La Finca’, just off the main beach road near Hortiflor, has Ian’s beer on tap. It is very fashionable with Mojacar’s senior football team and with me too, a favourite tipple indeed.

In fact, you can get it in 5 litre boxes with a spigot for just €12 for home consumption or  40 litre barrels for parties. They plan many other goodies for their growing public.

Why not take the morning off and treat yourself to a short trip up the road, it’s motorway all the way and a pleasant drive. While in Velez Rubio you can also visit the beautiful and unique cathedral.

Further up the road is Juan and Katy’s superb El Molino restaurant in the centre of Velez Blanco overlooked by that wonderful castle (recently renovated). Getting there, you drive right by the caves where the Indalo paintings were found so it’s a fun journey coming and going. Book a Brewery visit by phoning Ian Orpe on 678 027 462.

Well worth the adventure or note: Bar La Finca is holding a mini beer fest this weekend (September 16-18).

You deserve a “proper pint” for making it through the summer.