The economic crisis appears to have even taken its toll on the South American musicians playing on the Balcon de Europa, only two of them around last night, the rest seemingly replaced by cardboard cutouts.
In a relatively short period of time, two to three years, they have gone from being groups of six to eight people in full regalia and playing a variety of instruments, such as panpipes and guitars, to a duo occasionally singing to a backing track or CD.
Meanwhile, the Balcon de Europa was pretty busy last night and even at 23:30 people were queuing for ice cream. Hardly surprising at is quite hot at night, there being no August breeze to speak of so far. I love the chocolate ice cream at this particular stand.
The Barbados in calle Fray Junipero Serra has changed ownership and Pat, who has served behind the bar at Barbados for the past fourteen years, was an unfortunate casualty of the changeover. Collateral damage is the usual expression these days I believe.
It is only a rumour, and unconfirmed, but thirty minutes notice does sound a tad on the short side! Particularly for someone on contract. If true, this would not, of course, be the fault of the new owners.
Popped into the newly opened Chapel and was greatly surprised to see that it is Ian who is running the bar. Ian, along with Rich, were the first owners of Bar Feliz in Prolongacion Antonio Millón.
The Chapel now serves tapas with the drinks and a beer and tapa will set you back €1.50.
Can’t say that I’ve seen any evidence at all of the Poop Squad who were supposed to be carrying out a campaign ‘with vigour’ against inconsiderate dog owners. Anyone else spotted anything?
Caught a bit of Flip at Cochran’s Pub, although I’m informed there is a cure now. Not particularly full, although it was Thursday night and the traditional changeover day, never the best day for most businesses.
I’m sure the two regular barmen downstairs at Cochran’s, who seem to have been there for years, would walk away with the prize if ever there was a ‘best bartender’ competition. The ease with which they can make their way through a packed dance floor balancing huge trays of drinks above their heads and not spill a drop, ducking and diving along the way, is almost an art form.