ENJOYING SOME BEERS ON HOLIDAY IN THE ALGARVE

We have just come back from a week in the Algarve, Portugal ; staying in between Albufiera and Villamoura. Its the first time back since 1991, and typically, cant remember much about the last time ; although the beer was probably crap. One noticeable thing this time  was the number of Irish bars , but  more on that later.

ABADIA

STOUT

For the last 8 or so years we have holidayed in the Portuguese island of Madiera, so was expecting for the same beer. In Madiera I always enjoy the 5% Superbock Stout, and more recently Superbock Abadia, a magnificent 6.4%  Abbey Beer. 

The Stout is quite rare for a Southern European country. Easy to drink and at only 85 cents a bottle, a no brainer really. The Abadia hasnt been around as long as the stout and is a red coloured beer based on Belgian style . Abadia is Portuguese for Abbey.  Again, 85 cents !

 On finding out the hotel beer was some yellow fizz called Imperial, it was straight down to the supermarket to top up with the Abadia and the Stout. It was great to relax on the room balcony, supping a beer and watching the world go by.

 

THE SO CALLED BREWERY

A trip on the bus to Villamoura, where we stayed in 1991, was revealing. It looked nothing like I thought it would. First there was a huge Marina, and looking for somewhere for a drink, we passed one Irish Bar, then another then another. Finally, I spotted a large pub called The Brewery. This looks better. Was it bollocks !  It was just another Irish Bar and not a brewery , selling Guinness , Heineken, some local stuff and Kilkenny ( no relation). As a form of protest, we had a cup of tea!.

Still, near where we were staying was a great Italian restaurant, Travertinos,  with adjoining bar. As we were having a meal, next door in the bar was some raucous shouting, as a Portuguese league game was on the telly. It was just like being at home. What was unlike being at home was the fact when I walked in to go to the loo, there was no shifty locals staring at a stranger who had just walked in. They just carried on enjoying themselves. Not intimidating like some local boozers at home.

One more thing. Although we went to Travertinos three times we also tried another Italian. It looked busy and had 4 TV screens , all showing footy. As we sat down to order we noticed they all were showing the Newcastle Preston game . I don't know why as no bugger was watching it . Anyhow, the bloody mags won 16-4. ( Will leave you to work that one out ).

So, Madiera in September then.