New Sports Bar

[R.Wethereyet]

Monte Carvoeiro has a 2/3 month window of opportunity, June, July and August, the rest of the year it is dead. Phoenix Nites does OK most of the year, but that is because Tim has worked hard at getting a strong local client base who support him through the year, and he has pitched his prices sensibly. He is also a family friendly place with something for kids.

The Jazz Club and Coctail Academy charge much higher prices and wrongly believe that the customers don't mind paying over the top prices for something a bit different whilst on holiday. Wrong, last year proved this doesn't work as both places were very quiet even during the summer months, and through winter have been deserted.

Even in town many many bars have struggled, not because of the prices, but because they all seem to think that every visitor and local wants sport, karaoke, ear shattering music and live acts day in and day out. Many people that I spoke to were weary of the same old offering, what they wanted was somewhere to go for a drink in pleasant surroudings, with decent background music and smiling friendly staff. Somewhere they could have a conversation and be heard, didn't have drinks being spilled over them or having to wade through 'water' in the toilets, and most importantly where the owner showed he/she was actually pleased to have their custom.

Regarding prices in Carvoeiro, these have been stable for the last two years, and it's only the exchange rate that has made prices seem higher. I have heard on many occasion people converting the euro price back into pounds, and then remarking that the bill was nearly as much as it would be at home.

I'm pretty certain that British businesses don't drop their prices for Portuguese visitors because their average wage is nearly a third of that in Britain.

[shanagarry]

Couldn't agree more - well said

[EMM]

Report in Sunday Times which stated that in Turkey in the main resorts, bars, hotels etc have substantially raised prices in 2010.

A meal for two now costs more than Spain, Italy and Turkey.

Taking a " Standard " basket of holiday purchases , costs in Spain have come down as much as 30% and in Portugal 19%.

It would be nice to know what makes up these comparisons .

[shanagarry]

What impact has it had on holiday bookings - none I suspect - yet.

I can picture it now - all those who have booked cheap flights and villas - wandering aimlessly from restaurant to restaurant - bar to bar complaining about the prices.

Somethings never change - ah well

[soulman]

Whole heartedly agree R.W. and sorry Campoes, good luck for your new venture, I hope it goes well for you.
Price isn't everything, it's the people behind the business that counts. Carvoeiro Bar used to be our favourite holiday bar when we came over, their prices were always the same as everyone else's, but we would always get a warm and friendly welcome from Joke and Jennifer, and would always be remembered by someone in there from our previous visits. It was like a local pub away from home. It had a great atmosphere and good music and we always met new friends from around the world who we could chat to, however, after it changed hands it lost something, and we have only ventured in a couple of times as it is always empty now.
It just goes to show that a great reputation doesn't guarantee future success, however if you are 100% commited, know what your doing, know your market and know how to look after your clients, it can work.

[jonboy]

A brave move in the current environment. From what I know many of the bars are seeking rent reductions from the owners as the re sale market for bars in the region is dead. If you are acash buyer are able to lever an exceptional purchase price and are not in need of a re sale in the next 5-7 years then there is a sporting chance of making a buck or two longer term. However this assumes you are in a prime location and able to attract oodles of clients during the peak months 7 days a week and a good flow in the down season.

[stumball27]

Good luck to you, West Ham fan here, will be out in September and will definitely have a walk up to see your venture, up the Hammers!!!!

[Bristle Si]

An interesting development here and some interesting replies.

We've been visiting CVO for about 8 years now (will return in Sept for 10 nights) and we've always stayed up at Monte CVO in apartments.

For most of our visits we used the circle of restaurants and bars in Monte CVO about 4 or 5 times during a 2 week stay. However, during the last 2 years we've found ourselves only using this area about twice, preferring the livelier town of CVO. The clue is in the word 'livelier'.

I'm afraid we've found the Monte CVO development of bars and restaurants just plain 'dead' these last couple of years. And when we came out last Sept to find the Indian closed that was a disaster for us! The only saving grace in the 'development' in our opinion is Luis and The Cocktail Garden. Always used this bar for a chilled evening, when we'd done a few nights in a row in town.

We've found the other restaurants in this development over priced for the food - i've expressed these opinions before i know.

It's a shame really because the evenings in the 'circle' were always entertaining; i think some years they had things going on like live music and artists and hair braiders there which brought a nice holiday atmosphere to the 'circle'.

I wish you luck with your bar, but the feel of this place the last couple of years, with units shut down and businesses coming and going, has made it a 'last resort' place to go for us. I really hope you can make a go of it, but i fear you'll find it very tough.

[jonnyhicks]

Now then all you sceptics & none sceptics for that matter.

What this new sports bar will provide is :-
A vacant unit on the development now being occupied
A different type of enviroment to enjoy a drink on MC, dont get the wrong impression of a "Sports Bar" it might not be the typical English establishment your expecting.
A comfortable, friendly enviroment to enjoy a drink & watch your chosen sport.
Friendly, smiling, welcoming landlords that will provide reasonable priced food & drink, value your custom & remember your name when you return.

Senhor Campos has been brave enough to invest in this vacant unit, be brave enough to visit it on your next hols, then make an assesment you never know you might just enjoy it.

NB
Those complaining about the price of food & drink might like to try the local lager (surely you dont drink bottled Italian lager in Portugal) & home cooked snacks that will be available.

Good luck & go for it you guys

[tricky]

I agree
anything that can bring the life back to Monte Carvoeiro has got to be good

[Gary/Gaynor]

please not another place showing football etc.,
Gaynor

[campos]

please not another place showing football etc.,
Gaynor

Its not only Football all other major sporting events showing

[EMM]

We certainly will look in.

Too many tourists/visitors are unaware of Monte Carvoeiro and that you Do Not have to endure the " uphill walks " if you are staying
in the general area.

[Gary/Gaynor]

everywhere I turn there's a bloomin' TV showing some sort of sport, is there no originality left? my personal opinion for what it's worth.
Gaynor

[SJ & RE]

I hope someone opens a sport, child free, smoke free etc bar. At least it will be somewhere I can chill without screams, from the adults as well as the monster kids. without shrill whistles screaching from the tv where the idiot line men on the footie use their whistle like a dummy always in their mouths blowing it like a demon. Somewhere where civilized people may wish to enter the doors to friendliness, chat and the odd drink without getting plastered , swearing or showing their arses which I admit are better than their faces sometimes.
Probably though this bar is in my dreams as a bar on this level would not survive in the financial climate.