BEIRA RIO Meet the owners

People

ON THE RIVER’S EDGE

The stunning building that is Beira Rio is located on the edge of the River Gilão. Owner Joy Kennedy tells us their story.

This month we met up with the owners of one of our favourite restaurants, Beira Rio, to find out what brought them to the Algarve. The restaurant, previously owned by Gert and Ulrick, was bought by two Irish families in 2006. Vincent and Joy Kennedy had been frequent visitors to Tavira and the restaurant, along with his brother Sean and his wife Aileen, for over 10 years. Vincent and Sean, who previously worked together in the window industry for 25 years in Roscrea, Co. Tipperary, heard the restaurant was up for sale and did not hesitate in buying it. Sean and Aileen moved here first, shortly followed by Vincent and Joy with their 3 children, Allie 14, Cora 10 and Adam 6. They were in pursuit of a change in lifestyle and were up for the challenge of taking over the popular restaurant as they had always the loved the charming building. Joy and Vincent had been together for 15 years living in Roscrea, Co, Tipperary, although Joy was originally from Athlone, Co Westmeath. The resident Portuguese chef José, who had worked there for 20 years, remained when the business changed hands. Vincent and Sean advertised for an Irish chef to work alongside him to provide a diversity of authentic Portuguese and Irish cuisine. They found Mark Murphy, who moved over from Ireland to take the role. Beira Rio can be found across the Roman bridge from the Republic Square. Take the first alley on your left and it is situated 100 yards along the river on your right. The restaurant was opened in April 2007 and in November 2007 The Black Anchor Irish bar was opened. Joy and Vincent also managed to find time to get married at this point with a lovely wedding reception at Quinta Fonte Bispo. The authentic bar furniture was made in Ireland and shipped over, to give a traditionally Irish feel about it. The aim was for the bar to compliment the restaurant and it proves popular in its own right with locals, tourists and golfers. The bar is well stocked, cosy, has Guiness on tap and even boasts Sky sports, Sport TV and Setanta sports. In June they will be show-

ing the British Lions Tour of South Africa, World Cup Qualifiers, GAA hurling and Gaelic football. More recently, they have been putting on various live music in the bar which is immensely popular and in such demand that it will now be 3 nights a week, with Danny Maverick and Ged Sloan. It is rumoured that the stunning building used to be a girls’ school in times past with the boys’ school across the river. The banquet room can seat up to 100 people, and quite often is privately hired for wedding receptions or parties. Its display of artwork and subtle colours create a sophisticated environment. The top floor of the building is yet to be renovated but has huge potential, maybe even for accomodation or a B&B. The restaurant’s courtyard is also a great place for families to dine as is it a safe place for the children to play after dinner in a secure environment, with a pool table and a selection of toys. The recently improved area to the front of the restaurant is a great place to dine under the trees by the silent Gilão river, overlooking the ancient battlements. It proves to be an inviting, relaxed atmosphere. Although now a thriving business it is not without its difficulties. There were may legal aspects to conform to and some changes had to be made such as wheelchair access and a new fire alarm system. Joy and Vincent also had the children to settle into school which is no mean feat in itself when moving to a foreign country. All the children are happy and settled in their new life, with Allie at the International School in Almancil and Cora and Adam attending local Portuguese schools. They speak excellent Portuguese and have adapted well to the new surroundings. Joy admits it’s not always easy to juggle running a busy restaurant and bring up 3 children. They all love Tavira, and say it feels like home, they have made many new friends and met lots of interesting people. When they first arrived they lived in Moncarapacho, which was a great location but just a little too far to run the business in Tavira. The biggest problem at Beira Rio for most people is what to choose from the vast menu. Having spoken with

many friends and family that have eaten there, they often remark on being spoilt for choice. Beiro Rio caters for everyone, meat lovers, fish lovers, vegetarians and has a great childrens’ menu. Sunday lunch is also available with a varied choice of main courses or traditional roast. As if Joy and Vincent are not busy enough with the bar, restaurant and family life, they have also bought Patrick’s bar in Tavira which will be run by Sean and Aileen. The bar needs total reconsrtuction and renovation, which is underway, and they hope to be open for next season. I am sure it will prove to be as popular as Beira Rio. There is always a great buzz about the place and the staff are welcoming and friendly. The restaurant gets very busy in the summer so it is advisable to book, and even in the cooler months large groups of golfers can be found inside celebrating their triumphs. The Black Anchor bar is open all year round, but the restaurant has closed in the past for the winter months. For further information please see Beira Rio’s Ad below, or call Joy on; Tlm 916 822 117

www.beiroriotavira.com

Available TV channels Specialities: Home made soups, Salads, Fresh 15 fish daily, Steaks, Cataplanas, Vegetarian dishes, Pasta dishes, Home made desserts, Irish coffee, Extensive range of wines & ports. Traditional Roast served every Sunday, Live Music

Available for group bookings, large seating area by the river.

Rua Borda d’Agua da Asseca, 46-50 - 8800-325 Tavira Tel./Fax 00 (351) 281 323 165 E-mail info@beirariotavira.com