Gibraltar Olive Press - Issue 24 by Olive Press Newspaper Spain

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the Gibraltar Olive Press October 1st - 14th

The Rock’s original community newspaper

A GROUP of Conservative MP’s have warned NATO’s Secretary General of Spain’s behaviour towards Gibraltar. In a letter to Jens Stoltenberg, the group label Spain’s recent conduct as a threat to British security, and warn that it could lead to a ‘serious’ incident at sea. It points to 210 ‘unlawful incursions’ of Spanish vessels into Gib waters, labelling Spain as an ‘increasingly unreliable’ NATO ally. “We personally fear that incursions will result in a serious incident at with collisions and serious injury,” the letter - headed by Filton and Bradley Stoke MP Jack Lopresti - reads.

Unreliable

“The fact that Spain impedes the free movement of NATO forces between Gibraltar and Spain is to the detriment of Western Security, for example not allowing US Naval ships to bunker in Gibraltar and then dock at Spanish ports.” They add that Spain’s decision to not permit the UK’s Royal Air Force to use Spanish airspace on their way to and from Gibraltar adds an estimated cost of £5,000 to £10,000 to each flight. The letter continues: “It seems to us that Spain’s behavior as a NATO ally is becoming increasingly unreliable. “The Spanish Government allows the refueling of Russian warships in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta at a time when Russia has invaded the Ukraine. “Yet the Spanish Foreign Minister makes ongoing verbal threats against Gibraltar.” Tory MPs Andrew Rosindell and Bob Stewart, as well as DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds, have also signed the letter. Opinion Page 6

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Olive Press

October

1st - 14th

August 7

- August

20 2014

dise

Laurence Dollimore welcome in finds a down-to-ear the high society paradise th

Caption

IT’S an absolute privilege to enthuses live here,” welcoming29-year-old Georgina gled to end me to her a sentence inguito Gigi’s. eponymousTaylor, than ‘dahling’, in anything elegant paradise.” “It’s such chira beautiful, You could have‘sweetie’ or ‘fabulous’. other “There’s This is Sotogrande, mistaken a lot of wealth for being her vately-owned gar or ostentatious,” Andalucia’s here but it’s time of too posh to pass residential largest not vulAnd super says Georgina super-estate. pri- onds of day. But within 30 the “Sotogrande ‘Gigi’, sec- Scratch meeting her, Sometimesit most certainly is. a.k.a. to is where grew ceptions described beneath tendingwho aire’s playground’, melt away. preconschool in up here, at- off relax in peace, they’rethe wealthy come as Spain’s the And it’s nearby Maror be seen, bella. “My the traquil not here pose-built the enclave ‘million- ubersame with Sotogrande, clients may it’s to show for a wealthy lionaires but chic was purwith the added be mil- Gigi, whose father very low key,” continues an opulence cosmopolitan they are happy municipalityurbanisation in the why Soto is from London. walk around bonuses of and designer boutiques crowd The is so special. of San Roque. 24-hour security, in flip flops to to stay under “That’s a community find eat chiringuito-style.” bluer-than-blue My first introduction and quality and sort the radar We have been able stacked with restaurants marina, of money that Gigi’s has been and attract came via the right a lifelong to this LA-like location and sailing gin palace yachts welcomes pening chiringuito Soto’s hap- Perhaps this through targeted Soto resident visitors up boats galore, marketing.” helps explain economy since who strug- backdrop to a multi-coloured is the awnings three years it set its Costa has consistentlywhy the resort’s ury apartments, but you enclave neighbours. ago, outperformed won’t catch villas and her business Throughout mansions. of lux- boasting Gigi or crisis, while areas the last partner Cristobal about prices plummet like Nerja visitors, sports their long list saw property by as togrande of regular stars or celebrity royal creased, they remainedmuch as 11%, in Soclients. stable and even inAnd whilesome well into the the grapevine double figures. believe the may have you area is full snooty of money-makers, scratch beneath the opulence and you willtranquil down-to-earth, find a munity ready sporty comto welcome visitors with open arms. “There’s such a community spirit here,” confirms resident Sue Davies, new who relocated 51, with husband Wayne last “There’s August. www.grupomol tionalitiesa great mix of nainodelconde.es and everyone Ribera del so supportive is Marlin, Sotogrande www.grupomol er, it makes of each othBlue Local inodelconde.es place to live.” it a wonderful Tel. +34 956 34 “There’s Antiguo Cortijo 61 55 69 Autovía A-7 do here just so much to too - golf, · Km 130 · Valderrama padel tennis, tennis, 11311 Sotogrande Tel. +34 956 beach,” she sailing or the 236 063 everything adds. “You have in one place and Turn

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Freed fisherman returns to Gibraltar after Ceuta jail ordeal

On hearing of Pincho’s release, Chief Minister Fabian Picardo tweeted his delight at the ‘great news’. During his time in prison, in Ceuta, Harrak said Pincho was treated ‘very well’. The family were allowed to visit once a week, but Harrak revealed that her brother turned down the offer of another visit to spare his family the difficulty of travelling to see him.

EXCLUSIVE By Joe Duggan A FISHERMAN wrongly arrested at sea by the Guardia Civil has spoken of his ‘relief’ after being released from a Ceuta prison. Jared Pincho has finally been discharged, a week after his two friends Stefan Saltariche and Dylan Barber. All three have now had charges of assault against them dropped. Pincho, 34, had been remanded in custody since his arrest on July 5, when the Guardia Civil appeared to speed towards his boat. All three men were arrested although Barber and Saltariche were released after a court hearing in Ceuta. Oddly, Pincho has now been barred from entering Ceuta for three years. Melanie Harrak, Pincho’s sister, told the Olive Press the family were delighted that the ordeal was over. “Jared is really tired. He was really nervous before the court hearing as he doesn’t really trust anyone at the minute,” she said. “But when the handcuffs came off he

Support

FINALLY FREE: (From left) Saltariche, Pincho and Barber was free. It was very emotional. He came out straight away and gave us a big hug. “He looked so relieved. He had no idea what was going to happen.” She added: “We celebrated with a big lunch in Ceuta and a party back at my

Tel: 00350 20065155

dad’s house that night.” Pincho’s arrest sparked a mass protest outside No6, with more than 100 people voicing their discontent. Meanwhile independent MP Marlene Hassan Nahon called for the family’s ‘nightmare’ to end.

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“He is a very strong man. When my parents went over to him, he protected them from showing how hard it was for him,” said Harrak. “It’s been very hard for my mum and dad.” She added: “He was an unlucky guy. There were 10 boats out there that day and it just happened to be his that was singled out. “I’d like to thank everybody who has helped, especially the government. My phone was overheating with all the messages of support from people.” The family are now planning to hold a delayed birthday celebration next weekend after Pincho turned 34 during his time in jail. They are also hoping to recover his boat, which is still being held by police in Ceuta. Opinion Page 6

CRIME

May 11th - May 24th 2016 www.gibraltarolivepress.com

NEWS IN BRIEF

History restored THE Convent’s centuries-old Franciscan frescoes will be restored in a bid to give insight into the Rock’s role as a launchpad for medieval Christian evangelisation in North Africa.

New friends CHIEF Minister Fabian Picardo met with Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat to explore post-Brexit economic ties between the two countries.

Alive and well FINANCIAL executive Andy Beckwith, 55, was found alive and well in Spain after going missing from his Gibraltar home for six days.

Case open SPANISH right-wing party Vox has filed a suit against Chief Minister Picardo for allowing for the ‘illegal’ arrest of its two members who flew a Spanish flag on the Upper Rock.

August 3rd - August 16th 2016

Drag him back! By Rob Horgan and Joe Duggan A BRITISH man wanted for questioning over missing Scottish expat Lisa Brown has been jailed for people smuggling. Stephen Jackson, 51, has been sentenced to four years and nine months for trying to smuggle a group of Albanians into the UK after entering a guilty plea. Jackson was arrested by Sussex Police in May when his catamaran was stormed at Chichester Marina. He was also served with extradition papers in relation to missing Lisa Brown and is expected to appear at extradition trial next month. However, he will not be deported to Spain until he has

REPAIRS: Nuclear submarine heads for UK base

Gibraltar carpenter facing extradition to Spain after being banged up for people smuggling

JAILED: Jackson (right) and missing Brown completed his prison sentence in the UK. Assistant Director David Fairclough, from Immigration Enforcement Criminal Investigations, said that Jackson was ‘at the centre’ of an organised people smuggling gang. A PORTUGUESE man has been charged Jackson is bewith assault and threatening to kill his lieved to be close friends with Lisa’s partner. Manuel De Sa Fernandes, a 54-year-old ex-partner Simon Laguna Estate resident was also charged Corner who has also been arrested with attempting to strangle his victim. He was charged after being arrested by over the motherdisapthe Area Response Team, who were called of-one’s in following a report of a domestic distur- pearance. A former carpenbance at his address. ter in Gibraltar, He remains in police custody. Jackson frequent-

Strangle suspect held

Sub-mission! ly moored his boat in Alcaidesa Marina over the last 12 months. ,it has been revealed. A yacht owner at the marina confirmed to the Olive Press that Jackson had moored his yacht there ‘at least two or three times’ in recent months. “He seemed like an ordinary guy. He used to sail over to Lanzarote and had a job as a carpenter in Gibraltar,” the yacht owner said. “When I heard the story about him smuggling those people I was surprised. He didn’t seem so stupid.” Another yacht owner, whose vessel had been moored near Corner’s, told the Olive Press that Spanish police investigating Brown’s disappearance had not yet been to the marina to talk to yacht owners.

THE nuclear submarine HMS Ambush has left Gibraltar to be repaired in the UK. The Royal Navy is thought to be facing a bill running into hundreds of thousands after the £1.2billion sub collided with a shipping tanker during a training exercise off the Rock. HMS Ambush sustained damage to its fin during the PAEDOPHILES could use accident, which took place the online Pokemon Go app to target children, police have last week.

Pokemon threat

warned. Pokemon users can send out a beam that guide other players to their location, with fears that this could be exploited by criminals. RGP Detective Superintendent Ian McGrail said: “We know criminals move quickly to exploit the latest developments to target victims, and this app will already be in their sights. “There have already been known incidents in the US where young people are thought to have been targeted through the app.”

Damage

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “The submarine suffered some external damage but there is absolutely no damage to her nuclear plant and no member of the ship's company was injured in the incident.” A 200-metre exclusion zone was placed around the submarine while its weapons were unloaded into port last week.

NE WS

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RIOT GANG: Kaiser Chiefs

Angry mob returns

BRITISH rockers Kaiser Chiefs are set to storm Torremolinos’ football stadium. The Leeds-based band will play smash hits I Predict a Riot and Ruby in front of a packed out El Pozuelo stadium. P o p u lar in the area, Kaiser Chiefs vowed to return to the region last summer after stealing the show at the Gibraltar Music Festival. In the crowd will be Olive Press competition winner Michael Cross who ‘cannot wait’ to see the frontman Ricky Wilson belting out The Angry Mob. “I would like to thank the Olive Press so much, I can’t believe I won,” Cross said.

Striking visit

August 3rd - August 16th 2016

Tardis on tour

DOCTOR WHO stars Peter Capaldi and Pearl Mackie have been filming for the hit BBC show in Spain. The stars travelled to Valencia to film the second episode at the Northern city’s City of Arts and Science Museum. Mackie will be making her debut as the Doctor’s new companion when the tenth series is broadcast in 2017. It will be Capaldi’s third series as the Doctor.

Real Madrid star flies into Gibraltar for some down time on the Costa del Sol SPOTTED: Bale on Costa del WELSH wizard Gareth Bale has swooped in to Gibraltar. The newly-engaged Real Madrid star was snapped heading out of Gibraltar Airport before stepping into a black Mercedes waiting for him on the La Linea side of the border. After having his photo taken with some cusBILLIONAIRE heiress Paris Hilton fears she may attract terrorists to Spain because she is a high profile target. The former reality TV star, who is currently DJing in Ibiza, has said recent terrorist attacks in Europe have made her ‘watch her back’. “I’m constantly moving around from one country to another and I’m a famous person who could be a definite target for an attack and that is something that sometimes terrifies me,” she said. “I’m also a very free person who tries not to be afraid of anything. I just make sure I always watch my back. “Many celebs have ten bodyguards but I like to go out with my friends and be normal because I want to be like everyone else.”

ON THE ROCK

Sol and (right) in Gibraltar

toms officers, the most expensive player in the world sped off up the coast. He later tweeted a photo of himself at glamorous Casares golf hotel Finca Cortesin, where he has been guarded around the clock by two sets of security guards. Renting an exclusive hotel villa, cost-

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HIGH PROFILE: Hilton

Paris will stay on the party island until September, with her last gig scheduled for September 3 at Amnesia nightclub.

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ing around £1,500 a night, he has been joined by his fiancee Emma Rhys-Jones and their two children. Similar villas are owned by his friend England International James Milner and the Botin family, who own Santander bank. In fact, he only proposed to Rhys-Jones a week before on a trip to Ibiza. The former Tottenham Hotspur star even paid a trip to a nearby Mercadona to pick up some supplies for the family. Bale, a keen golfer, has played at many of the local luxury courses, including Sotogrande’s Valderrama. Earlier this year he was spotted at the Spanish Open as part of Sergio Garcia’s entourage. After a summer spent skewering defenders at Euro 2016, Bale was enjoying a bit of downtime before pre-season training resumes with El Real’s galacticos. Bale had played at Scotland’s Royal Dornoch course the previous week before jetting over to Gibraltar.

Mum’s the word

TAKING some time out from watching her son’s historic Wimbledon victory, tennis mum Judy Murray landed on the Rock. Venturing up the Rock, Murray tweeted pictures of Gibraltar’s Barbary macaques, as she got a kick out of the tricks the monkeys play with one another. Murray’s accompanying message was: “Leap frogging monkeys. Yes, really. #Gibraltar.” Last month, Andy Murray became the only two-time British Wimbledon champion, male or female, in the Open era. He will be back in action in Rio this month where he hopes to add to his gold and silver Olympic medals collected at London 2012.

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Picardo pledge CHIEF MINISTER Fabian Picardo has vowed to make Gibraltar ‘stronger than ever’ despite the Brexit referendum result. In a heartfelt, rallying Facebook address, the Chief Minister said the time for action is now and that Gibraltar must look for ‘opportunities’ to strive. Picardo said: "We are looking for opportunities in this result. My obligation now is to not just manage this process in which we find ourselves, but to ensure that the end result is that Gibraltar is in a stronger position than ever. "That is not going to be easy, but we do have chances to do things now which were not even remote possibilities before.” He added: "This has been the most intellectually challenging time since my election and I confess I have not felt so intellectually, politically and professionally engaged in all my life." Picardo also slammed Spain’s acting Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo for 'bullying' Gibraltar. Describing the current political situation as a 'marathon pace', Picardo promised to 'bend over backwards' to fulfill his commitments to Gibraltar. "Thank you again for your confidence in allowing me to represent you at this important time in our history. I will not let you down," said Picardo.

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August 3rd - August 16th 2016

Big clean! DOZENS of fed-up residents have taken to Western Beach to clean up the shore. Despite complaining to the government about the ‘horrendous’ state of Western Beach, residents were ‘forced’ to take matters into their own hands. With rakes and spades at the ready, the clean-up operation lasted for eight hours. “It was great to see families of all ages helping out to clean up,” Susan Ignacio

EXCLUSIVE By Joe Duggan A FAMILY were left ‘devastated’ after being thrown out of a hotel because their six-yearold autistic son’s IPad was ‘too loud’. The Ritchie family from Gibraltar travelled to England for the fourth time so little Jay could have treatment for his condition at a local care centre. However, the trip was ruined when they were made to leave the hotel. Jay, mum Katharine Hanglin, father Jason Ritchie and sevenyear-old sister Ally-Adele were eating breakfast at the £80-aroom Russell Hotel in Tunbridge Wells when hotel owner Richard Morley approached them and ordered them to turn off Jay’s Ipad. When they family refused because it helps Jay to relax Morley threw them out. “He came over and put his face close to me and said: ‘Switch it off. It is distracting and disturbing everyone’,” Katharine told the Olive Press. “When I told him my son was autistic and it helps him relax

told the Olive Press. “It was in a dreadful state, with oil and black sea debris washed ashore. “Everyone mucked in, even my son was there doing his part.” She added: “Several complaints had been made to the government but they did nothing about it. “They even had reports from MoD families who live beside the beach, and still nothing was done.” MUCKING IN: Residents

Heartbreak hotel Autistic six-year-old ‘thrown out’ of hotel after using Ipad at breakfast

DEVASTATED: Jay and (right) with mum Katherine

he said: ‘I am the owner of the hotel and I want the Ipad off’.” “I was absolutely shocked. We have stayed in that hotel three times before. My little boy was just sitting there eating a sausage. He was so well behaved. She added: “He followed us up to the reception and said: ‘As the owner of the hotel I have the power to throw you out, and I want all of you out. Do not come here anymore’.”

“I couldn’t stop crying. I was absolutely devastated. Why would someone do that to a little boy?” The family were forced to find alternative accommodation and ended up having to shell out £850 for another hotel in Tunbridge Wells.

Katharine was forced to give up her job as as assistant manager at insurance firm Baker Tilly when Jay was diagnosed aged two so she could care for him. Jason Ritchie a 50-year-old welder, revealed how Gibraltar has rallied behind them. “People in Gibraltar have been incredible. The William Tilley Lodge and Wobbles charities even donated £4,500 for Jay, which is astonishing,” he said. When contacted by the Olive Press, Morley denied the family’s claims. Morley said: “They became very agitated causing disruption through a loud verbal assault accusing me personally of racism and discrimination.” “All of us at the Russell Hotel are saddened by this event.”

Drink up THE dried-out pools have been filled in the Upper Rock after an ‘infrastructure issue’ left the Rock’s Barbary macaques without a water source for nearly three weeks. Bus and taxi drivers were forced to give the monkeys bottled water to keep them hydrated after the two main drinking pools ran dry. After around a dozen complaints were lodged with the Environment department, the government worked with the MoD and AquaGib to resolve the issue. The infrastructure problem is now said to be resolved and should not cause another issue.

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C AM P O D E G I BR A LTAR

August 3rd - August 16th 2016

NEWS IN BRIEF

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August 3rd - August 16th 2016

The Rock’s only investigative

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OPINION Murky waters A TOTAL of 210 unlawful incursions by Spanish vessels into Gibraltarian waters is a shocking statistic. And one that, hopefully, NATO will sit up and take notice of now that a group of Conservative MPs have underlined the extent of the problem in an official letter. The risk to human life alone should be enough to force the head of NATO to act. And the Spanish government’s behaviour allowing Putin’s subs to load up on fuel and Russian sailors to splash their wages in Ceuta is hardly a glowing example of NATO fraternity. It’s time our concerns were listened to properly.

Fisherman’s friends THE return of Jared Pincho has come as a huge relief to his family, friends but it also relieves some of the tension around Spain and Gibraltar’s tense relationship. Arrested at sea and spirited off to Ceuta by the Guardia Civil, Pincho and his relatives faced an agonising wait to see what would befall him. The former soldier, who donated a kidney to his sister Melanie Harrak, is made of stern stuff, refusing an extra visit while in jail to spare his parents Joe and Maria Elena from having to make another trip to Morocco. It is also a victory for government lawyer Lloyd DeVincenzi and his team, who helped secure Pincho’s release. After he turned 34 while in prison, the family can now look forward to a belated birthday celebration.

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Named the best English language publication in Andalucia by the Rough Guides group.

ADMIN/SALES (+34) 951 273 575 Newsdesk (+34) 665 798 618 A campaigning, community newspaper, the Gibraltar Olive Press represents the local and expatriate communities working or living on the Rock with 10,000 copies distributed fortnightly on a Wednesday. Clarke Media Ltd. Registration number: 113878 Suite 2B, 143 Main Street, Gibraltar Printed by Corporación de Medios de Andalucía S.A.

How does life compare for Spaniards in London and Londoners in Spain since a vote for Brexit? Asks Laurence Dollimore

A tale of two cities

WHO do you think makes your coffee?” These are words Ramon Martinez never thought he would have to say until he found himself confronting a ‘fascist’ in a London coffee shop following Britain's departure from the EU. After hearing foreign languages being spoken, a white middle-aged man announced to the cafe in Richmond that ‘this island is too small for all you immigrants’, urging them to go back home. But to 71-year-old Ramon and his wife Genovea, 69, London is their home. The Spanish couple met in England when Genovea moved there in 1964, where she worked as a housekeeper. Ramon became a property developer and the pair raised three children in the Big Smoke.

Unwelcome

But since the vote for Brexit, the pair have confessed they no longer feel welcome in the city they have called home for 52 years. “We were devastated by the news and since the result we feel on edge a lot more,” Genovea tells the Olive Press, “We feel scared to speak in Spanish in London in case we get confronted or verbally abused.” The couple now say they want to spend more time in Spain to be closer to their

Publisher/ Editor

Jon Clarke jon@theolivepress.es

Newsdesk newsdesk@theolivepress.es Tel: (+34) 665 798 618 Rob Horgan rob@theolivepress.es Joe Duggan joe@theolivepress.es Laurence Dollimore laurence@theolivepress.es Admin & Accounts (+34) 951 273 575 Mirian Moreno – General Manager admin@theolivepress.es Maria González accounts@theolivepress.es (+34) 658 750 424 Héctor Santaella hector@theolivepress.es

Designer James Partington design@theolivepress.es Distribution Graham Warters distribution@theolivepress.es SALES TEAM: sales@theolivepress.es Chris Birkett - Head of Sales chris@theolivepress.es (+34) 652 512 956 Kerry Hicks kerry@theolivepress.es 655825683 Spanish Sales Irene Fernández irene@theolivepress.es (+34)692 725 475

PALS: Ramon and Alan

Costs in London Annual taxes: £5,000 Weekly food: £100 Council tax: £1600 Bottle of Rioja: £12 Cup of coffee: £3 Loss in pensions: £0 Health: 0

Costs in Sabinillas

Food: €130 Cup of coffee: €1.10 Bottle of Rioja: €3 Loss in pensions: €270/month Urb contribution: €380 a year Health: Dependent on need UNCERTAIN: Genovea and Ramon

will be, will be. Britain was great before and it will be great again, living here in Spain I would have voted to Remain but as a country I think it might be good that we are out.” Alan moved to Spain after decades of working as an engineer in East London started taking its toll on his health. “I was working 18 hour days and my doctor said to me if I didn’t make the move KEEPING CALM: Alan and Chrissie pronto then I wouldn’t be around much sons who live in Casares and the Canar- longer, and it was the best thing I ever did,” he says. ies. “We would like to move back maybe for “Obviously the cost of living here is a six months in the year, but we want to lot cheaper than London, I mean our urhave British passports,” explains Ra- banization maintenance costs are going mon, originally from Valencia, “Just so down to €380 a year.” I can say, ‘look, I am British!’, and also Chrissie said the pair only spend €130 a week on food, which isn’t much considerbecause we feel safer ing they eat out every day. abroad when we have Brit“And how much is it once ish passports.” It will impact us you take out the wine?!” While they confessed they fork out a lot more in costs but we have lived joked Alan. “I suppose not much because it’s only in the UK, they admitted they would not like to be- through parity and about €3 a bottle.” He adds: “The healthcare come residents in Spain because of the taxes on survived so we will here is also so efficient. income. get through this We both had our eyes done here and we were “London is a lot more in and out really quickly, expensive but luckily we while their aftercare is not have two properties in Wimbledon which we rent out and can as good or expected as it is in the UK, rely on,” Ramon adds, “While we spend it makes for a much more efficient seraround £2,400 a month on costs includ- vice and means their resources aren’t ing food, we are in love with London, we stretched, maybe something the NHS feel British and European, we just hope could take a few notes from.” that it can feel like our home again While they remained largely indifferent to Brexit, they admitted the drop in the soon.” While Ramon and Genovea have been pound’s value has impacted their penleft heartbroken, Sabinillas-based Brit- sions, losing around €270 a month. ons Alan Ashley, 71 and wife Chrissie, “Obviously it will impact us but we have lived through parity and survived so I’m 65, have been left largely unaffected. “I don’t worry about it,” says Alan, who sure we will get through this until the moved to Sabinillas 13 years ago. “What pound bounces back.”

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Tuna trawl Search for tuna on the Costa de la Luz Page 52

ÁS de 15.000 personas han firmado ya una petición que concedería a los expatriados británicos el derecho a la doble nacionalidad en España. Necesitamos vuestro apoyo para garantizar que se nos permita seguir trabajando y viviendo en vuestro país. Hemos elegido vivir aquí y hacer de España nuestro hogar. Muchos de nosotros tenemos negocios, hemos formado una familia aquí. Algunos tenemos parejas de nacionalidad española y, aunque quizá no a la perfección, hablamos vuestro struido enlaces muy fuertes con España, a través de escritores idioma. Creemos que contribuimos como Paul Preston, Gerald Breen gran parte al desarrollo nan y Laurie Lee. de la economía local, es- Y por encima de todo, nos senpecialmente en la costa. timos europeos y estamos comHistóricamente hemos con- pletamente opuestos al Brexit,

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que creemos ha sido el resultado de una campaña xenófoba y llena de mentiras llevada a cabo en nuestra país. Nosotros somos los que estamos en la línea de fuego y los que sufriremos las consecuen-

cias más de cerca. Queremos que los españoles entiendan esta grave situación que nos deja en el limbo y que podría impedir que siguiéramos viviendo aquí como llevamos haciéndolo durante años. Esta no es una petición insólita: el Reino Unido permite la posibilidad de obtener la doble nacionalidad tras cinco años de residencia. Curiosamente el Ministro Margallo conoce bien esta posibilidad ya que su hijo, que reside actualmente en el Reino Unido, la ha solicitado recientemente. Así que desde aquí os pedimos, esperamos e incluso suplicamos que os unáis a nosotros en esta causa. Algunos alcaldes y dignatarios ya se han unido a nuestra petición. Pero también necesitamos la ayuda de todos vosotros. Curiosamente los expatriados británicos lanzan este llamamiento exactamente 80 años después del comienzo de la guerra civil española en la que miles de jóvenes voluntarios británicos perdieron la vida. ¿Por qué? Porque creían en España. Y nosotros también. Estamos convencidos de que nuestra aportación a la estructura de vuestro país es muy importante. Queremos quedarnos aquí. No queremos volver. Para firmar la petición visitar change.org y busca ‘Doble nacionalidad para británicos con mas de diez años de residencia en España’

Translated by Mirian Moreno

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An Olive Press of seven expertspanel While Brits make gathered to discuss has large amount of the up a marthe ket, others impact of Brexit like the Spanish propertyon the dinavians and new Scanarrivmar- als like ket. the Polish are filling in the While, they confirm the the drop in gap left by market has British sales. suffered But from initial knee-jerk the lull is widely actions, they remain re- seen as temporary, with timistic, expecting op- the think tank insisting market to bounce the once the exchange rate back stabilises, once the dust settles things will reon turn to normal. the political landscape Read the full in the uK and europe. tory, Part II fromObserva- OPTIMISTIC: page 14

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More than 17,000 sign petition for dual nationality NTERNATIONAL media interest is growing after the first-ever Olive Press front-page splash in Spanish. Our story covered a petition set up by two Madrid-based British journalists demanding dual citizenship for British expats. The petition, set up by William Chislett and Giles Tremlett, calls on the Spanish government to grant joint nationality to Britons ¡Dejad que nos who have lived in quedemos! Spain for more than SPANIARDS WE ten years. M NEE Since last week´s D Olive Press splash, the number of signatures has grown 89€ from 15,000 to 17,000 with the International Business Times and Spanish newspaper Ideal both covering the story. ¨Politics, the clever strategists of Podemos say, is something you do or get done to you,¨ said Tremlett. ¨With Brexit, it is something that has been ´done´ to many of us. This petition is a first at-

Each print issue of the Olive Press can be read in its entirety on www.theolivepress.es And our site is updated August 3rd - August 16th daily with2016 the latest news, making it one of Spain’s most visited news websites.

EXCLUSIVE

AN arrest warrant has been issued for notorious Costa del Sol conman Nigel Goldman. Goldman, 58, who changed his name to Howard del Monte, was summoned to Fuengirola court in January over the defrauding of four expats to the tune of €750,000. However, he failed to show and a judge has now ordered police to bring him in.

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He was found guilty of fraud in the UK last year for the THIRD time and must wear a tag during his 12-month suspended sentence. Lawyer Antonio Flores, who is representing the victims, said he could face up to a decade in prison, if found guilty. “It has taken us two years to get to this stage and it is still just the beginning,” he added. Dozens of expat victims claim to have lost as much as €3 million to Goldman through a series of ponzitype schemes. He was first exposed through a series of Olive Press investigations.

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tempt at salvaging something from the wreckage. ¨Please sign, and encourage Spanish friends to

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Twenty signs you’ve become well and truly Spanish

T can take a long time to adjust to your new life in Spain, but as the months and years fly by, you may not even realise how much you have blended into your new home. Here are 24 tell tale signs that you have ditched your guiri status and become well and truly Espanol. • You can’t remember the last wonder why Brits don’t listen to time you ordered a pint over a Spanish music more cana • When you don’t even question • The sight of kids in pubs no lonwearing shorts to work ger feels weird • When you can’t have your morn• You answer the telephone in ing toast without some pulped English with the words ‘speak to tomatoes as a spread me’ • When the disorderly queue in • Lunch before 3.00pm or dinner the bank no longer gives you before 10 is for Guiris anxiety • You start ending every question • When chilling on the beach with with a no, no? the family late at night becomes • When 10 minutes late, in your the norm head, means you are early • You stop your car and look at • When you’re singing along to every ‘stop’ sign... Even Spanish songs on the radio and in the middle of the

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night • When you instinctively buy everything you need for the weekend on Friday because you know all the shops will be closed • When you don’t order fish on Mondays because you know it was probably caught way back on Thursday • When you sigh and eyeroll at the sight of British summer drivers • When a plumber fails to turn up 5 days in a row • When you get charged 6 months for a telephone bill that you cancelled last year • You shrug your shoulders when you hear the town mayor has just been found with 250,000 in cash under his mattress • You've worked out what on earth they mean at your bi-annual ITV inspection • When you meet British friends and keep slipping into Spanish

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Stroll back in time THE Gibraltar Museum has reopened its popular ‘Walks Through History’. The walks are aimed at children aged nine to 12 years old and take place every Wednesday morning at 9am until August 31. The Olive Press The tours will be held by expert AMERICAN actress Sigourney TOP for news inguides Spain! with sites Weaver is jetting over to Spain this to be explored autumn to receive San Sebastian International Film Festival’s highest including Moorish Castle and a honour. The star of Alien and Gorillas in the boat trip to GorMist will be presented with the Don- ham’s and Vanostia Lifetime Achievement Award guard Caves. on September 21, during a screening W o r k s h o p s of her latest film, A Monster Calls, will be held to directed by Spaniard Juan Antonio give children a Bayona. chance to learn Now in its 64th year, San Seb is one about topics of only 14 film festivals accredited by such as prehisthe International Federation of Film toric art, arProducers Associations, a list which chaeological exincludes the celebrated Cannes, cavations and Venice and Berlin festivals. pottery.

Weaver Wins

GIBRALTAR’S annual book exchange event is making a return this summer. People are encouraged to bring books to Watergate House, Casemates Square for others to pick up and read on August 4 and August 11 from 8pm. The ‘book-crossing’ event was launched in 2001 and aims to ‘make the whole world a library’.

Gibraltar Electronic Music Festival to showcase DJ talent

Hands in the air!

THE Rock is ready to roll again with the launch of the Gibraltar Electronic Music Festival. A diverse mix of the cream of dance talent will be spinning the decks on August 6 at Victoria Stadium. Swedish house DJ Otto Knows, who has collaborated with Britney Spears, Avicii, Sebastian Ingrosso and Alesso, is the night’s headline act. Underground house star Guti will be hot footing it from Pacha Ibiza to play a live set, with Britain’s own Deekline giving breakbeat fans a taste of his innovative bass-heavy beats. Lady Waks, King Arthur, Deflo and local DJs Subselective and Basscake will also play at the festival’s fifth ediELECTRIC: Music fans dance tion.

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what’s on

eer Festival, August 19

The 11th edition of the Gibraltar Beer Festival kicks off at 7pm with entertainment from My Sick Pocket, Dead City Radio and German

B M

oat Race, August 20

Gibraltar’s Cardboard Boat Race will take place in the morning at the Ocean Village Marina

usic Festival, September 3-4

The Gibraltar Music Festival, the largest music festival on the Rock, featuring Ne-Yo, Stereophonics, Travis and Jess Glynne among others at Victoria Stadium

lassical Concert, September 6

This year’s classical concert at St. Michael’s Cave featuring world- renowned Cellist Alisa Weilerstein and the European Symphony Orchestra led by Conductor Rafael Payare at 8pm

ational Day, September 10

Gibraltar National Day celebrations begin at 9:30 am in Casemates Square with live music and performance

www.gibraltarolivepress.com August 3rd - August 16th 2016

United colours of Gibraltar

COLOURFUL: Ana

la cultura

the Gibraltar Olive Press October 1st - 14th

T was the night music lovers painted the town red, blue, orange, pink and purple … Packets of coloured chalk dust flew through the air at Europa Point as revellers pelted each other with pigment in a celebration of unity through powder power at the Gibraltar Festival of Colour. And the rainbow riot was only the prelude to a night of electronic sounds that rocked the southern tip of Gibraltar into the early hours at what is now the second biggest gig in the British Territory, after the Gibraltar Music Festival. DJs Deflo, Krafty Kuts and Rudimental joined in the fun and after the storm danced up by Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Jonathan Lutwyche, no one would have been surprised if the Levanter cloud had produced Purple Rain. The festival is now in its second year and Europa Point was mobbed. With limited seating, most rainbow warriors were up from the first song at 6pm, and didn’t stop dancing until two in the morning.

Ana DeJesus reports on a rainbow rock festival that was the ‘chalk of the town’

ht g u e Ca liv

PACKED: Rudimental performs and (inset) light-up trainers

But after the powder party, when the sun slipped below the horizon and lasers synced to the beat beamed out across the Gibraltar Strait to Morocco, it felt like the festival had only just begun. English DJ Krafty Kuts began his

impressive set with a sample from hip hop group House of Pain’s Jump Around, its high-pitched squealing saxophone guaranteed to get any audience excited. And when headline act Rudimen-

tal took the stage, concert goers were swept along by the sheer vitality of the British electronic group as vocals built towards triumphant choruses and monumental drops. Rudimental challenged the stereotypical DJ set with a saxophone and a live vocalist in a kinetic display that recharged batteries even after hours of dancing - and not just the youngsters. Quite a few ‘young at heart’ older couples were among the throng. The Gibraltar Festival of Colours was the type of event where you are allowed, and even encouraged, to let loose. Afterwards, the Royal Gibraltar Police Commissioner Edward Yome tweeted: ‘Not a single incident at the Festival of Colours. Proud of our youth. Well done to the organisers.’ However, truly remarkable was the way the colourful chalk unified the audience, marking them as part of a special festival and a night of great fun.

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the Gibraltar Olive Press October 1st - 14th

August 7 - August 20 2014

One-stop paradise

HAPPY: Diners at Gigi’s and beach view from Sotogrande

Photos by Jon Clarke

Laurence Dollimore finds a down-to-earth welcome in the high society paradise

IT’S an absolute privilege to live here,” enthuses 29-year-old Georgina Taylor, welcoming me to her eponymous chiringuito Gigi’s. “It’s such a beautiful, elegant paradise.” This is Sotogrande, Andalucia’s largest privately-owned residential super-estate. And super it most certainly is. Sometimes described as Spain’s ‘millionaire’s playground’, the enclave was purpose-built for a wealthy cosmopolitan crowd with the added bonuses of 24-hour security, designer boutiques and quality restaurants My first introduction to this LA-like location came via a lifelong Soto resident who strug-

gled to end a sentence in anything other “There’s a lot of wealth here but it’s not vulthan ‘dahling’, ‘sweetie’ or ‘fabulous’. gar or ostentatious,” says Georgina a.k.a. You could have mistaken her ‘Gigi’, who grew up here, atfor being too posh to pass the tending school in nearby Martime of day. But within 30 sec- Scratch beneath bella. “My clients may be milonds of meeting her, preconlionaires but they are happy to the traquil ceptions melt away. And it’s walk around in flip flops and the same with Sotogrande, an opulence and find eat chiringuito-style.” uber chic urbanisation in the has been Soto’s hapa community that Gigi’s municipality of San Roque. pening chiringuito since it set The bluer-than-blue marina, welcomes visitors up awnings three years ago, stacked with gin palace yachts but you won’t catch Gigi or and sailing boats galore, is the her business partner Cristobal backdrop to a multi-coloured enclave of lux- boasting about their long list of regular royal ury apartments, villas and mansions. visitors, sports stars or celebrity clients.

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“Sotogrande is where the wealthy come to relax in peace, they’re not here to show off or be seen, it’s very low key,” continues Gigi, whose father is from London. “That’s why Soto is so special. We have been able to stay under the radar and attract the right sort of money through targeted marketing.” Perhaps this helps explain why the resort’s economy has consistently outperformed its Costa neighbours. Throughout the last crisis, while areas like Nerja saw property prices plummet by as much as 11%, in Sotogrande they remained stable and even increased, some well into the double figures. And while the grapevine may have you believe the area is full of snooty money-makers, scratch beneath the tranquil opulence and you will find a down-to-earth, sporty community ready to welcome visitors with open arms. “There’s such a community spirit here,” confirms new resident Sue Davies, 51, who relocated with husband Wayne last August. “There’s a great mix of nationalities and everyone is so supportive of each other, it makes it a wonderful place to live.” “There’s just so much to www.grupomolinodelconde.es do here too - golf, tennis, padel tennis, sailing or the Antiguo Cortijo Valderrama beach,” she adds. “You have Autovía A-7 · Km 130 · 11311 Sotogrande everything in one place and

Tel. +34 956 236 063

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Olive Press October 1st - 14th

otogrande

August 3rd - August 16th 2016

Boats and ... beach From Page 11

BOATS: Marina and beach (far right)

that is ultimately why we love it. It’s a onestop paradise.” While sailing has long been an obvious pastime for residents, the sports scene has always been ahead of the curve. Padel tennis, Europe’s fastest-growing sport, has been a Soto favourite for years. It is also polo’s most southerly European home. The big summer tournament at Santa Maria Polo Club in August is almost as famous for its pop-up shopping village and Grey Goose vodka after-parties as the gladiatorial sport itself. That’s largely thanks to the scores of royals and Spanish celebrities who come for the month to spectate and join in when they fancy it. The resort has been tagged with the brand of exclusivity ever since it was first developed by multi millionaire Joseph McMicking in 1962, after he fell in love with the

location on a chance trip to Spain with his wife. A Who’s Who of kings, princes, sultans and aristos followed in their footsteps, buying or renting villas here, includi n g former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, Glenn Hoddle, Eddie Jordan and the current and former Chief Ministers of Gibraltar. Princes William, Harry and Andrew, Fergie, Duchess of York and her daughters, the princesses Eugenie and Beatrice are all familiar faces at Sotogrande polo. Then there are A-list visitors like Rod Stewart, Mariah Carey, BBC’s Nick Knowles and Genesis’ Mike Rutherford, who have

Tel: +34.951972460 / +34 638 741 376

SOTO FANS: The Davies (far left) and the Astles (left)

all sought a low-key break in this exclusive e n clave. On any good day you might also spot 73-year-old Robin Byers cruising around the puerto in his 1978 blue Volkswagen Beetle convertible. “I have travelled around the world and I can say with confidence that there’s not a development in the whole of Europe that rivals Sotogrande,” he tells me. “When you think of Monaco or St Tropez, they don’t have all the sports that we do and they don’t have Gibraltar and Andalucia on their doorstep. “We have fantastic views and food and we don’t attract the tattoo brigade, dare I say it attracts well behaved people.”

Indeed you can’t help but feel at peace when strolling around the marina, although make that Segwaying around the marina. Personal transporters are the in thing here, whether it’s workers zooming to the office, coffee in hand, or hipster teens taking turns on motorised skateboards. After dodging the two-wheeled-speedsters, check out the port’s bustling Mercado de Levante flea market. From ceramics to vintage fashions, everyone is welcome under the candy-striped awnings that pop up along the quayside. And following on from last year’s success, the convoy of food trucks representing Soto’s finest eateries offer even more choice this summer, with permits to set up alongside the market’s pop-up stalls as well as down at the polo club. Unfortunately, in search of respite from the Soto sun, I found the gelato truck was

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otogrande

7 - August 20 2014 August 3rd - AugustAugust 16th 2016

STUNNING: Fountain (left), Marina (above) and market

closed so I had to settle for a cerveza. But I was spoilt for choice, with high quality café’s, bars and restaurants on every corner of the port. At The Hairy Lemon, a favourite expat haunt, I got chatting to James Eden, 38, from Kent. “Soto has a great ambience, and we love coming here to get away from the bustling coast,” he explains. “It’s obviously a bit pricier but it’s worth it, and my wife likes the shopping.

“We have a place nearby in Casares but if I could afford somewhere here I would snap it up in a heartbeat.” Despite its upmarket nature, this enigmatic resort 25km east of Gibraltar is full of mostly down-to-earth and warm-hearted people. “You don’t have to be a snob to get on in Sotogrande, people aren’t like that here,” Sarah Smith, 51, tells me as she watches her son at padel tennis training. “To be honest it’s nowhere near as flashy as Marbella

Established in 1980, Blue Sky is the largest property management organisation in Sotogrande and offers its clients a wide range of services. Tel: (00 34) 956 790 464 (0034) 956 790 464 Email: mail@blueskysotogrande.com Web: www.blueskysotogrande.com Blue Sky Property Management Edificio E Local 6-A Puerto Deportivo Sotogrande

where people like to show off their wealth. “People in Soto are a lot more genuine, they mind their own business, meet up with friends and have a good time. We’re all just trying to live the good life.” Her words resonated as I drove through Sotogrande’s leafy avenues to Galerias Paniagua, the bijou commercial centre where the residents buy their foreign newspapers and paperbacks and can eat out when they don’t want to cook in. Graham and Jane Astle from Cheshire were enjoying a late lunch at cool new eatery, Petit Bistro. “There’s a huge mix of nationalities, it’s not a British bubble which is what we love about it,” explains Graham, 71. “On top of that it is easy to make friends as everyone is so ap-

proachable.” Of that I certainly concur. Maybe it’s the tranquility lacking in Marbs or Banus, or perhaps the beautiful views of Gibraltar from all around. Aside from its sports and family-friendly beach bars, Soto also has nice beaches to relax on. And had work not beckoned the following morning, it’s more than likely a cabana and cocktail session would have been calling my name. Perhaps next time. I left Soto reluctantly, sad that I couldn’t stay longer, jealous that I wasn’t part of this close-knit community. But I’ll be back and, having met a whole cast of hospitable residents, I know that I will be welcomed as if I were one of their own.

the Gibraltar Olive Press October 1st - 14th 14 ll about otogrande

www.gibraltarolivepress.com August 3rd - August 16th 2016

Up Soto creek with a paddle Arriving in style, Jon Clarke takes a trip down the Rio Guadiaro

ROW YOUR BOAT: Life afloat Jon Clarke taking a trip down the Rio Guardio (above)

T is by far the most exciting way to arrive in Sotogrande. But you are likely to get wet so don’t bring your gladrags. One of the best family adventures on the Costa del Sol, you can rent a kayak and paddle the whole way down the Guadiaro river from El Secadero, which is actually in Casares, to the mouth of the river at Soto-

grande port. Taking a couple of hours, you will see a huge range of birds and feel like you are in total wilderness for much of it. There are even a few rapids to get the heart racing. Organised by Andalucia Activities, kayaks come in three sizes and can comfortably take three people in the larger ones. I joined a group descent, with around 100 people in dozens of canoes, arriving early and getting kitted out properly, with a full safety drill before heading off. But you can also get a special day out for groups or individuals organised by Andalucia Activities. And as well as kayaking, the company also offers walking expeditions as well as paddle board lessons and wakeboarding. For more information visit www.andaluciaactivities.com

The 40 hct. is perfect for any touristic use. 800 m River frontage, very old mill, flat lands! Olives + Cork wood’s, old buildings to renovate. For training centers, Eco farming, horses, animals sheep, etc.. Summer schools for children, Yoga, executive training, Art Hotel/ Restaurant. Idea plan’s available, Townhall approval. Work team, best price’s and experience. 15 min. two Villages, 45 min. to Estepona.

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18 the Gibraltar Olive Press October 1st - 14th ll about

otogrande

‘

THE beach is calling and I must go’ reads a chapter of the menu at magical Gigi Beach. And there are few places on the Andalucian coastline that I would rather be at lunchtime in summer. A place where the well-heeled cap-

tains of industry take their lunch, the chiringuito screams class and quality. Set up by the well travelled Georgina ‘Gigi’ Taylor, 29, three years ago, everything from the plates to the chandeliers spells creativity with a capital C. But you are here for the food, which is inspired by Gigi’s many travels around the globe. A clue is the pole at the entrance,

which points to everywhere including New Delhi, Rio and Dublin. “London bizarrely fell off the day after Brexit,” laughs Gigi. The half-Argentinian, half-Londoner, who went to school in Marbella, continues: “I like to offer Ottolenghi-style food, very fresh, with Asiatic twists, and everything created with lots of love.” Certainly, the tuna tartare matches this description, sitting on a bed of avocado, while the ‘espeto’ grilled sardines were amazing. Her loyal clientele includes such luminaries as former racing driver

BEAUTIFUL: Dishes at Gigi’s are works of art

Eddie Jordan, wine merchant Robin Byers and Tim Reid, the former Mandarin Oriental bigwig, who couldn’t speak more highly of the place and insisted on being photographed with a sign at the door. “The food is fabulous, fresh and well worth the journey from Jerez today,” he says.

Top rank August 3rd - August 16th 2016

With files stacked from the floor to the ceiling, Ben Bateman shares the secrets behind Sotogrande’s property market

Journeys end

www.gibraltarolivepress.com

URROUNDED by 35 years worth of paperwork, boss at Holmes Sotogrande Ben Bateman stands a proud man. Knocking on the door of 1,500 home sales, the back room of the office gives an insight into the world of Sotogrande property like no other. With around 3,000 properties on record, the file room at Holmes is a labyrinth of information. And to most of us the files mean very little. But to Ben and the team at Holmes they hold the key to their expertise and success. “We pride ourselves on our market knowledge,” Ben says. “There isn’t another agent who has as much data on Sotogrande’s property market as we do. “It is very rare to find a house in Sotogrande that we don’t already know about and have a file on.” The data includes everything about the history of a property, from redevelopment plans to previous sale

and file KNOWLEDGEABLE: Ben Bateman of Holmes Sotogrande

prices. And the abundance of data is not just for show, it allows the team at Holmes to understand the market in Sotogrande better than anyone else. “Knowing the market and the history of Sotogrande is integral to providing the best

service for a buyer or seller,” Ben says. “With 35 years of market history we can effectively identify and understand why certain properties and certain areas are worth more than others.” Set up by his father in 1979, Ben began working at Holmes 15 years ago. Taking the

reigns in 2013, Ben’s passion for Sotogrande drives his enthusiasm towards running his business. “I grew up in Sotogrande, and now I am bringing my family up here,” he says. “There really is nowhere quite like Sotogrande. “When describing it to someone who has never been before it is hard to portray the magical atmosphere that Sotogrande has.” He adds: “I get so much pleasure from helping people find their homes and then watching them and their families enjoying Sotogrande for five, 10 or 15 years,” he adds, with a smile. “It is always sad when families leave, but on the bright side they have loved this place and are now entrusting us to help open the door for a new family to move here.” To contact Ben and the team, visit www.holmesotogrande.com or call 956 795 340

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otogrande

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One in one out SOTOGRANDE residents will have to fix their own shelves as they have said goodbye to BBC Television presenter Nick Knowles. The DIY SOS host had only moved to the exclusive resort in May 2015, switching Eton for the Costa with wife Jessica, 27, and their now 23-month old son Eddie. But less than a year after moving into the luxurious fivebedroom villa, the couple announced their separation in January of this year, forcing the pair to end their Spanish dream early. Moving in, however, are Spanish model Bimba Bose and her English DJ-cum-model boyfriend Charlie Centa. The couple, who have featured in Vogue Spain and high street campaigns including Pull & Bear, are staying in the area while Bimba takes a break from recent cancer treatment. The cool couple were also seen hanging out at San Pedro’s skatepark near Marbella.

SOTOGRANDE APARTMENTS / TOWNHOUSES

7 - August 20 2014 August 3rd - AugustAugust 16th 2016

In the swing of it Golf fanatic James Stewart has been teeing up top properties in Sotogrande for three decades

H MOVING IN: Charlie and Bimba

E’S swung the irons with Spanish golf legend Seve Ballesteros, shared Valderrama’s greens with US President George Bush Snr and teed off with Prince Andrew… few people have enjoyed better job perks than James Stewart whose business is associated with the UK’s biggest estate agents, Savills But he has certainly earned it. Despite decorating his office with photographs of famous golf partners and retelling stories of how he helped bring the Ryder Cup to Spain for the very first time, it is clear that James’ first and most important love is his business. And after 34 years in Spain and 17 years in Pueblo Nuevo there is not much James doesn’t know about the property market. “I am really excited about the direction Sotogrande is going in,” he says. “Last year the property market showed some real promise. “The uncertainty around Brexit has obviously taken its toll but we are still busy and will probably see another good year.” He adds: “We had expected to push on from 2015 but with a vote to Leave the likelihood is that the market will remain

JAMES: With Ballesteros

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the same as last year - which is still a positive, just not the boom we were hoping for just yet.” Outside of the property world, James’ passion is on the golf course… in particular in Sotogrande’s esteemed Valderrama. A member for 30 years, his love-affair with the club dates back to the early 90s when club owner Jaime Ortiz-Patiño brought him in to help bring the Ryder Cup to Spain. “It was a great honour for me and I got to meet some top players,” he says. “Seve was by far my favourite, a true gentleman and ambassador to the sport.” He adds: “I’ll never forget playing in the Volvo Masters Pro Am in 1997 with Seve and Zimbabwean pro Mark McNulty. “On the 18th I had the putt to win the tournament and Seve and Mark both took turns at lining me up. I felt huge relief when the ball fell in the hole.” With a separate office in Puerto Sotogrande, James Stewart in association with Savills has established itself as a top agent for Sotogrande and surrounding areas. For more information visit www.jssotogrande.com or call 956 795 300

SOTOGRANDE VILLAS

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otogrande

August 3rd - August 16th 2016

Where to eat

Hidden gems Sotogrande and its nearby coastline has a wealth of places to eat, writes Dining Secrets of Andalucia editor Jon Clarke

IVEN the demands for quality in Sotogrande, it is perhaps not surprising that to survive, its restaurants have had to follow suit. And there is no doubt, that the quality - and range - of food on offer has improved dramatically over the last few years. As well as great tapas restaurants and some exciting new eateries, including a sushi bar, the more established joints, such as the Hairy Lemon, go from strength to strength. But to really appreciate what this exclusive enclave has to offer diners also need to venture a few miles outside towards San Roque and Manilva. Perhaps the most emblematic

of these hidden gems is atmospheric La Finca (www.lafincafusion.com), which sits next to La Casita campsite in San Roque. Thai fusion in style, you don’t just discover it by accident, but once discovered you will keep returning. In summer you sit around a leafy courtyard, a riot of colours and candles, while in winter you dine inside the authentic farmhouse AUTHENTIC: (top) Courtyard at La Finca, (above) a creation at Terraza de Teo and (left) an amazing outdoor table at Molino with stone floors and fireplaces. The place is run by New Yorker del Conde Chris Cousins and former partner Syrie Blanco Walsh, whose with its own special tuna menu as one of the Costa del Sol’s family has owned the estate (see Grand Cru Andaluz, page genuine ‘hidden spots’. since the 1800s. 26). No surprise, it has stunning Much of its success is down This is a place to come and chill views and counts on some of the to the chef Benny, an amiable out, take in the waters below, freshest fish imaginable thanks Thai/American, whose Thai fubefore a sherry, to a ready supply of octopus sion menu is supper and from the nearby rocks, and a daiadventurous then cocktails. ly supply from the owner’s son. With stunning views with plenty of Your best bet is Carry on another mile towards specials to add it has the freshest to book a room Manilva, and you get to emblemto the mix. for the night. atic Floria, where Dutchman fish imaginable The Thai soups, Next up is il Peter has been attracting the summer rolls thanks to a ready Sono (www.ilso- key movers and shakers from and ‘sticky rice’ on Cala Sotogrande and Gibraltar for a supply of octopus no.es), are legendary, Sardina, which decade. while the duck has been voted Open all year, it is like nothing salad starter Spain’s green- else around and has the best and the Massaman curry are est restaurant and has a genu- Prawn ‘pil pil’ on the coast, not to surefire winners. ine focus on the environment. mention amazing clams. Heading the other direction you Run by Andrea and Tamara, its If you are looking for a chiringuito will find firstly hotel Milla de food is also excellent, with a real a little closer to the resort, then Plata (www.hotelmilladeplata. twist being its pasta with truffle. head for wonderful Gigi’s Beach com), just outside Torreguadiaro, Continuing along you come to (www.gigisbeach.com), sitting which sits on a headland over- the hidden cove of Punto la Chul- just outside the marina (See looking a rocky cove and with lera, where the amazing joint of Journeys end, page 26) by the views to die for. Sal y Sol sits. sailing club. Its restaurant Mar Sana is a Totally hidden from the road, this The creation of Georgina ‘Gigi’ charming spot for an evening charming wooden restaurant Taylor, her youthful hard-working meal and heavy on fresh fish, has been picked out by El Pais approach to style and taste, makes this a surefire winner, not just for local foodies, but international businessman alike. Inside the marina, the real standout place to eat is the Hairy Lemon, which has got better and better since chef Lorenc and THERE is literally no bakery in Andalucia with such delinumber-crunching wife Liz took cious bread and pastries. the helm a couple of years ago. Not just that, Jan Staels has freshly-made ice cream This is the genuine hive for exevery day, guaranteeing that the kids will also love his pats and has a sister The Lemplace. on, next door, which is a bit more There are also plenty of snacks including quiches, sandformal in style. wiches, salads, carpaccios, croquetas and hummus. A great place for families, kids Well established in Sotogrande for five years and offers can happily run (or bike or scoot) clients free parking and wifi, and there are both alcoaround the square by the founholic and soft drinks. tains and the children’s menu is Visit www.janstaels.com for more information popular and healthy. There is an excellent all day menu, but its real strength is the excellent range of tapas, which are freshly-prepared each day. There are over a dozen, including amazing prawns in mint salad and a fantastic teriyaki duck breast, which has a complex meaty flavour enhanced by a delicious Asian glaze and a zingy wasabi coleslaw. If you are looking for a place to sit out to enjoy the boats, then there are two perfect spots in the marina, next to the Ribera del Marlin. The first is the well established

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TALENT: Chef at Sal y Sol and (left) a dish Molino del Conde (www.grupomolinodelconde.es), which has just opened its doors, and has the nicest terrace and 30 different types of rice made by world champion paella maker Giuseppe Langastro. Finally, you must try to track down two other interesting spots, firstly La cabaĂąa (www.grupomolinodelconde.es) that sits in the old Cortijo Valderrama, which was the house of Sotograndeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s founder Joseph Mcmicking. It sits in lovely gardens, with a pool

and chimneys for cold nights and is great for celebrating events. Last but not least, if you are looking for something genuinely authentic and amazing value, visit La Terraza de Teo (www.laterrazadeteo.com) in Guadiaro. Just on the edge of town this spot owned by Teodoro Sanz and his chef wife Manoli has some of the best quality tapas I have eaten in Andalucia and at amazing prices to match. Best were the warm octopus with sea urchin sauce and salm-

CREATIVE: Dishes by Lorenc (right) at the Hairy Lemon

on blini with cream cheese and chives, not to mention the scallop in a potato with hollandaise sauce. As he is from Puerto de Santa Maria, it was no surprise that he also has a great range of blue fin tuna dishes including the tuna tartare extraordinaire.

the Gibraltar Olive Press October 1st - 14th

the Gibraltar Olive Press October 1st - 14th 22 ll about otogrande

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-final of Spanish TV talent show 3065 views

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BE ‘APPY!

Top ten for Spain

Action for Housing demand clarification on £300 million housing deal

Download our app now and ACTION For Housing leader begin enjoying the best Spanish Henry Pinna says he will ‘keep pushing’ the governnews on the go. ment for answers to its £300 million housing finance deal. The campaign group is deSPAIN is now the ninth manding to know what most attractive country in will happen to tenants who the world for real estate and want to buy, or have already bought, flats in the six govconstruction investors. According to the Real Es- ernment-owned housing estate, Hospitality & Con- tates.

struction TheCapital Olive ConfiPress dence Barometer published Pushing by Ernst & Young, Spain TOP for news in Spain! has climbed seven places to The government loan has been secured against the six land a top ten spot. The country is only beaten estates, a total of 83 buildings. by the United States, the A letter was sent last Monday United Kingdom, India, from Action for Housing to China, Canada, the United Chief Minister Fabian Picardo Arab Emirates, Germany about the issue. Pinna told the Olive Press: and Sweden. It puts Spain in front of the “We want to know if the govlikes of France, Italy, Egypt, ernment has excluded tenants Saudi Arabia, Argentina who have already bought flats. Quite a number of tenants and Australia. However, the percentage of have already done so. investors planning to make “You can’t mortgage somean investment globally in thing that does not belong to the next year fell from 50% you. We will keep on pushing to 37%, indicating uncer- until we get an answer.” tainties on an international He added: “We normally wait 15 working days and if the scale.

Property

the Gibraltar Olive Press October 1st - 14th

CONCERNED: Henry Pinna demands an answer

balls with Brexit.” Picardo, responding to GSD criticism of the deal, referred to it as ‘a great deal for Gibral-

August 3rd - August 16th 2016

‘Push for answers’

Chief Minister has not replied by then we will send a chaser. But we don’t expect a quick response as he is up to his eye-

tar’. The government announced the measure in the July budget.

The Only Way is Mallorca HOLIDAYMAKERS and international buyers are eyeing up Mallorca. The Balearic island has recorded the largest year-onyear growth of any Spanish destination, with property sales rising 39%, according to the National Institute of Statistics. Meanwhile, tourists are also looking to get their Mallorcan fix, with Palma de Mallorca ranked as the third most searched destination in Europe, according to Global Travel Insights. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey España, is delighted that Mallorca is doing so well. “We have certainly experienced a growing interest in property on Mallorca as it becomes a prominent mustvisit destination on the international stage,” he said. “As popularity for the island continues to grow we are determined to provide an array of high quality properties in locations that reflect the best of Mallorca’s culture as well as its coastline.”

Do you have a property to let out? We have tenants ready to move in. Contact NP Estates, we’ve got the market covered.

HELPING YOU FIND THAT PERFECT HOME The Old Bank, 17-21 Cannon Lane, Gibraltar, P.O. Box 1418 T: +350 200 48532 F: +350 200 62050 E: info@npestates.com www.npestates.com

Property

24 the Gibraltar Olive Press October 1st - 14th www.theolivepress.es 24

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Business round-up

Thousands of motorists in limbo after Gibraltar insurance company collapses

Bitcoin boost

Brexit agreement

1 pound is worth 1.32 American dollars 1.18 British pounds 1.73 Canadian dollars 8.79 Danish kroner 10.24 H Kong dollars 11.18 Norwegian kroner 1.77 Singapore dollars

Carbon copy

THE University of Gibraltar has secured over €85,000 in funding to research a low-carbon economy. The three-year project is part of a partnership with eight other institutions in Portugal, France and Spain. The university will be developing technology and trialing it in local schools and in the university itself. It comes after last month’s Erasmus Plus Higher Education Project brought together 100 participants from 38 countries at the University.

August 3rd - August 16th 2016

Car cover firm crashes

THEY’RE onlySpanish taxi beginGibraltar’s enjoying the best firm that can news onlegally the go. take people over the border. And for C&D Solutions those passengers can be anyone from hospital patients to weekend workers and even festival goers. Co-owner Clinton Summerfield, 34, originally from Hack- MORE than 14,000 Irish motorists have been left in limbo afney, has a father from Gibraltar ter the collapse of a Gibraltar-based insurance firm. while his 42-year-old business The Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC) was inpartnerThe John Ferrer born formed that Enterprise Insurance was insolvent after an indeOlivewasPress on the Rock. pendent examination of its finances. The pair thought up the compaTOP for news in Spain! ny after meeting four years ago. The company’s collapse is expected to push up motorists’ premiums, while the Irish ”We met in Gibraltar and came Central Bank has advised up with the idea when we were policyholders to seek alterboth doing security part time. It native cover. took a lot of hard work to set it But a GFSC spokesman up,” said Clinton. told the Olive Press that ‘all “We take patients to Scanner policies remain valid and Sur in Algeciras and to Vithas THE Gibraltar Stock Exchange in full force. There is no isXanit Hospital in Benalmadena (GSX) has welcomed Europe’s sue for policyholders as to for the GHA.” first publicly-traded Bitcoin whether they have a legal He added: “Our taxis are the product. same price day and night, and and effective policy’. BitcoinETI invests exclusively in on bank holidays.” GFSC director Peter Taylor the digital currency and will be They are currently offering a listed on the GSX and Deutsche said: “The ompany has enspecial fare for music lovers deavoured to find a way out Boerse. travelling from Duquesa to the The move is a boost to Gibral- of its predicament but has Gibraltar Music Festival. tar’s aims of establishing the not been able to do so. “We have moved very Rock as a Bitcoin hub. Nick Cowan, GSX Managing Di- quickly to ensure that we rector, said: “GSX, an EU regu- take all reasonable steps to lated market, offers efficient and safeguard the position of cost effective solutions for inno- existing policy holders.” vative companies and financial The GFSC had initiated A GOVERNMENT study into products.” action against Enterprise Brexit will explore new business Alberto Isola, Minister For Fi- Insurance at the start of opportunities for Gibraltar. nancial Services and Gaming, July and had been seekThe detailed assessment will welcomed the deal and hopes ing assurances about its fiidentify areas requiring specific to bring more digital currency nancial position for several negotiation. products to the exchange. months. As part of the process, the government will be in full consultation with affected areas and trade unions. It follows an agreement made with the UK Prime Minister Theresa May and Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson to provide input from Gibraltar. Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia said: “This is part of the work we need to do to keep all our options open and to ensure that we emerge from the aftermath of the effect of the EU Referendum stronger than ever.”

Exchange rates

the Gibraltar Olive Press October 1st - 14th

CRASH: Gibraltar insurance firm collapses

Bravo for Lottoland

LOTTOLAND has announced Elicia Bravo Garcia as its new Chief Strategy Officer. The Gibraltarian is returning home to take up the post with the online lottery leader after seven years as a finance lawyer in New York and the UK. Oxford University graduate Bravo Garcia said: “I look forward to helping Lottoland continue growing its business while helping raise its profile and that of Gibraltar internationally.” It follows last month’s announcement by CEO Nigel Birrell that ‘the referendum does not change our firm commitment to staying here’.

AGONY ANT YOUR LEGAL PROBLEMS ADDRESSED BY ANTONIO FLORES

What is the official language of an AGM?

his matter was raised in Court on at What is the official language least four occasions and interesting rulings have resolved the matter, al- of an Annual General beit in different directions. In La Manga, Murcia, a 150-strong Com- Meeting in Spain? munity of Owners had their AGM conducted and approved in English, with the benefit of Not content with the outcome, the dispute a translator for the only two Spanish own- was escalated to the Supreme Court who ers. overturned the ruling on the grounds that it Not happy with the extensive use of Shake- had wrongly understood the application of speare’s language, the two Spaniards chal- article 3.1 of the Constitution, which does lenged the AGM in Court, stating that Span- not apply to juridical agreements conductish was the official language ed privately. of the country and hence, it The Supreme Court stated The Supreme should have prevailed. The that ‘national sovereignty’ Court recognized has nothing to do with AGMs. Court of First Instance dismissed the claim on the baFurthermore, it held that as the notions sis that a) the governing law the Horizontal Property Act of antiquated on communities of owners does not specify the lanhad no particular norm on guage of meetings, these patriotism the matter and b) the Spancan be conducted in any ish owners had had the benidiom so long as translators efit of a translator. are available. Clearly, the Supreme Court Surprisingly, the Appeal Court revoked the recognized the multicultural nature of ruling. It stated that the Horizontal Prop- many AGMs along the Spanish Costas and erty Act came under article 3.1 of the Con- rejected being influenced by notions of anstitution and, citing national sovereignty, tiquated patriotism. concluded that the language should be pri- Down south, Malaga Appeal Court ruled ma facie Spanish, and thereafter as many that using English language in an AGMs translators as required by the different na- had not infringed any rights, as the mintionalities present at the meeting, at the utes were also in Spanish and at all times, Community’s expense. a translator had been fully available.

Email Antonio at aflores@lawbird.es

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LE T T E R S

www.gibraltarolivepress.com August 3rd - August 16th 2016

Brexit rumbles on Changes?

Sign now!

HAVING read the Olive Press’ article relating to the petition for parliamentary representation for expats/ Gibraltarians I was surprised to see that it has only gained 1,600 signatures (Voiceless, issue 244). Going forward, through the EU exit negotiations and beyond, the issue of representation will be more important than ever. Would it be possible for the Olive Press to carry regular updates of the petition’s progress to try and motivate people to sign? It seems like a concerted effort is needed to bring this issue to the fore otherwise the UK will leave the EU and UK expats will be well and truly cut adrift! Paul O’Neill, (Councillor, Ayuntamiento de Gaucín)

WOULD that mean a change in status of Gibraltar from a British Overseas Territory to an outright country within the UK (We want another vote, issue 23)? Evan Davis, London

Taking a punt EVEN if these gaming companies commit to stay on the rock, what are they going to do without enough employees (Brexit Bounceback, Issue 22)? If the pound continues to fall the salaries of employees won’t be worth much, and won’t support their living anymore. All the employees crossing the border for work have already lost a good portion of their salary. I myself know of many who plan to leave.

ED: Paul, we will certainly be pushing the petition and giving it as much publicity as possible, update Page 7 this issue

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Summer sounds!

Flagged up

THE fun times keep on coming in Gibraltar this summer. I recently attended the Obrigado folk music festival, which was an absolute delight. Last weekend’s Festival of Colour was another standout night, a kaleidoscope of colour and sound with Rudimental topping off a stellar bill. And I’ll be heading to the Gibraltar Electronic Music Festival next week before the main show of the Gibraltar Music Festival in September. What a party animal! But what fun. Mike Hayes, Gibraltar

GIBRALTARIANS have to choose what is best for their interest. And in my opinion, if Gibraltar obtains the same self-governing that it currently has from the Spanish government, as well as full access to the European Union and co-sovereignty, it is not a bad deal. Because it will be the same as now, just with a different flag. And being outside of the European Union is a very cold territory. Anonymous, Estepona

Cruise ships in port Arrival

Ship Name

ETA/ ETD

Wed 03 E m e r - 9 : 0 0 Aug 16 ald Prin- 16:00 cess Thu 04 T h o m - 8 : 0 0 Aug 16 s o n 18:00 Majesty Thu 04 Oriana Aug 16

8:00 13:00

Fri 05 Ventura Aug 16

9:00 13:15

Wed 10 Aug 16

Azura

9:00 18:00

W e d Navi- 7:00 27 Jul g a t o r 16:00 of the 16 Seas Sat 13 T h o m - 9 : 0 0 Aug 16 s o n 22:00 Spirit Mon 15 R o y a l 9 : 0 0 Aug 16 P r i n - 18:00 cess

Tue 16 I n d e - 12:00 Aug 16 p e n - 18:00 dence of the Seas

Columnists

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The Spanish handle the heat better than the Brits, no sweat!

August 3rd - August 16th 2016

Hashtag Heatwave

HEATWAVE sent the Twittersphere into meltdown as temperatures in London hit 32C last month. Railway lines buckled from the wrong kind of heat, tempers flared in Hyde Park, where a policeman was stabbed while trying to break – the girls in teeny bikinis and up a spontaneous water fight, undies from Victora’s Secret, and the great British public the dudes bare-chested, flexworked themselves up into a ing their six packs. Green Park should have been renamed right old lather. And serve them right for Brexit! Pink Park, and a nice shade of There’s some satisfaction in lobster some of them turned. knowing that the craziness There were even grown men was caused by us or, more with rolled-up trouser legs and specifically, a warm air plume knotted hankies on their heads in a homage to Monty Python from Spain. no sartorially Although, as self-respecting the British are Spanish senor Men with rolled-up now, officially, would ever pay. Vitamin D-detrouser legs and Social media prived, it looks made enterknotted hankies on like we did them a favour. their heads in homage taining viewing as the Brits The heat hit made light of a to Monty Python on July 19, the sticky situation hottest day with ice-bucket since July 19, challenges and 2006 by bizarre coincidence. grin-and-bear-it humour – alPerhaps they should make it a national holiday because, though man-up you dudes, it hombre, it certainly looked like was 10 degrees hotter in Ciudad Real a couple of days later. a one-day licence to fiesta. Swans fled the Serpentine as Along with the traditional eggoffice workers rushed to rivers frying-on-pavement shots and and parks in their lunch breaks Snapchat shares of family pets (one hour, not two like Spain) being water-boarded in bathto strip out of their suits and tubs, one man selfied himself frocks into the next-to-nothing up to his butt-naked neck in a

Here comes the (Facebook) Bride

the Gibraltar 27Olive Press October 1st - 14th

MUST admit I have a love/hate relationship with Facebook. The social networking site allows me to keep up with my friends around the world, share my (increasingly random and manic) thoughts on the world and promote my radio and written work. The downside is that I increasingly get tagged in those inspirational quotes that are supposed to spur you on. You know the type – the ones that feature a sunset and a few profound words, that has the cynical hack side of me both reaching for the sick bag and heading towards the gun cabinet a la Hunter S Thompson. And during my, ahem, ‘wilderness years’ when I used to pop out for a pint of milk and not come home for three days, an exgirlfriend of mine used the Book of Face as a Global Positioning System. She’d be able to follow my progress (or descent) via the places that I was tagged in, normally blurred in the back of some photo. My latest escapade, however, really brought home the power of social media. I’d been invited to MC a cancer charity event in Sotogrande and the organiser, the wonderful Patricia Darch, kindly put me and the Hottie Hippie up in a rather splendid hotel. It being a gala featuring some superb opera, I dug out my Black Tie and the HH looked stunning in a beautiful white ball gown. We were just setting off to the event when we bumped into an old friend, who commented on how great we both looked and took a photo. The gala was a great success and, as we turned in for the night back at the hotel, I noticed that she had sent the photo.

KEEPING COOL: Brit takes to bin to stave off heat ‘cool tub’ made out of a wheelie bin. The Spanish must think we’re

Loud and Clear

And in true Giles Brown style, I couldn’t resist posting it on Facebook with the immortal words ‘Official Wedding Photograph’ and a winking emoticon, figuring that everyone would get the joke. I figured wrong. The next morning the HH skipped into the ensuite and turned both her phone and the shower on. (Women can multitask like that) Seconds later, I heard the sound of frantic pinging from the phone and a loud shriek from the HH. “OH MY GOD! What have you done?” she cried. “Look at your Facebook!!!” Under my ‘joke’ post was a long list of congratulations on our wedding, wishing us all the happiness for the future, long life and the pitter patter of tiny feet. Most of Facebook, it seems, hadn’t got the joke. And as the day progressed and people woke up across the time zones, more best wishes flooded in from the West Coast, Australia and the Far East. I quickly posted that we hadn’t got married but the congratulations continued for days afterwards. And on the following Thursday, I got an email from my long-suffering father, “Did you get married?” he asked wearily. I may have to give up FB for a while and take up Pokemon Go instead. It might be safer ...

a weird lot, although Margallo’s son will have to acquaint himself with our customs for his British citizenship test. (As an aside, it would be nice if the Spanish Foreign Minister would give 1.3 million expats in Spain the same dual nationality rights here. After the bureaucratic hoops we all had to jump through for our bloody residencias, we deserve it!) But of all the #heatwave memes that really tickled me British sunburn pink was the one about freezing your boxer shorts and wearing wet socks. Er, why not carry a fan like the Spanish do? How the Spanish beat the heat: Polar transport. Buses and trains in Spain are A/C-ed to nipple-erecting degrees of cool. The London Underground is at least eight degrees hotter than the outside air, more in the rush hour squeeze. Cool food While Brits sweat over their roast Sunday lunch the Spanish chill their soups and wind the dining hour back to after 10pm. Spritzer sunblinds are the chic cafe must-have here (although turn your Olive Press newspaper into a soggy mess) but many British pubs still lack beer gardens. Free water. You can ask for a glass of agua del grifo (tap water) at cafes in Spain without looking too much of a cheapskate and they may even add ice! In Britain, once the proud home of the public drinking fountain, only 11% of green spaces now have them. Siestas: Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the noonday sun. Summer hours: Government and industry switches to an 8am-3pm day and some shut shop completely in August, which is why I won’t get my new patio doors until October!

the Gibraltar Olive Press October 28 281st - 14th Gibraltar 28

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Royalty head to Gibraltar’s most stylish Indian restaurant, Little Bay TWO SAUDI princesses have paid a visit to Gibraltar’s most chic Indian restaurant, Little Bay. The royal entourage - and bodyguards - enjoyed the restaurant’s traditional Punjabi dishes and chic cocktails. But it’s not just monarchs flocking to sample Little Bay’s marriage of authentic North Indian dishes and contemporary mixology. Owner Bob Kumar’s brigade of Indian chefs, gleaned from five-star Bombay restaurants, are delivering locals a refreshing breeze of high-end flavour. Their attention to detail is clear immediately. A platter of crisp poppadoms comes with an emerald pool of coriander, mint and chilli dip

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Currying flavour and a chunky Mango chutney. From the evening a-la-carte menu, house speciality Keema Mattar is a fluffy pillow of minted lamb studded with peas. Dhaba Lamb Curry, bathed in a tomato and spiced sauce, sends taste buds soaring into overdrive. But it’s the marriage of cocktail and curry that really sets Little Bay apart.

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DINERS at La Sala Gibraltar are being offered a ‘never to be repeated’ gastronomic delight. The luxury restaurant is teaming up with the Sunborn hotel to offer a three-course set meal

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Italian mixologist Andrea’s icy goblets are as cooling as a dip in the Mediterranean lapping Little Bay’s walls. His team prepare their own syrups for Indian-concept cocktails like the popular Masala Mule (they prepared 82 of these ginger and lime delights at a recent Bet365 party). Little Bay’s tapas-style day menu caters for those who prefer a more Iberian approach. But day or night, this is highquality Indian dining.

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the Gibraltar Olive Press October 1st - 14th

T isn’t easy reaching the number one spot on TripAdvisor, but Hotel Molino del Santo in the Serrania de Ronda has held it for years in Andalucia. The boutique 18-room retreat, tucked away next to a mountain stream in Benaojan, has been kept at the top of the charts by expat owners Andy Chapell and Pauline Elkin, who opened its doors in 1987. “It’s great to get the recognition, especially considering we are ranked number one out of more

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than 1,700,” Andy tells the Olive Press, “and especially because it comes from satisfied customers, it lets us know we are doing our job right.

“We always read our feedback sheets scrupulously to see if there are any areas we can improve on and I think that has paid off.” Set in a horticulturist’s dream of a landscape, the hotel is surrounded by luscious gardens and exotic birds, and its restaurant terrace, where you can sip Andalucian wine underneath willow and fig trees while a stream trickles past below, is the jewel in the crown. “It’s the perfect spot for a romantic weekend for two while we also get a lot of visitors coming up from the coast who want a break from the hustle and bustle,” says

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Andy. The hotel’s restaurant changes its menu every month and sources its ingredients locally, while 70% of the wines sold are from Andalucia. The tranquil oasis holds a maximum of 40 residents but can cater for up to 90 with events, including weddings or birthday getaways, so whether you’re treating friends to a stress-free break or looking for the perfect place to tie the knot, it’s hard to see where the Molino del Santo could fail you. Its secret? Other than the decades of experience, Andy thanks his reliable and experienced staff for a large part of the success. “Some of them have been with us for 30 years and are so dedicated to the job,” he adds. “They’re able to really look after our guests, and that’s the most important PICTURESQUE: Molino del Santo thing.”

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