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Written by Vince Barnes
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New Bar opens In Oliva
Saturday saw the opening of a new bar in Oliva – Magnums. Run by Paul and Steve The idea of the bar came about when a close friend of both died. Nicknamed “Magnum Dave” they felt it appropriate to honour their friend by naming their bar after him.
The night started well with many people turning up, including lots of familiar faces, Jeni from Oliva, Shane, Yarek, Javi, Mick and Gabriella, Salvador & Liz, Glenda and Mike. Glenda has asked me to let everyone know that the buffet was fantastic – however, since it was prepared by her, she may be a little biased. But those of you who know her will testify that when Glenda says the buffet was fantastic – it was – or else.
The bar itself is a one off in Oliva. Currently only the ground floor is finished but it is done out in a style emulating a trendy wine bar with a friendly atmosphere. Certainly the staff made it so and although busy there were enough of them on hand to cope with the ever increasing demands of the drinking clients.
Steve told me they want to create a sports bar where people can come and watch key events on the large projector screen planned soon. Whilst there they had a football match– Newcastle and West Ham – and I am very glad to say that Newcastle won 4-2 although Paul being a West Ham supporter wont be so enamoured by the result.
Upstairs, when ready, will have a pool room, as well as a large roof terrace to accommodate many on a balmy summers evening. They are planning to have a different act on once a month ranging from music to Comedy – a real first for Oliva.
The Music this night was provided by none other than Graham Foster. The last time I saw Graham play was at the Greg Ridley Benefit Concert 2 years ago, he was brilliant then and the night promised to be great.
His style is Rock and Roll/Rhythm and Blues. Joined on stage by Bass guitarist Jose and Drummer Damian they make a great act. Graham is fluid on guitar and makes it look so simple with his laid back style. He has an excellent voice –real Bluesy but diverse enough to sing Rock and Roll with aplomb. His trademark is long Bluesy solo’s which seem to drift on for ages filling the room. Tonight was no exception and there were many of them.
He started off with a range of songs to get the crowds motivated and I would say that every song finished with a great cheer. Although not many got up and danced when I looked around the room there was not many who weren’t tapping a foot, playing an air guitar or drumming the kit on the bar, the music carried you and as the night wore on the cheers got louder.
The finale – Jonny B Goode did get them up and dancing – in fact I was up there myself shaking a hoof and head. The song seemed to go on for ages but the crowd were rapturous and when they finally finished there was a tumultuous applause – well deserved.
So is the bar worth going to. Yes. Paul and Steve have done a good job to get the ambience right and if the first night is anything to go by then it should be a success. The kind of events they have planned are very much needed and I don’t think it will be long before others follow suit. Hats off to them for being the first to act.
Is Graham worth going to see? Well, he is a genius on the guitar and does make the guitar sing effortlessly. The style of music and the way the band play it means you just cannot help yourself tapping along or singing if you know the words. Even if you don’t the chorus tends to be well known so you can at least sing along to that. For all round entertainment this was a great evening. I look forward to more events at Magnums and to seeing more of Graham.
For those of you who would like to book Graham for your private party or Bar, drop us a line at the Coastal Trader and we will put you in touch.
The Inland and Coastal Trader would like to wish Magnums bar the very best of luck in their venture – if they continue in this vein it wont be long before they are one of the venues to visit in Oliva.
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