Victory for Churchills.

We at Inland Trader had the pleasure last week, of witnessing the launch of a new English bar in Lliria. “Churchill’s” has just been opened by owners English couple Dean and Sue Swailes and it is fair to say the opening evening was a great success.

What was immediately apparent as we arrived was the excellent turnout of local English and Spanish who not only filled the new bar, but spilled out on to the pavement enjoying the balmy summer evening. As we entered the bar  what struck us was that Churchill’s is an English bar with a difference. It is designed and decorated with clean cut lines creating a modern and minimalist look. Tasteful and classy are the words that immediately spring to mind and it is not unlike something that you would find in any cosmopolitan area in any English town or city. Many bars in Spain are cloaked in darkness, but Churchill’s has light drawing you in through the glass double doors emblazoned with the silhouette of that most English of English men, Sir Winston Churchill.

At the rear of the bar was a table groaning with a creatively inspired spread of canopies, salad, fresh prawns, succulent pastries, quails eggs, dainty little tartlets with toppings such as caviar and creamy cottage cheese topped with herbs. The food delivered what it promised; it was delicious and full merit must go the chef Robert Bell. Robert who was chef at La Gruta is looking forward to his new post and shares his creative approach to beautifully presented cuisine using the freshest and finest ingredients with owner Dean, who also has a passion for food and is a dab hand in the kitchen himself. Churchill’s is promising for the future a Sunday carvery with a choice of three different meats served between 12 and 6pm, a steak night on Thursday evenings, a surf and turf style evening on Fridays (no doubt using the finest cuts of fish and steak), a gourmet evening on a Saturday where people can enjoy a restaurant experience with laid tables and menus offering top restaurant quality dishes. On Wednesdays there are plans to have a food theme night, Cantonese and Indian food was mentioned. The bar is open evenings from 8.30pm until 1.30pm Monday to Saturday, Sundays 12-6pm. If this makes you feel hungry pop into Churchill’s in the future. Judging by Roberts efforts on this evening you will not be disappointed. The bar serves draught Strongbow cider and lovely ice cold beamish Irish Stout as well as a good selection of other draught and bottled beers, wines and spirits. It is also smoker friendly.

It is a family friendly bar and whilst we were there it was a pleasure to see the children running around outside thoroughly enjoying themselves and a special mention goes to. Sue and Dean’s son Mason aged 4, who was taking his role as Spiderman very seriously. Also worth a mention is that the Sue and Dean have plans to open Better buy´s,  English supermarket next door, we will keep you posted about that. We can unreservedly state that a good time was had by all with a lot of drinking and camaraderie going on and it would have been rude for Inland trader not to accept the kind offers of drinks and join in.

Sue, Dean and their staff worked very hard all evening and there were nice little touches such as ashtrays were constantly emptied and redundant bottles and glasses were swiftly removed. Inland Trader wish everyone involved in this new bar every success, which we somehow think is guaranteed judging by the turnout, the wonderful food and the welcoming staff.

To find the bar, it is located in Cami de Mura. As you drive into Lliria go past Lidls, go straight over the first round and second round about take the first turning on the right. Follow the road round until you see an area of newly built apartments on the left with building work still being carried out and a car park. You will see Churchill’s straight a head. If you would like more information or want to reserve a table call 962798663.

By Rachael Loxston