The Bucket List at No 5 Calle Anzuelo in Puerto del Carmen celebrates its fifth anniversary on October 20th. It’s a landmark moment for the little bar where you enter as a stranger and leave as a friend.
When owners Áine and Nathan re-opened the bar formerly known as Spenders in 2018, renaming it The Bucket List, they knew they were taking on a challenge, but no one could have expected what the future would bring.
After rapidly building up a strong following the lockdown arrived, completely suspending tourism and placing tough restrictions on all bars and restaurants. Nevertheless, The Bucket List was one of the first bars in the resort to re-open in May 2020.
“It was tough,” says Nathan, “But we took the restrictions seriously and followed all the rules. A lot of people were grateful for that and knew that this was a safe place to be.”
Áine says “With no tourism, the support of locals was vital, and they didn’t let us down. We owe our customers everything”.
Two years ago, Áine and Nathan responded quickly when another disaster hit the Canaries, heading over to the volcanic eruption on La Palma with their van loaded with vital supplies, some of which were collected by UD Lanzarote football club as well as donations to the bar from near and far. This included 4,000€ raised in the bar, which was also donated to the island of La Palma. It was a big success and the couple returned with a huge sense of pride in the achievement and the support they received.
Now, it’s all going right for Áine, Nathan and their valued team Trish, Lisa and Shane. Their customers remain the heart and soul of what The Bucket List does, and the reason why the bar is already fully booked for New Year’s Eve.
The couple have settled fully into Lanzarote life and love the rhythms of the island. “We take part in carnival and had a stall at the Old Town on St. Patrick’s Day” says Nathan.
Áine is surprised by how much she loves Christmas: “I was worried it would be one of the loneliest times of year on Lanzarote, so far from family and friends, but I love it and get a lovely warm Christmas feeling every year surrounded by friends that have become family.”
The Bucket List is at C/ Anzuelo 5, Puerto del Carmen. Live music every Thursday. Why not pop in on October 20th and lift a glass?
For opening times and contact information visit (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063613566744)
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