The Grandfather Bar in Costa Teguise bounced right back after the lockdown, and plenty of residents and islanders were grateful. Now, with a brand new bar conversion, the Grandfather is better than ever.
First published in Gazette Life, August 1st 2020.
Bars and restaurant owners on Lanzarote were faced with tough decisions following the lockdown: open early and risk everything, or wait until the tourists return? The Grandfather, at 3, C/Las Acacias in Costa Teguise, opposite the Aquarium, decided to take the plunge. “We opened as soon as we were able to, back when you could only serve takeaway food,” says owner Lee Alder, “And we’ve been open ever since.”
One look at the busy terrace outside the bar shows that it was a wise decision. The Grandfather was always popular before, but it’s role as a pioneer in the post-lockdown Lanzarote has made it one of the talking points – not to mention meeting points – of Costa Teguise.
The Grandfather is now open from 10 am to 11 pm seven days a week, starting the day by serving classic breakfasts such as a Full English, while the Build-YourOwn breakfast option is also popular. Then there are waffles, pancakes, omelettes and plenty more to start the day right.
“There’s been a great mixture, too,” says Lee, “We’ve seen British and Irish residents, of course, but also Germans and Spanish, and now the tourists are starting to come back it’s even more exciting.”
What brings folk to the Grandfather is a relaxed, friendly welcome, great service but most of all, good home-made food. Try the Early Bird specials from 1-6pm, when you can get any two of a burger and chips; egg, chips and sausages or a steak pie, chips and gravy for just €12.
Then there are the weekend specials: Fish Friday, with two fish and chips with mushy peas and a bottle of house wine for only €28; and Steak Saturday – two succulent steaks with all the trimmings and a bottle of wine for €35.
Then, of course, there’s the epically good Sunday lunch – three courses, including roast beef, pork or chicken and Spotted Dick for just €9.95.
You won’t be short of something decent to wash it down with, either, with great beers like Estrella on tap and local wines from the Yaiza and Princesa Ico bodegas, along with other well-selected bottles.
The Grandfather does what it does with the minimum of fuss – there’s no TV and no live music, although you might find a fun quiz. What is guaranteed is a warm welcome, a great meal and an experience that’ll leave you perfectly satisfied.
Go to the Grandfather, Costa Teguise Facebook page or call 928 39 50 58 to reserve a table or just find out more.
