It looks as if the low season coupled with the economic downturn have taken their toll of Lagos' restaurants.
Just recently I was speaking with Carla from Fernando's restaurant on the Avenida, making our reservation for their marathon Christmas Dinner, and she told me that, although Fernando's are keeping busy, being popular with both locals and tourists alike, there were clear signs that several catering businesses in town were struggling.
It now transpires that the West Bar & Grill on the Marina - one of our favourite eateries since we first tried it a couple of years back - has closed it's doors for good; such a shame, we'll miss not only their varied menu but also their extensive quality wine list. The Irish-owned Pickle & Pie, again on the Marina, has ceased to be and the premises have re-opened as the Lighthouse; whether this is a bar, a restaurant or a mixture of both is unclear.
The Chinese restaurant up the stairs opposite Shaker's bar has closed and has become an American Diner whilst the erstwhile ice cream parlour on Rua 25 Abril has become a cocktail bar.
Finally - for the time being at least - Xarme, the fusion restaurant next door to the Taberna de Lagos, has been acquired by the owners of the Dos Irmaos Portuguese restaurant situated on the Henry the Navigator square - good to have another authentic Portuguese restaurant on the main street.
Let's hope that not too many more of Lagos' catering establishments become victims of the financial problems.