You've got to read this - Page 2 - Spain - Costa Blanca Discussion Forum, Holiday Forums

You've got to read this

Yasiou

2006-10-20 20:51:25

How lovely that my story has evoked so many memories.

I've checked with my Mum and the Max Bar that she and my Dad used to go to was in the Old Town, and by her description I would say it was somewhere near to Ray's Chippy.

They would regularly stay in the Bristol Park Hotel, and on the way home from Max Bar they used to call in the Robin Hood for a burger to soak up the booze!!! Max Bar was fairly small and the entertainment was a sing-song.

Sadly my Mum would not be able to travel to Beni by coach as she suffers from travel sickness on long journeys by car etc. The really funny thing is she was always fine when travelling by plane!!

St. James Church is very special to us, and each time I visit Benidorm I must light a candle for Dad in the Church, as it makes me feel that he is with us in Benidorm.

Talking of the donkeys and sombreros etc. I can remember Dad buying me a wind up black bull on one holiday - very nice, but I was in my late 20's at the time!!!!!

David

2006-10-20 21:08:01

Hi Yasiou ... I don't recall a Max Bar, but there was a Manx Bar on Calle San Vicente in the Old Town opposite Ray's. If I remember correctly, it was owned by a couple from either Wigan or St Helen's. That would be late 70s/early 80s. Could that be it, or was it definitely Max Bar ?

David :wave

Yasiou

2006-10-20 21:20:33

Hi David

I seem to recall that Max was Spanish, and his wife possibly German or Dutch, they lived in an apartment in the Poniente area. Max and his wife had a son who at one time owned a bar called The Rovers Return, which I think was near the Rincon end of Beni

I recall Mum talking about another couple who were regulars there called Benny & Babs who I think were from Yorkshire - I think Mum and Dad spent every night of their holiday in Max Bar. They had a period of being unble to go away due to Dad's illness, and I believe when they restarted holidays in Beni Max's Bar had gone - that would probably be in the mid to late 80's.

David

2006-10-20 21:29:59

We are talking about a different bar in that case, as the one I am thinking of was definitely Manx Bar and had photos of Manx cats around the place.

The Rovers Return is still in the Rincon, but I think it has had a few changes of ownership over the years.

David :wave

Yasiou

2006-10-22 15:50:47

Hi David

Had a chat with my Mum yesterday, and I now stand corrected??

Max was not Spanish, althogh Mum could not remeber what nationality he was, she seemed to recall that he lived in London before running the bar in Benidorm. The son that used to run the Rovers Return was called Colin. Mum also showed me some old photos of her and Dad in Beni in the 70's/80's. There was one taken near the Orange Hotel, and where we now have bouncing nighlife and clubs, there were a few bars and shops which looked like shacks!!! Also one photo of Dad taken on the terrace at the Ruidor Hotel, showed about two skyscraper buildings in the background!!!

How Benidorm has changed, but thankfully one thing remains - it's a fabulous place to spend a holiday. :hyper

David

2006-10-23 13:01:06

I do remember an Englishman called Max, although I don't recall his bar being named after him. Is he in any of the photos, was he a tall white haired man ?

David :wave

Yasiou

2006-10-23 20:22:57

Hi David

I have seen photos of Max and from what I remember he was a short stocky man. I should think he was about my parents age, which would make him in his 80's now - if he is still with us?? On reflection, I wouldn't be surprised if the bar had another name and my parents just referred to it as Max's Bar.

They became regulars at the Bristol Park and later the Riudor, but they also stayed at the Maysu Hotel in the Old Town, but when Mum and I looked for it on one holiday we couldn't find it, but of course it could have changed name. The Manager at that time was called Juan Mayor, and he took my parents sightseeing in his car, and also took them to visit his family - I think in Altea.

It is so strange to recall all this - but lovely to have the opportunity to share these memories, and hopefully get some more informattion on how Benidorm was 20 to 30 years ago.

David

2006-10-24 09:01:18

Hi Yasiou ... definitely not the same Max then.

The Maysu Hotel has indeed changed its name and is now known as the Fiesta Park. It may well have changed in appearance as well as name over the years, you can check out current photos of the hotel HERE.

David :wave

Yasiou

2006-10-24 20:51:25

Hi David

Thanks for the information and access to the Fiesta Park's website - what a modern hotel.

I do know where it is, but would never have found it from the directions my Mum gave for the location of the Maysu!!!!!!!!!!! :rofl

Sanji

2006-10-24 23:11:27

Hiya Yasiou
Why not have a look at the video....in the sanjis videos at the top of the forum page. :wink:

SanJi x

SUE ALLEN

2006-10-25 10:30:54

Interesting Article about Benidorm

Hi, I,ve just come across this whilst looking for something else, I thought that it might be of interest.

Sue

http://www.24-7valencia.com/benidorm-predrot.html

Sanji

2006-10-25 11:32:06

Hi Sue

It is a very interesting article and I have read this and many similar articles by the author Derek Workman.

His own site is worth a visit and he writes about quite a few urban myths concerning Benidorm.
You can access his site from your link, by clicking on the blue circular logo....just above the old photo of Pedro Zaragoza.

Sanji x

DORM

2006-10-25 17:17:11

Me and Mrs cat went to Benidorm for the first time in 2000 and have been back every year since. Sadly mum is no longer around, but I visit the hotel they went to every time I go back, just to have a drink to mum.

Spottycat, I'm a soppy old so and so, and that brought a tear to my eyes.

Yasiou

2006-10-25 19:42:45

Well Sue Ellen what a fantastic link to a very interesting website. It was fascinating to read about Zaragoza's vision for Benidorm. :tup

Yasiou

2006-10-25 20:07:37

Hi Sanji

I've just been looking at a few of your videos and just had to tell you how much I am enjoying them. Also the music is fantastic. I feel like I've had a quick visit to Benidorm tonight!!! :thanks

Sanji

2006-10-25 20:28:52

Thanks Yas

I hope to make some more when I go to Beni for Christmas....probably replacing the hotel Los Dalmatas with a more up to date version and Christmas Day....depending on the weather of course.
I'm hoping, (but not promising) to go to Polop and beyond, again this is depending on a few personal things....fingers crossed!!!!!

Glad you liked the music :tup

...I personally love it !!!!!!!!

SanJi x

Yasiou

2006-10-26 20:11:10

Hi Sanji

I look forward to seeing your video of Polop as I have been there many times. Here's a bit of useless information for you - there are 221 water spouts there (no haven't counted them, just a bit of information I've been told and retained!!!) :rofl

Someone asked recently if you would video the Paraiso 10 Apartments. Well they need not worry aabout them as I have been there many times and they are really good, very clean and a great location. :tup

ELAINE 1963

2006-10-27 21:16:44

Hi Sanji

I too have watched your excellent videos, and read your most informative reports on Benidorm, and you have been our final decider in booking for August 2007! Visited mainland Spain for the first time this year, Benalmadena, and had a fab time. Usually do the islands, I hate flying so will only do 2.5 hours!!! Can't wait! Have a brilliant time at Christmas in Benidorm - we're green with envy - sounds a great place to be for the festive season. Keep the reports coming - we love them!

Very Best Regards

Elaine

Sanji

2006-10-27 22:07:18

Awww Thank you Elaine. :kiss

That's really very kind of you.
I too hate flying and that is probably why I only go to Spain these days.

Regards
SanJi

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