Sign of the Times!

[shanagarry]

I realise that these difficult times and are reflected in the reduction of the tourist numbers - not just in Carvoeiro - but across the globe.

Last night as we walked down the hill to get a taxi home we went into Bradys just after 11.30pm having left the 'soul-less' Black Stove moments earlier. Bradys was lively with a very good Irish Folk Group creating a very pleasant ambience. So far so good.

What took me by surprise was seeing Bill Brady and Graham from The Irish Times standing at the bar with drink in hand and with 'misery' written all over their faces - both of them deep in conversation. I would have thought that Bill Brady would have been happier mixing with his customers instead of appearing to have the weight of the world on his shoulders. If they do have the weight of the world to burden them - don't do it in full view of the people who come to your establishment for a bit of respite from their own trials and tribulations.

I dare not ask what Graham from The Irish Times was doing there on what should be one of his busiest night's of the week

Is this a real 'sign of the times' and are we all leaving it get to us - not just Bill and Graham - c'mon guys Cheer us all up please

[fmm]

When I was in Cvo for the middle two weeks in August, it was far busier than last year. I had to book for every restaurant that we wanted to eat in (for 2-3 people) which I have not had to do before. The bars were very busy and people were everywhere.

[shanagarry]

August needed to be good because the preceding two months were 30% down on the previous year.

We have been here since May and could see how little the numbers were during those months. Clearly the Portuguese came here en-masse during August, hence the busy restaurants. September is going to be the acid-test - historically the months of June, July and August are the high turnover months - September and October are the 'icing' on the cake to give them a comfortable winter. Alter the mix and it changes everything.

Hopefully all of the northern Europeans who holiday in September will not stay at home.

[Bristle Si]

Defo will not be staying at 'home'!

This time next week we will be in Carvoeiro for our annual stay. looking forward to it as usual; just hope there's enough people there to make it a great atmos. Hopefully, there will be no probs and not too expensive!

[laserblazer]

It might be all of the "staycationers" (who dreams these things up?) who had a cr@p summer holiday, will take another break at half-term.

[EMM]

We have a number of last minute bookings right up to early NOV and some for next year.

So fingers crossed.

[shanagarry]

Regardless of all the previous - the village is alive with its usual ambiance and the weather is fantastic.

Come and enjoy

[jkspoff]

Just returned from Carvoeiro after spending most of August there, the last 2 weeks have been busier than ever, the beach was so crowded that the umbrellas were touching each other, and on a night most of the better restaurants were booked up. The square was heaving and the town booming. However, from August 1st to August 25th, they are the busiest weeks of the year. I did notice a lot more Portugese tourists there this year than usual, which was nice to see. Looking forward to next year.

[brady`s]

What a load of B-----KS .........

[roy4eyes]

We spied the pair of them outside Hemingways last night. Told me it was their night off

A night off in August What a load of bo....ks

P.S. Both were smiling , no sign of 'misery'.

[shanagarry]

I rest my case - although I have no axe to grind with either of them and what they do is their own business - I would have thought customer attention would have been top of their priority list.

Good luck to them!

[laserblazer]

If they have good staff then they should be able to get out of the shop once in a while. In fact, if the attitude I've seen on this forum is duplicated in the bar, they might be better keeping clear.

[soulman]

Maybe this is the reason!!!!

http://www.businessesforsale.com/Carvoe ... -Sale.aspx

[Bristle Si]

Maybe this is the reason!!!!

http://www.businessesforsale.com/Carvoe ... -Sale.aspx

490,000 euros!! There's a recession on for gawd's sake!

[laserblazer]

Maybe this is the reason!!!!

http://www.businessesforsale.com/Carvoe ... -Sale.aspx

490,000 euros!! There's a recession on for gawd's sake!

You could get a second hand Merc. for that. Well spotted soulman.