A cross to beer

We are going to hug the A-92 a lot of today but stop at Cuesta La Palma, which seems to major in places to eat and stay and has a tiny roundabout.




Having set up a Facebook group for sole-sainted churches, I am tempted, but not that tempted, to set up one for places which has a Wiki page in one language.   La Palma has one which is a joy of brevity.  I will quote all of ‘History’.  ‘In the early years of the  21st century, the AVE high-speed rail line to Granada was built and inaugurated in 2019, passing north of La Palma’   THe other claim to fame is being on the western most edge of the Loja region.




On the way out of town, and feeling like it is a place where people nip off the motorway, is the Arabic halal foods. It appears to be closed so I won’t bother repeating the reviews - which - from 3 years ago, were not good.  Next door is Restaurante Almeria. It appears to be temporarily closed.  There is a big sign saying Cruzcampo. Let’s talk beer.



Cruzcampo is one of those brands which you recognise once you have been to Spain.  https://uk.cruzcampo.com/ It was founded in Sevilla in 1904 by Roberto and Agustin Osborne.   Apparently the brothers had traveled through Germany and Benelux, studying beer making and thought this was a good idea.  The original factory was near a small shrine with a cross, known as the Cruz del Campo - hence the name.  The logo is based on Gambrinus, the legendary king, duke, or count of Flanders and Brabant - who liked a beer.

Today the stuff is made in Seville, Madrid, Jaen and Valencia.  Generally Cruzcampo dominates southern Spain, Mahon the centre and Estella Galacia the North and West, with Ambar and Estrella doing well in the North East.   Guinness buying the company in 1991 and, in turn, sold it to Heineken in 2000.

Of we go.  None of the three eateries that are coming up get five stars.  One gets 3.8, one 3.5 and one 4.4. Let us go to the one with least reviews.   Bar- Restaurante La Palma  has 363 people giving it 4.4 stars.  It peaks around 2-3pm. A month ago David said ‘Excellent breakfasts, pleasant atmosphere, and friendly staff. I recommend the tortilla, tuna, and tomato sandwich.’  Most people don’t say a lot.  Zizou did.  ‘I was very pleasantly surprised. We stopped because we needed to use the restroom and ended up having dinner and watching a bit of football; Liverpool was playing Real Madrid. I had probably one of the best sandwiches I'd eaten during that whole week of vacation I'd spent in Punta Umbría and Seville. And the service from the waitress and the guy at the station shop was excellent and very friendly.’  As a public service I can tell you the match took place on 4th November 2025, 9pm Spanish time.  MacAllister scored the only and winning goal, with Szoboszlai being of assistance.




Into the Urbanization La Ermita and the street of many bars.  The Hostal Restaurante Mejias https://www.guiagps.com/seleccion/hostal-restaurante-mejias/    Five days ago Amina said ‘Some of the most delicious food I've ever had. The chorizo, the beef in tomato sauce, the stew… Authentic and amazing food, and on top of that, very affordable. I recommend it 100%.’




By now we are a bit full so head off into the country and walk some of it off.











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