The ¡Estupendo! Blog Site

Our initial email enquiry from Tracey and Kenny was on the 6th May this year and from that day on began a rollercoaster ride that would take anybody's breath away!

Let me explain that when most people look to relocate to another country they take months and sometimes years keeping in contact with the Estupendo offices before finally have all the information and being in a position to make the "Big Move". With Kenny and Tracey they turned this logic upside down, took the bull by the horns as to speak and simply went for it! On the 10th May I got as call from Kenny to explain their situation fully and for me this was excellent as I knew their backgrounds and also I had the chance to ask the questions to find out what might be suitable for their requirements. Kenny was a fully qualified chef and was not a college lecturer and who also had a lot of experience in Health and safety whilst Tracey was a fully qualified midwife who had also managed a pub in Manchester.

They were looking for a small bar which did food or a pool bar that would simply give them a simple life in the sun that so many people dream about. Their plan was to come over in July on a fact finding visit so when I got an email to say they would be arriving on the Thursday and could we meet on the 21st May I was surprised to say the least. When they arrived it was very clear from our initial face to face meeting that they had done a lot of research into the island and they knew what they wanted to achieve from the visit. With my knowledge of what they wanted and also their joint skills I thought that the Kontiki pool bar and restaurant was a golden opportunity for Kenny’s cooking skills and the pool bar was crying out for Tracey’s friendly personality!

After an initial viewing the potential was seen by both of them and all we needed now was to secure the price for the business. With the price set and the lawyer set to work on the legalities it was time to introduce Kenny and Tracey to some local suppliers and also take them to the local cash and carry’s to source the local produce. After years of cooking to the highest of standards Kenny was not going to drop his standards here and only the best ingredients would suffice. With everything in place it was time for Kenny and Tracey to return to the UK to get ready for their return which only gave them a matter of weeks due to the huge amount of interest in the business and the owner wanting a very quick sale.

On the 2nd July they arrived back in Lanzarote and within 24 hours of landing on the Friday 3rd July we completed the sale! If that’s not fast going then I don't know what is and it was then down to the reality of running the business with no time for a holiday beforehand or even to take stock of the situation. These are definitely two of the most hard working people we have came across at Estupendo and from day one the pool bar was transformed simply by Tracey’s happy smiling face that was probably still in shock from the speed of her new life!

The pool bar started to have life in it for the first time in almost four years and the whole complex seemed a different place and with the new restaurant came a new name "The Gallery" which was able to offer the complex half board options but also it offers the island a new eating experience. Within two months the pool bar,restaurant and complex have all had new life breathed into them and the feedback from both locals and holidaymakers is a big thumbs up to both the food and the service!

Tracey says" People must think we are mad to have given up good jobs and a comfortable lifestyle in the UK to suddenly within a couple of months be running a pool bar and restaurant in the sun. It’s been a whirlwind experience that we would not change for the world and the feedback from everybody has just been amazing. Since we first emailed Ian to when we finally met him and then completed the sale he has been there 100% to help us all the way. If we need any help or advice he has been on hand to call around and we really cannot thank him and Veronica enough for all of their continued help along the way! If you are looking to make the move to Lanzarote then sometimes you just have to simply take the bull by the horns and do it otherwise you can sit at home making up excuses why not to. If we did it anyone can and  you just have to go for it."

Already the restaurant is receiving rave reviews and if you are looking for top quality food at sensible prices then you won't be disappointed and you can find Kenny and Tracey at Kontiki apartments just off the main strip in Puerto Del Carmen. The pool bar is open all day if you just want a beer and a snack, the restaurant is open early evening for everyone to taste Kenny's talents. From everyone at Estupendo we wish them all the success in the world and we are sure that they will be soon enjoying the fruits of their success!