THE HAIRY LEMON

Although the name doesn ́t automatically conjure up thoughts of fine dining and Michelin stars, you really can ́t beat the Hairy Lemon If you are after delicious homemade dishes served in a relaxed and friendly environment. Situated in the beautiful Plaza de los Naranjos Square in the heart of Sotogrande ́s marina, the Hairy Lemon serves some of the best food in the area. Billed as a gastro pub, the menu certainly reflects this, with all the usual hearty pub grub you ́d expect from a British inspired menu – but with an international twist. There ́s not many places you can have steak and ale pie alongside a Thai green cod fillet and coconut infused balsamic rice… but you can at the good old Hairy, as locals affectionately call it. The Hairy Lemon is also known to be adventurous with their cuisine, consistently adding new and varied dishes to their menu. Head chef and co-owner Lorenc Hunda, regularly tries out these new dishes on their Friday night €1 tapas evening. The night draws in all the locals and there is always live music and the latest sporting events shown. Great for October if you are a Rugby World Cup fan. “It ́s great to introduce new dishes alongside firm favourites,” Lorenc said. “It keeps us interesting and the ones that are the most popular will go on the main menu. Our customers dictate what we sell and we have a great rapor with them – so we are able to give them exactly what they want.” On the advice of the head chef, we went for the classic tapas dishes of teriyaki duck breast on a bed of wasabi coleslaw, lamb cutlets with port reduction gravy, patatas bravas and mini cajun chicken burgers. The portion sizes were generous for tapas which was good (as were starving!) and some Spanish establishments tapas come on saucer sized platters – which is not good, in our opinion!
The duck and lamb were both extremely tender and the flavours from the teriyaki sauce and port infused jus were to die for. Rich and full of flavour – which is exactly what you want from tapas. Filling you up but leaving you wanting for more. The Cajun burger was delicious, a bit of spice but not too much, with mayonnaise, fresh lettuce, tomato and good old chunky chips to accompany. The patatas bravas were excellent too, with thinly diced fried onion shavings on top with plenty of tomato salsa drizzled on top. When the main dishes arrived we were more than pleasantly surprised. Served beautifully on large dishes, the Steak and ale pie and Thai cod was The Hairy Lemon, which is adjoined to the very popular neighbouring restaurant, The Lemon is the perfect destination for families, couples or groups. Couples would probably prefer the Lemon side of the restaurant, which has recently undergone renovation but kept its hard wood floor, pale blue walls and art deco fixtures for a more classic appeal. It ́s slightly quieter here too if sport and singers are on next door – a peaceful retreat for a candlelit supper. Families are the name of the game at the Hairy Lemon and with a huge open air courtyard there ́s plenty of room for children to run around and let off steam while parents can enjoy the ambience undisturbed. Mum and Dad readers will know how good that feels (!). With 150 covers you will undoubtedly have a good time coming here in large groups too – there ́s a real laid back atmosphere and plenty of entertainment with a fun crowd, good music and pool tables inside. Run by husband and wife team Lorenc and Lizzie (with Lizzie ́s charismatic father XXXX) and an amazing front of house team, you will not get a warmer welcome and friendlier service than at The Hairy Lemon.