The number of bars in Andalusia is growing

Despite the economic crisis and rising unemployment, in Andalusia there is a significant growth of new bars and restaurants. Over the past five years the number of bars increased by 6.5 percent and is the region currently has about 54 thousand different pubs what gives Andalusia the first place in Spain on this indicator. It overtakes such regions as Catalonia, Madrid and Valencia, where there are 46.776, 35.971 and 33.756 bars respectively.

According to the experts, it has at least two explanations. Firstly, it is Spanish cuisine, and Andalusian cuisine is especially in strong demand among foreign tourists, who make up the bulk of visitors of the restaurants with national cuisine. Usually, there are restaurants located in the center or the historical part of town, where there are many attractions and, accordingly, a large number of tourists. Very often, these restaurants offer visitors a small entertainment (performance of ethnic ensembles, or a short scenic sketch). Since these restaurants are oriented mostly for tourists, the prices here are about 30 percent higher than in similar ones located in the less visited areas. In Spain, the restaurants have a similar to hotels gradation according to the level of service, but instead of stars there used appropriate number of forks.

The second reason for the growth of the number of bars in Andalusia is the fact that for local residents bar is not only a drinking establishment, but also a place to meet and communicate. Spaniards are very sociable people, many even prefer to have breakfast in a bar or cafeteria, just to socialize or read a newspaper on the open air and not at home. So-called sports bars with big screens, where visitors can watch any sporting events, are also very popular. These institutions differ in the affiliation of its regular visitors to the fans of different teams (football, basketball), as well as sports (athletics, water sports, poker championships or billiards).