As a long term resident of the Costa del Sol, I can confirm that some of the coast´s best eateries are situated in and around Mijas-Golf.  Whether you are looking for an English pub lunch or a superbly priced Spanish set menu, you will find it all here.  Mijas-Golf continues to be a popular destination for visitors to Andalucia and the Costa del Sol.

Just 30 minutes from the more glitzy resorts of Puerto Banus and Marbella, Mijas-Golf, as you may guess by its name, also boasts one of the coast´s most famous golf courses.  Mijas Golf course comprises of two 18 hole courses which are ideal for both beginners and experts.  If you are thinking of staying in the area of Mijas-Golf enjoy a drink or a meal at the Tamisa Golf Hotel nearby – the views and the surroundings are stunning.

An eclectic and cosmopolitan area, Mijas-Golf offers visitors a wide range of restaurants, bars and ventas to choose from including the fabulous Hoyo 19, the Tamisa Golf Hotel, Venta la Morena and some wonderful, off-the-beaten track hostelries at Entrerrios.  You can even cross the river bed (unless it has been pouring with rain of course) opposite the entrance to the golf club and discover some more hidden gems which are only frequented by the locals.  Within easy driving distance of Marbella and Puerto Banus, on the Costa del Sol, Mijas-Golf is accessible to all visitors.

If you fancy something a little more English, there are two fabulous bar/cafes situated at La Cala Hills, just opposite St. Anthony´s  College.  The Phoenix Lounge is one of my favourites. Opened last year by Jean and Bev who previously ran the ever-popular Bar Unique at La Cala de Mijas have rejoined forces to host guests at this stylish bar.  Combining style, elegance and comfort, the Phoenix Lounge caters for families and fans of great food.

Nigel the chef, who previously ran the catering operation at Silks on the Beach, Marbella, has recently joined the team at the Phoenix to add a fantastic range of culinary delights.  We have visited this busy bar a lot during the past month, and the food and service is superb.  Now offering a fabulous range of tapas including roast beef and Yorkshire puddings, home-made ratatouille, fish and chips and spare ribs – all served in generous tapas dishes – there is something to suit all tastes and budgets.  The tapas are more like mini-meals and the cost is just €2.50 per portion.  We recently enjoyed three courses from the set menu, which is served from 12 noon to 9pm, and included a great range of starters, main courses and desserts for €12.95 per head.  The avocado and prawns starter was excellent, and the grilled sea bass and chicken fillet marsala were cooked to perfection for the main course.  If you are a pudding lover, try the bannoffi cream pie or chocolate pudding for dessert.  A drink is also included in the price of the set menu and you won´t be disappointed with the choices on offer.  Also a lovely sunny terrace.

Sunday lunch is served all afternoon on Sundays and this is the best place for a traditional roast.  Topside of beef, roast lamb and mint sauce and roast pork are all offered with fresh vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, gravy and a range of great desserts.  The Phoenix Lounge is definitely one to try – easy to get to and plenty of parking off the Camino de Coin.  Special events and private parties can be catered for with advance notice, and the Phoenix Lounge is becoming particularly popular for hosting birthday parties and special nights.

Someplace Else is just 200 metres up the hill from the Phoenix Lounge, and has its own regular clientele.  If you want a snack or a quick bite, try the cheesy chips or the fish goujons which were delicious last time we visited.  There is also an early bird menu on offer now, served from 3-5pm which includes three courses.  We enjoyed a fabulous chicken tikka masala recently and there are plenty of dishes for the kids to get stuck into at very reasonable prices.  Spacious terrace area.

If you enjoy watching football, this is the place to be.  With various screens showing premier league football plus European matches midweek, sports fans are spoilt for choice.

Golf is also featured and all other popular sports.  Staff are friendly and the interior is comfortable and welcoming.  A large range of draught beers are offered, and the bar even has its own golf society for enthusiasts of the game.  Regular events include karaoke nights and special evenings in summer which are widely advertised throughout the bar.

Being a Liverpool FC fanatic, Someplace Else is the perfect place for me.  John, the boss, is also a big reds fan, and you can guarantee all of their games will be showing.  I only missed one recently because I was lucky enough to get tickets to see the match at Liverpool v Aston Villa.  Amazing, brilliant 5-0! The Costa del Sol is the perfect place to live – if only they could move Anfield here!!

To get to the Phoenix Lounge or Someplace Else from La Cala, take the back road past the fairground/marketplace and head inland.  Keep to the right at the roundabout and follow the road round for 4 km.  Pass sign for Entrerrios and at the junction turn right.  Take the next right entrance into La Cala Hills.  Phoenix Lounge 100 metres here on the right hand side.  For Someplace Else turn right immediately after the entrance to La Cala Hills and it is 100 metres up here on the left hand side.  From Mcdonalds/Aquapark, Fuengirola go inland taking sign for Coin.  Carry on for 5km, passing entrance to Mijas Golf and the Tamisa Golf Hotel.  Pass row of shops on the left.  Carry on for another 2km and you will see La Cala Hills entrance on the left hand side just before St Anthony´s College on the right.