We needed bread and found a commercial centre restaurant worthy of note a few minutes walk from the N340 road at busy Calahonda, a resort well-known to sun-seeking Brits.

Calahonda on the Costa del Sol next to the busy N340 road looks to have enjoyed better times.

Restaurants were empty and the local Thursday market lacked footfall. Also, the sky was grey and there was rain in the air.

A woman beggar was positioned underneath a palm tree and the overall air was depressing.

There are a host of real estate companies attempting to sell property, one claiming to be the best on the Costa del Sol.

We were not tempted. Our main consideration was finding a bite of lunch.

We didn't fancy any of the main resort restaurants and were about to make the short journey home when we remembered we had to buy bread.

A supermarket loomed on the horizon and we popped in.

Next door we noted a restaurant. It looked inviting so in we went and we were totally surprised.

It's a wonderfully light and well-appointed establishment with modern furnishings including incredibly comfortable chairs.

A huge menu in Spanish and English was presented and we noted the quality being presented to neighbouring tables.

We also noted the competitive prices.

Eventually, I plumped for a seafood tapas which came packed with octopus, crab and mussels plus crunch vegetables and crusty bread. It was superb value.

Pam's sizable omelette arrived packed with ham and cheese plus chips in newspaper. A good choice.

Drinks were well priced and the toilets were immaculate, so was the restaurant.

They do a special midweek dinner of three courses for 16E and hope to sample it.

However, take a bow.

This was a totally unexpected bonus. It's above a car wash but don't let that put you off and car parking is free both underground and in the ground-level car park.

Useful links

​ www.centrocomerciallosolivos.com/centro.html