And such was the carefully thought-through weighing up of our early business minds … Pretty much the same today come to think of it, ha-ha.

A bit rash perhaps, but it does actually make sense – do something you yourself genuinely need and love. Build an atmosphere you yourself can flourish in. Strive to attract the kind of people who will nurture you and appreciate all you do to try to contribute to their well-being, and further hope that you can also contribute to your neighbourhood, even your city (grandiose it may sound but it’s a very real concern of ours) …

And do what you can to the best of your ability no matter how limited your resources and how tiring the road. And hopefully you will grow.

And so we did. 25 years ago, never having worked in a bar, somewhat in awe of the coffee machine, I remember saying to friends…“If we survive 5 years I’ll be happy. 10 would be like WOW. But really truly my dream- my DREAM is to become a ‘classic’ in Valencia.” And dreams do come true.

Manuel Castillo, my business partner, has a talent for decoration and has invariably managed to evoke atmosphere, be it using genuine antiques hunted out in rastros or faux creations using skill and imagination. These latter I love more than any bought gem. Much of the Café has been built by us and the hard work has been very often alleviated by the helping hands and the kindest hearts of so many friends. It is a wonderful thing to look around and see in the tiles of the mosaic floor, the tints of the borders and frescos, the papier-mâché leaves of the roses winding around the baroque lamp, and in many many secret corners, some sweat, some tears and above all laughing, heartwarming memories.