Big changes at the Bar/Hostal Suso

[JohnnieWalker]

For years the Bar/Cafe Suso was a great meeting place and watering hole for pilgrims. They served good pinchos and had an excellent Menu del Dia. Many pilgrims wandered along from the Pilgrims' Office to meet friends. Things have changed.

Following the death of the original owner the children of the family who worked in the bar and hostal have decided in their own words to live a more tranquil way of life. They no longer supply meals at lunchtime or a menu of the day and they are not going to open the tables in the terrace. The windows are now opaque glass and only very regular customers venture in for coffee. They regularly close early in the afternoon although the hostal is still functioning as normal.

Good news for the family left operating the bar but sad to see a modern pilgrim institution passing!

 

[Alan Pearce]

Johnny

Sad news indeed. I have been in Santiago de Compostela 4 times, and have stayed at the Suso each time and I will remember it with great fondness. Now to find another place to stay when I am there in 5 months time. Your suggestions?

Alan.

Be brave. Life is joyous.

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Alan - Hostal Suso is still going they are just having a more relaxed life!

 

[peregrino_tom]

Stayed in the hostal once, but have always started the morning there when heading out towards Finisterre. I remember the guy who ran it as solid, decent and slightly world-weary (well you would be, with all those pilgrims around). It's a shame to hear he's no longer with us. I hope it's still open for morning coffee and croissants as I always used to enjoy studying the mixture of locals who'd popped in on their way to work for a coffee and a read of the paper (why can I never find time to do that here in London?).

 

[grayland]

Sad.....the Suso is our favorite place to stay in Santiago.
Hopefully the Hostal will stay the same.
Will miss the bar on first floor.

 

[Alan Pearce]

Johnny - As it seems that they would not be supplying breakfast to guests any more, I will look for another place that does.

Alan

Be brave. Life is joyous.

 

[JohnnieWalker]

I'm sorry if I wasn't clear as far as I can see the hotel is operating normally including breakfast.

 

[Alan Pearce]

Johnny, I jumped to conclusions when I saw that they were no longer doing meals during the day, and presumed that they would also not do breakfasts Having re-read your post it is quite clear that they do!

Alan

Be brave. Life is joyous.

 

[SYates]

Sad news indeed, I had happy memories of The Suso! SY

 

[Bannerman]

We have stayed at Hostal Suso a number of times over the past few years. We stayed there again last month. They have three extra rooms this year and accept reservations on their website http://www.hostalsuso.com/index_en.html They keep their laptop at the end of the bar counter and answer any enquires by return. They provide breakfast and light meals to their guests ALL day with locals calling for morning coffee. They are concentrating on the accommodation side of the business and the bar/café is available to their guests ALL day. The Susos are very warm and welcoming people, location is very central and hopefully we will be there again next year.
Slán.
Buen Camino.
Des :lol:

 

[Kanga]

Good to hear. It's where I always stay if I can. Lovely people.

We have stayed at Hostal Suso a number of times over the past few years. We stayed there again last month. They have three extra rooms this year and accept reservations on their website http://www.hostalsuso.com/index_en.html They keep their laptop at the end of the bar counter and answer any enquires by return. They provide breakfast and light meals to their guests ALL day with locals calling for morning coffee. They are concentrating on the accommodation side of the business and the bar/café is available to their guests ALL day. The Susos are very warm and welcoming people, location is very central and hopefully we will be there again next year.
Slán.
Buen Camino.
Des :lol:

 

[JohnnieWalker]

I was there yesterday and perhaps my original post was not clear. They continue to provide breakfast in the bar and bocadillos when they are open. However they no longer provide an a la carte or menu of the day and at least for the moment have no plans to re-open the terrace.

 

[Priscillian]

This has made me very sad. I love the Hostal Suso so much that I mention it in both of my books! My favourite place to sit with a beer and pimientos de padron was at the tables in front or in the winter at the table right by the window. I love to watch the pilgrim movement from there.
All gone? Past tense? I saw the opaque glass a couple of weeks ago and could hardly believe it.
Very bad cess to all of them! Take life easy indeed :cry:

 

[gittiharre]

For years the Bar/Cafe Suso was a great meeting place and watering hole for pilgrims. They served good pinchos and had an excellent Menu del Dia. Many pilgrims wandered along from the Pilgrims' Office to meet friends. Things have changed.

Following the death of the original owner the children of the family who worked in the bar and hostal have decided in their own words to live a more tranquil way of life. They no longer supply meals at lunchtime or a menu of the day and they are not going to open the tables in the terrace. The windows are now opaque glass and only very regular customers venture in for coffee. They regularly close early in the afternoon although the hostal is still functioning as normal.

Good news for the family left operating the bar but sad to see a modern pilgrim institution passing!

Oh, so sad, I love Hostal Suso and the tables in the street were my favourite hangout over a glass or to of their best Alvarinho. I am planning to passing through Santiago next year all going well as part of the Porto/Santiago/Finesterre pilgrimage.