We love our new lives in Andalucia and are immersing ourselves as much as we possibly can, mid-renovation. Sometimes though, especially in the cooler months – and this is why my thoughts are turning to this now, as we enter October – we crave certain things that were just kind of tap, back in the UK. Pizza Express pizzas, for one. Which we can luckily, by a sheer geographical coincidence, get out here. And, nwe did find ourselves, last winter, at times, definitely definitely craving a good old Sunday roast. We did make our own a few times, inlcuding knocking out a stand out Christmas dinner, with turkey, ham and ALL the trimmings. But DIY is a real faff, not to mention the washing up. So, imagine our delight when we saw that one of our favourite hotels – Boutique Hotel Alcaidesa – would be offering Sunday Roasts (including veggie options) throughout the winter to residents and non-residents.

Last winter we were renting an apartment in Sanlucar de Barrameda, on the Costa de la Luz, a good two hour drive away, so we decided to make a night of it, and we booked accommodation on the Sunday evening. Which, in hindsight, was a pretty good idea, as we were so full after our meal, that all we could was get to the room, and crash out, watching the wonderful Ripley series on Netflix.

We knew the food would be good, as we had previous experience of the hotel and had eaten in the evening and at breakfast, and both times, the food was outstandingly good. Owned by a Norwegian/English family, and run by a very international team, the food is interesting to say the least. Attention to detail is absolutely spot on, and the choice offered is amazing. So, we knew we were in for a Sunday afternoon treat…

The food is served buffet style, but a team of chefs keep it fresh and at the right temperature, visibly taking away food which may have sat for a little too long and replacing with obvious new platters of food. The carvery oois skillfully manned by one of the chefs, and even though it’s buffet style, you are usually served your choices. And the choices are vast – we had a variety of meats and veggie options. The two standouts when we have been visited have been the nut roast and the mushroom risotto – both perfect if you don’t want meat. There’s also a veggie gravy option, although if you are a strict vegetarian or vegan, it’s probably worth discussing your choices beforehand – I’m sure this lovely, professional set up would accommodate your wishes. The array of vegetables and sides is staggering – and the roast potatoes and Yorkshire puddings were swoon-worthy. Starters are available and look gorgeous, but our advice would be to pass on these and go straight to the roast. As you can return as many times as you desire, and you will definitely go back once, you don’t want to fill up too much and miss out on the main course deliciousness.

Oh, and do try and a little room for dessert. I was fit to burst, as the little pots of Eton Mess kept on being replenished, I could not resist. But strawberries are very much OK, aren’t they? Maybe not the smashed creamy meringues and the cream itself and the coulis, but strawberries. Fitness food.

And, after fabulous food and excellent wine, the very comfy bed called and an evening of “Ripley”, before a good night’s sleep to ready ourselves for breakfast the next morning.