A popular holiday bar owned by the creator of iconic TV comedy show Benidorm has been forced to temporarily call time because of staff issues. Mateo's, located in the heart of the Costa Blanca resort, announced it was shutting its doors until further notice - disappointing fans of the famous series.
A message on the bar's Facebook page read: "As we at Mateo's consider our options due to the current Benidorm staff shortage, the bar will be closed until further notice." It is the latest venue to suffer from staffing issues with bars, hotels and restaurants across Spain struggling to recruit workers.
Mateo's is owned by Derren Litten, who created and wrote the popular comedy series highlighting the antics of guests and staff at the Hotel Solana. It is a must-visit venue for fans with regular VIP visits from former cast members.
However, it is the latest to be hit by staffing issues, announcing that opening hours would be cut at the end of last month, before posting the shock news that the bar would close. Earlier this week, Spanish tourism groups said around 200,000 vacancies were unfilled in the nation's hospitality sector, with many blaming Brexit restrictions for the staff issues.
Anguished holidaymakers and customers took to social media to voice their support for the bar. Hazel Templeton posted: "Hope you get it sorted soon. Great bar and it's a shame some people will miss out on their hols."
Patricia Ayres added: "Such a shame. Lovely bar."
Geordie Jock said on Facebook: "Benidorm def (sic) not what it was. Also lack of staff in our hotel." While Jamie H-F added: "It's the same here in Ibiza. No one can get visas. A lot of people from the UK usually work here during the summer who can't due to Brexit. Very sad."
Mateo's was recently used for the launch of a one-off event celebrating the comedy show, which is set to take place in the Costa Blanca resort from November 18-20. Popular characters such as randy barman Mateo (played by Jake Canuso), hotel manager Joyce Temple-Savage (Sherrie Hewson) and acid-tongued Madge Harvey (Sheila Reid) alongside series regulars Asa Elliott and Crissy Rock, are all set to appear at Benicon and fans have rushed to snap up tickets.
Highlight of the weekend promises to be a star-studded gala cast reunion show at the Benidorm Palace, hosted by Derren Litten. Weekend passes for the event, backed by hotel chain Melia, will give fans unlimited access to the convention for the three days. Ticket details can be obtained here.
Guests will also be able to stay at the famous Solana Hotel - the location of the long-running series. Pool scenes in the TV show were filmed at the Sol Pelicanos Hotel, located in the centre of Benidorm near to Morgan’s Bar which doubled up as Neptunes in the series.
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