**Surprising Value at Benidorm Bar Stuns Long-Time British Expat**
A British woman who has spent four decades living in the Spanish resort town of Benidorm has revealed her astonishment at finding a bar in the city’s historic Old Town serving up some of the most competitively priced beer and tapas she’s encountered in recent years.
Michelle Baker, a well-established figure in Benidorm owing to her previous role as manager of a local newspaper, is now known as the friendly face behind the Benidormforever Facebook community. There, she shares advice and honest reviews for visitors and residents alike, with a particular emphasis on highlighting independent businesses.
During a recent wander through Benidorm’s charming Old Town, Ms Baker chanced upon Bar Rumbo, an establishment she later described as a “hidden gem”. According to her account, Bar Rumbo boasts a rich heritage, having first opened its doors in 1968 and now under the care of new owners Juani and Nico. She disclosed her discovery in a social media post, enthusiastically praising the bar’s unique appeal and value-for-money offerings.
She outlined that at Bar Rumbo, a beer accompanied by two tapas came to just €4.90—approximately £4 by current exchange rates. In a climate where tourists frequently complain about rising prices in holiday hotspots, this kind of pricing is bound to capture attention. The cost of a glass of wine was equally modest at €2.20, and a coffee could be enjoyed for merely €1.50. The bar’s cocktail deal, meanwhile, offered two cocktails for €10.
In addition to its wallet-friendly menu, Ms Baker highlighted the bar’s amicable atmosphere and inviting setting. She noted Bar Rumbo’s air-conditioned interior as a much-needed respite from Benidorm’s bustling streets and often intense heat. The space is decorated with quirky touches and even provides board games, fostering a warm, communal feel.
Deeply invested in supporting smaller, family-run venues, Ms Baker said her intention in sharing her find was to encourage locals and visitors to frequent such bars, which she fears could be lost in an area dominated by larger commercial establishments. “Your choice to pop in for a round or two of drinks makes all the difference to their day,” she wrote, emphasising the personal service and hospitality one can expect in these intimate locales.
The owners, Juani and Nico, inject their personalities into the business—Juani even offers musical performances despite the lack of any set musical programming at the bar. He shared, “We want people to feel welcome and meet new friends.” According to Ms Baker, once visitors discover Bar Rumbo, many become regulars, drawn back by the convivial, unpretentious atmosphere.
Ms Baker’s post quickly gathered traction among Benidorm enthusiasts online, with several expressing surprise that despite repeated visits to the Old Town, they had never noticed Bar Rumbo before. Others reminisced about time spent living in the area or sharing drinks at the bar over the years with local residents and previous owners.
One Facebook user commented, “In all the years visiting Benidorm, I have never seen this bar and we always stay and eat, drink in the Old Town. I will certainly be looking for it next time we visit.” Another added, “We used to live above Rumbo bar. It’s a lovely little bar. I know the original owner and his son who took over. Miss living in the Old Town—such good memories.”
A third person reflected on the appeal of a more authentic Spanish experience, stating they preferred bars not dominated by fellow British tourists. This sentiment highlights a broader desire among certain holidaymakers and expats to enjoy the local culture over the more commercialised aspects of Benidorm.
As cost-of-living pressures continue to mount both in Spain and in the UK, discovering small-scale venues like Bar Rumbo—with their affordable prices, local flavour, and community-driven ethos—may become an integral part of a more mindful, rewarding travel experience.
This story is also a reminder for visitors to seek out independent businesses, which often offer not just better value, but also a more authentic flavour of the places they inhabit. In an era of increasing globalisation, such ‘hidden gems’ are well worth cherishing.