On Sundays, quite often we will arrange a lunch here or meet up with friends and go off for a lovely relaxing afternoon. This Sunday was a beautiful day – that wonderful blue sky and lots of sunshine that you get here and also in the UK (except that here if the sun is out it is usually T shirt weather, sorry). Anyhow, we met our friends at the bottom of our track and went off together to Sierra Cabrera, around 25 minutes away. There are several lovely restaurants there, but the one I like in the winter is the one at the top – Los Pastores, or The Shepherds. The restaurant occupies part of a Mosque/ church building and there is an adjoining Torreon (tower) which is believed to one of only two examples in Spain (the other tower is in Malaga) and dates back to the11th century.
Los Pastores entrance
The view is exceptional and in winter time you get that kind of alpine air feeling (it is several degrees cooler up here than at our house!). Today we are wearing jumpers and so can enjoy a drink on the terrace with the spectacular view. I have booked a table inside, but there are lots of visitors (you can tell as they are all sleeveless!!) who are happily lunching outside in the sunshine.
Beautiful views
The menu here is pretty extensive, delicious and good value. My friend Gill and I share a starter of tempura aubergine and courgette with a chilli jam dipping sauce. Mick has his favourite of salt cod fritters (they are fantastic – I make them at home) and Mike has smoked salmon. Then two of us have roasted shoulder of lamb which falls off the bone, Gill has chicken in white wine, and Mick has a wood oven pizza which looks fantastic! I am trying to diet so have a bite of Gill’s apple pie which is delicious. The boys have coffee and cognac and I have an espresso as I am driving us down the mountain!
The bill comes to a reasonable 32 euros including a tip with a bottle of wine, pre lunch drinks beforehand and a glass of white wine for me.
Los Pastores restaurant interior
We are coming here for our Christmas day lunch – just for a change and I must say it will be lovely to have breakfast on Christmas morning, presents and then have Mick drive my parents, Kim and Stuart (my sis and her husband to lunch in our friend Cannon Bennett’s people carrier (he has gone to New Zealand!) – and then just leave!!! I will still be cooking a turkey on Christmas Eve of course to have over the rest of the holidays – it wouldn’t be Christmas would it?
Los Pastores Resaurant and bar telephone no : 950 982 585
Yummy Almeria 
This looks lovely as I sit in my kitchen looking out at the somewhat bleak weather, snow, grey and cold, and the poor birds (who do have a very decent running buffet in my garden) I can warm myself up with the thought of warmer climes for Christmas.