Johnny Hooper's Saxophone Bistro — Restaurant in Albufeira

This is the highlight of Albufeira for me. I adore this place. I didn't know quite what to expect but I was pleasantly amazed to find both an excellent friendly bar as well as a reverent museum to the history of jazz saxophone. There are numerous books lining the walls on the subject of the music and the great players, and an astonishing number of pictures and framed posters of the masters too.

The focal point is a stunning example of a beautiful white Grafton sax. These are incredibly rare and famously used by Charlie Parker on the legendary Massey Hall concert recording, as well as by Ornette Coleman (as seen on the cover of Shape of Jazz to Come). These instruments are brittle and hence not many have survived in good condition from the 1950s, so to see one displayed in person is a wow moment.

The owner is Welsh - nice to have it be someone close to home - and obviously a fanatic like myself. Countless pictures of him standing next to big names in the music, most recently the excellent Samara Joy. Plus a book I pulled from the shelf to have a read (Cambridge Companion to Saxophone) just happened to have been signed by David Sanborn midway through on a line drawing of his likeness. I also spotted a signed photo of Snake Davis - a lesser known name but a prolific session musician and perhaps one of the most-heard players today as the originator of the saxophone lines on the popular Jubel dance track.

If you have even a passing interest in saxophones, you must pop in here for a drink at the very least. Will be...

Absolutely brilliant place. My Wife had been here a year ago with her "ladies" and raved about the place. When we were going to Albufeira on holiday last week with a group of our friends we returned to see just how good it was. To be honest ,I was preparing myself for disappointment.......I could not have been more wrong. Great venue with an brilliant atmosphere, really tastey food and excellent entertainment and staff. Obviously though the real selling point for the place is Johnny himself-lovely fella who can't do enough for you and takes a real interest in his customers. If you want loud, pumping music that leaves your ears buzzing, this probably isn't for you. But for those of us who appreciate a very slightly less frantic evening, I would fully recommend this place. Currently open Tueday and Friday evenings plus adifferent al fresco lunchtime session on Sunday featuring an accustic set featuring a different vocalist. I would recommend...

What an incredible night at Johnny Hooper’s Saxophone Bar! The atmosphere was electric from start to finish. We enjoyed delicious food, a super fun music quiz that had everyone laughing and competing, and plenty of dancing that kept the energy high all evening. The highlight, though, was Johnny himself—an amazing live saxophone player who truly brings the place to life with his talent and charisma as well as Sue and all the staff who couldn’t have been more friendly and welcoming. It’s more than just a bar—it’s an unforgettable experience. We enjoyed it so much that we went on a Friday and came back the following Tuesday before our holiday ended. Thanks to Johnny, Sue and all their staff, we’ll...