Bar Restaurant Pons — Restaurant in Alaior

. I have been regularly visiting this fine establishment since my very first trip to Menorca in 1978. At this time, it was a very modest, family-run bar/restaurant but with a fantastic outside pool - ideal for our two young children - and spent entire days at the poolside being served good food and drink by the staff. In 1978, the business was run by the father and mother whilst their two teenage sons (Juan and Pedro) helped out as waiters. Juan was serving his national service during the day but would still be working in the restaurant until the small hours of the morning before returning to the barracks.

Sadly, the father died some years ago and the business is now run by Juan who married an English girl (Beverley) - hence the introduction of the "Fish & Chips" night on a Thursday along with their Tuesday "Curry" night. The mother is still there and seems to look younger every year - it must the dancing which she quite obviously enjoys when local entertainers perform on their outside terrace - a popular rendezvous for many accomplished dancers from around the island. Juan and Bev also have two of a family (Juan and Elisabet) who also help out during the summer months. Bar Pons is one of the few local bars/restaurants that remain open throughout the year and they also cater for the regular luncheons held by the local Age Concern branch.

We always make a point of eating there several times during our stays and are rarely disappointed. Prior to my dietary restrictions, I would enjoy their liver and onions and, more recently, my wife, who does not enjoy her fish fried in batter, asked if it could be done in breadcrumbs - this was done without any problem. Sadly, like so many other local establishments, they have seen a great downturn in the number of holidaymakers and many of thos who are still coming to the island are on an all inclusive package which negates their need to eat out at night. The Bar Pons pool is well maintained and must be about the largest in Cala'n Porter but it is barely used - ideal if you wish a quiet, leisurely swim with your family.

I would highly recommend that you give Bar Pons a try if ever you are visiting Menorca, particularly if staying in...

Wow, went two nights in a row. First time I had the lamb chops. Cooked to perfection (in other words correctly). Second time, after seeing the first night we went for the local Menorcan sea bass and mussels to start. The mussels fed three of us to start, while at the same time being the largest I've ever eaten. Absolutely exquisite. Fish that melted in your mouth, and a tomato sauce with diced peppers. We had not been to this place for 25 years. It has changed a lot (huge upgrade in cuisine), while at the same time staying the same (traditional decor (in good condition) and swimming pool)....

Four stars for the first time, we only came here to get some tapas. And it’s a nice place for the locals. Then we tried ribs, roast chicken then the paella. The service is really good, the paella is really surprising..! I would really recommend people to have paella here.! It was so good so I forgot to take pictures but next time I will take some.. this restaurant really deserve score...