Social Scene Costa del 27 Nov – 3 Dec 2025 Issue 2108
Cusp of stardom
RISING singer-guitarist star
Sami James has teamed up with Grammy-winning producer Eliot Kennedy for a major recording session in the Peak District.
The independent artist, famed for his raw troubadour style mixing indie rock energy and soulful storytelling, has completed three new tracks for his forthcoming EP.
James announced the collaboration last month:
“I’m off to England to record three new tracks with the legendary producer Eliot Kennedy!” He hopes for a pre-Christmas release.
Kennedy, an Ivor Novello award winner based at Steelworks Studios in Derbyshire since 2023, has crafted global hits for Spice Girls, Take That, Bryan Adams and the Broadway musical Finding Neverland. His expertise in film scores and theatre makes him an ideal
mentor for James, whose dynamic live shows and international fanbase were highlighted in a July Euro Weekly News feature.
From Costa del Sol stages to world famous British studios, James stands on the cusp of the big breakthrough.
Voices of Christmas
ALHAURIN EL GRANDE is set to kick off the festive season with Voices of Christmas, hosted by TAPAS (The Andalucia Performing Arts Society). The event takes place on Saturday December 6 from 7pm to 11pm at the Alhaurin Golf Clubhouse.
The evening will feature performances from the Sibling Duo, Naughty & Nice, All I Want for Christmas Is Tunes, and the TAPAS Choir. A festive raffle will also take place, giving attendees a chance to win prizes while enjoying the show.
TAPAS is a local arts society that promotes performing arts in Andalucia, supporting both amateur and professional talent.
The group organises events across the region, offering residents and visitors the chance to enjoy music, theatre, and community performances.
Tickets are priced at €12 for members and €15 for non-members. Attendees
should note that no food will be served during the performances. For information and reservations, call 693 104 060
Voices of Christmas aims to bring the community together and celebrate the festive season with music, entertainment, and holiday cheer.
It promises to be a highlight of Alhaurin El Grande’s festive calendar and a perfect start to Christmas celebrations for families, friends, and visitors alike.
TAPAS Choir to perform.
Credit: TAPAS.
Sami in Eliot’s studio surrounded by platinum discs.
Credit: SJ
British classics at Kelly’s
KELLY’S Bar in Monte de la Duquesa Square offers a warm welcome and a menu that feels like a hug from back home.
We turned up on a busy Thursday without a booking, and despite the place being full, the staff kindly squeezed us in.
While life in Spain is all about tapas and local flavours, it was a real treat to enjoy some familiar British classics.
We opted for the steak and ale pie with chips.
The pie was hearty and full of flavour, with a golden, crisp pastry that made it feel like a proper pub meal.
For dessert, the proper English puddings were impossible to resist.
After debating between a selection of puddings and old-school classics like jam sponge, we chose treacle pudding with custard.
It was sweet, comforting, and the perfect end to our meal.
The menu is packed with homely favourites, including fish, chips and mushy peas, hunters chicken, and beef stroganoff. Portion sizes are generous, and the flavours hit just the right note of nostalgia.
Kelly’s also runs a Thursday buy-one-getone-free offer, making it
a great choice for a casual meal with friends.
Friendly service, homely food, and a welcoming atmosphere make Kelly’s Bar a top pick for anyone craving a taste of Britain while in Duquesa.
Address: Kelly’s, Monte De La Duquesa, Manilva 29692
Phone number: 952
897 020
Facebook: kellysbar monteduquesa
Coldplay by Candlelight
COSTA DEL SOL romantics are in for a treat as the renowned Candlelight concert series brings a unique showdown: Coldplay versus Imagine Dragons, reimagined by a live string quartet.
The enchanting event takes place on Saturday November 29 at the elegant Salón Linares in Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Resort, Benahavis.
Thousands of flickering candles will bathe the acoustically superb hall in golden light, creating an intimate, dreamlike atmosphere.
Doors open at 6.15pm for the 7pm start, with no late admission allowed to protect the immersive experience. The 60-minute performance by the acclaimed Cuarteto Origen transforms pop-rock anthems into
evocative classical arrangements.
Expect soaring renditions of Coldplay classics including ‘Clocks’, ‘Fix You’, ‘The Scientist’, ‘Speed of Sound’, ‘Paradise’ and ‘A Sky Full of Stars’, alongside Imagine Dragons hits such as ‘Thunder’, ‘Believer’, ‘Radioactive’, ‘Bones’, ‘Enemy’ and ‘Eyes Closed’.
Previous attendees worldwide have hailed the series as ‘absolutely amazing’ and ‘truly magical’, praising the way familiar songs gain new emotional depth amid the candlelit setting.
Tickets start at €26 for standard seats and €29.50 for premium, with allocated zones ensuring excellent views. Demand is high and seats are selling quickly. Book via feverup.com.
Fleetwood Mac in Fuengirola
AFTER a sensational sell-out run last year, The Chain: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac returns to the Salón Varietés Theatre in Fuengirola, bigger and better than ever! Fans of the legendary band can relive the magic on Thursday December 4 and Friday December 5, with nightly shows starting at 7.30pm.
This critically acclaimed live band tribute celebrates the full spectrum of Fleetwood Mac’s illustrious career, spanning from the early Peter Green era through to the chart-topping hits of the Buckingham-Nicks period. Audiences can expect unforgettable performances of classics like Go Your Own Way, Rhiannon, Landslide, Everywhere, and many more, delivered with meticulous attention to detail and a passion that mirrors the original recordings.
Last year, the two-ni-
ght run completely sold out, and due to popular demand, the band is returning to bring their high-energy, heartfelt tribute to the stage once again. Whether you are a lifelong Fleetwood Mac fan or discovering their timeless music for the first time, The Chain promises an evening of spectacular live music, stunning
harmonies, and the electric atmosphere of one of rock’s most iconic bands.
Tickets are expected to sell fast, so early booking is strongly advised. Reserve your seats now at www.salonvarietes.com.
The English-speaking theatre is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring a welcoming experience for locals and visiting guests.
Sweetest tree ever
LA FONDA Heritage Hotel in Marbella launched the festive season in spectacular style on Friday, November 21 with the switching on of what it claims is the world’s largest Christmas tree made entirely of cookies.
The two-metre-high creation, displayed in the hotel’s historic atrium, is formed from nearly 1,000 hand-crafted biscuits suspended among thousands of tiny lights. British artist Debbie Wingham - known as the ‘Countess of Confectionery’ and founder of luxury brand Crumbz Cookies - designed the edible masterpiece. Classic gingerbread men, stars and linzer cookies hang alongside her signature Sprinkle Piñata, Mint Chocolate Fondant and OG Cookie Cake treats.
Guests entering the atrium are met by the
warm scent of cinnamon, ginger and clove. More than 80 dignitaries, business leaders and patrons attended the glamorous lighting ceremony, which ended with the tree sparkling to life and a toast of organic La Vie en Rose cava.
Hotel general manager Carmine Sacco called it “a celebration of collaboration, craftsmanship and Christmas magic.” Wingham said she aimed to create an immersive blend of tradition, luxury and fantasy.
The Relais & Châteaux property, recently awarded a Michelin Key and named a 2026 Trending Destination by American Express, will host cookie-decorating workshops with Wingham throughout December, plus festive dinners, a Santa Lucía procession on December 13 and a New Year’s Eve gala.
Cookie Christmas Tree at La Fonda.
Fleetwood Mac fan favourites.
Craig David
TICKETS are now on sale for British artist Craig David’s TS5 show at Marbella Arena on June 27, 2026, part of an international concert series presented by music promoter Beat Live.
The venue, located in the former Puerto Banus bullring, will host one of the standout musical events of the Costa del Sol summer. TS5, regarded as one of the most powerful live formats today, combines David’s live vocals with his DJ and MC skills, taking audiences on a seamless journey through R&B, garage, house, bashment and iconic tracks that have defined generations.
What began as an intimate Miami penthouse party has grown into a global phenomenon, with sold-out tours, festival main stages and international acclaim. David has sold more than 15 million albums and earned multiple BRIT and Grammy nominations, remaining one of the UK’s most influential artists.
James Cromwell of Beat Live said the series “places Marbella Arena on the path of Europe’s leading live music destinations” and described the TS5 show as a statement of intent reflecting “the energy and artistic quality we want for this new cycle.”
in Marbella
Tickets are available via https://laylo. com/beat-live/OSx0uEYd.
Marbella Arena, the city’s premier events venue, offers a year-round programme of concerts, theatre, comedy, sports and corporate events. Beat Live is dedicated to creating top-tier concerts and cultural experiences on the Costa del Sol.
Cosy events in Coin
NOVA Café in Coin is bringing festive cheer with a lively programme of events. The café, known for its blend of Dutch and Spanish culinary delights, invites locals and visitors to enjoy food, music, and community spirit.
The winter events kick off with Fish & Chips Night on Thursday November 28, from 4pm to 8pm. Guests can enjoy perfectly cooked fish with hand-cut chips, tartar sauce, and mushy peas in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
On Wednesday, December 4, Karaoke Night runs from 7pm to 11pm, giving aspiring popstars the chance to perform their favourite hits and join in the fun.
Live music returns on Wednesday, De-
cember 11, at 7.30pm with Chelsea Lee. Her performance promises soulful melodies, lively rhythms, and an intimate setting for music lovers to enjoy a night of entertainment.
Christmas Karaoke takes place on Wednesday, December 18, from 7pm to 11pm, inviting everyone to sing along to popular Christmas songs to really get in the festive mood.
The celebrations continue with a Christmas Dinner on Thursday, December 25, and a New Year’s Reception on Saturday, January 4.
Reservations are essential and can be made via phone or WhatsApp on +34 658 854 031.
Credit:
Marbella Arena
Celebrate Christmas at Nova.
Nova
Floral Art Society
THE Estepona Floral Art Society, a popular English-speaking club on the Costa del Sol, has been bringing together flower enthusiasts from across the region for 25 years. The club usually meets on the third Tuesday of the month at El Paraiso Golf Club, and everyone is welcome. Visitors’ fee is €15.
This December, the Society will meet slightly earlier on Tuesday December 2, at 3pm for a special ‘Fun with Flowers Hands On’ session where attendees will be creating their own Christmas table arrangement. The Society will provide the Oasis (floral foam) and greenery, and participants just need to bring three, five, or seven artificial flowers along with any candles or decorative items they wish to include. Members can attend for free, while guests and visitors are asked
to pay the usual €15 fee. Spaces are limited, so anyone wishing to take part should email esteponafloralartclub@hot mail.com to reserve a place.
Earlier in November, the Society welcomed award-winning demonstrator Robin White from Kent for an entertaining afternoon. Robin’s demonstration, ‘A White Christmas’, showcased creative floral techniques and gave members plenty of ideas for their own Christmas designs
The Estepona Floral Art Society offers a friendly environment for anyone with an interest in flowers, whether you are a beginner or an experienced arranger. Monthly meetings usually feature a professional demonstrator, giving attendees inspiration and practical tips for their own creations.
Rockin’ Race Jamboree
TORREMOLINOS will host Europe’s biggest rockabilly festival when the Rockin’ Race Jamboree celebrates its 32nd year from February 4 to 8, 2026.
Organisers have unveiled a blockbuster line-up led by East LA icons Los Lobos, making their debut appearance. They are joined by Boston soul shouter Barrence Whitfield with Los Mambo Jambo, TexMex guitar legend Kid Ramos and his son Johnny, and an all-star Hoodoo Tones featuring Stray Cats drummer Slim Jim Phantom. Other highlights include garage-surf veterans The Untamed Youth, Spanish beat pioneers Los Sirex, doo-wop stars Jay Siegel’s Tokens, plus Cherry Casino & The Gamblers, The Hexxers and Velvet
Candles among almost forty acts.
The five-day event spreads across the Auditorio Príncipe de Asturias, Hotel Barracuda, Plaza del Remo and late-night clubs, with music from midday until dawn. Visitors can also enjoy a large record fair, classic car display, burlesque shows and the popular Rockin’ Race fashion contest.
Festival director Jorge Perales called it ‘the biggest line-up we’ve ever had’ and expects attendees from over 30 countries. Full five-day passes cost €135, but the event has sold out every year since the 1990s - last year’s final tickets vanished in under 48 hours.
Tickets are available only at www.rockin race.com.
Los Lobos to headline Rockin’ Race Jamboree in February.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Discover La Mar Marbella – Where the Mediterranean meets elegance
SET along the vibrant promenade of Marbella, La Mar has quickly become a favourite for those seeking not just a meal, but an experience. With its stylish décor, panoramic sea views and a menu that blends innovation with tradition, this restaurant has redefined dining on the Costa del Sol.
From the moment you arrive, the atmosphere is unmistakably Mediterranean – relaxed yet refined. Whether you’re stopping for a leisurely lunch, a sunset cocktail or an elegant dinner, La Mar offers the perfect setting. The restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows and spacious terrace ensure that the star of every visit is the sparkling coastline just metres away.
The culinary philosophy at La Mar is simple: fresh, seasonal ingredients treated with respect. Expect a menu that celebrates the very best of Spanish cuisine while embracing international influences. Diners can enjoy perfectly grilled seafood, prime
cuts of meat and vibrant vegetarian options, all paired with a carefully curated wine list featuring both local favourites and renowned international labels. It’s not just the food that keeps guests returning – it’s the
attention to detail.
From friendly, attentive service to creative presentation, every element is designed to delight. Whether you’re a Marbella resident, a frequent visitor or discovering
the town for the first time, La Mar invites you to linger, savour and celebrate the Mediterranean lifestyle.
friends, La
For families, couples or groups of friends, La Mar offers a welcoming space where every occasion feels special. And with its prime location on Marbella’s paseo marítimo, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy the rhythm of the town, the sea breeze and the unmistakable charm that has made Marbella world-famous.
La Mar Marbella – Paseo Marítimo 7, Marbella. Bookings: +34 951 66 91 46 / info@lamarmarbella.es - www.lamarmarbella.es
THERE are restaurants you stumble across… and then there are restaurants the locals protect. El Jinete is firmly in the latter category - a treasured La Cala haunt perched just far enough above the town to feel like you’ve escaped, yet close enough that regulars slip in several times a month without a second thought. Whispered about for years, recommended carefully and with a knowing smile, El Jinete has become one of those places that residents claim as their own - and it only takes a single visit to understand why.
From the moment you arrive, the setting works its quiet magic. Tucked among the rolling edges of the Mijas countryside, the restaurant offers an atmosphere that blends rustic charm with an understated elegance. Whether you’re seated inside under warm, welcoming lighting or outside with the soft glow of the terrace surrounding you, the space immediately puts you at ease. There’s no pretence here - just authenticity, comfort and the unmistakable feeling that this is somewhere run by people who genuinely care.
And that care shows most vividly in the service. Time and again, diners describe the team at El Jinete as warm, attentive and downright lovely. One regular summed it up perfectly: “Every time we visit, the staff are absolutely wonderful. We can’t wait for next year’s visit!” Another simply wrote: “Friendly staff, great atmosphere - we will be going back for sure.” It’s a consistent theme across guest after guest, review after review: the kind of service that doesn’t need to be trained into a team because it comes naturally.
But as impeccable as the service is, it has competition - the cuisine. Because at El Jinete, the dishes arriving at your table are nothing short of exceptional. Head Chef Roque Martínez Luna has created a menu packed with flavour, finesse and real culinary confidence. He marries the bold, soulful elements of Andalucian grilling with refined European touches, creating plates that feel indulgent without ever becoming overcomplicated.
The flame-kissed specials, the perfectly cooked steaks, the beautifully balanced sauces - everything feels
LA CALA’S HIDDEN GEM
intentional, crafted and deeply satisfying. One diner raved: “Some of the best food I’ve eaten abroad.” Another called the scallops “literally orgasmic.” Others describe perfectly seared lamb chops, melt-inthe-mouth chateaubriand with tarragon, succulent duck with artichoke… the list goes on, and the praise never falters.
And that’s the thing: consistency. El Jinete isn’t a restaurant that dazzles once and coasts
on reputation - it surprises, delights and delivers night after night. One reviewer captured this beautifully: “Every time their food has been delicious. Never once had a bad meal in 10 years.” That kind of loyalty doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from a kitchen that takes pride in its craft and a team determined to ensure that every plate leaving those swinging doors does justice to the restaurant’s name.
Then there’s the value. While the
quality rivals the high-end eateries of Marbella and beyond, the pricing remains firmly rooted in its community. It’s a local’s restaurant - priced for those who return often, not those who drop in once. That approach has earned El Jinete something more valuable than awards or Instagram hype: loyalty. Families celebrate anniversaries here, couples come back year after year, and residents bring visiting friends knowing they’ll look like geniuses for recommending it.
The terrace, with its soft evening light and serene countryside views, deserves a mention of its own. There’s something about dining outdoors here that makes time slow down just a little. Perhaps it’s the gentle breeze drifting in from the hills, or the warm atmosphere that builds as the night unfolds. Perhaps it’s the easy hum of conversation, the clink of glasses, the scent of grilling meats rising into the air. Whatever the reason, evenings spent at El Jinete have a way of lingering in the memory. What stands out most, though, is how complete the experience feels. The atmosphere, the service, the cuisine, the pricing - each element is strong in its own right, but together they create something rare. El Jinete isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a place to relax, to enjoy, to savour. A place where quality doesn’t shout but quietly shines. Where the welcome feels genuine, the flavours linger, and the bill at the end reminds you that exceptional doesn’t always have to mean expensive.
So yes, El Jinete may have been one of La Cala’s best-kept secrets. But some secrets are simply too good to stay hidden forever. And once you’ve discovered this hillside haven for yourself - once you’ve tasted its expertly crafted dishes and felt its warmthyou’ll join the ranks of locals who, with a smile, tell their friends: “You didn’t hear it from me… but you really must try El Jinete.”
Hidden gem? Absolutely. Still a secret? Not for long.
Mum’s workshop, San Pedro
MUMS on the Costa del Sol are invited to a special evening of festive fun, practical parenting advice and relaxation at a Sip, Share and Decorate workshop, with CBT therapist Sian Kirkham.
Taking place on Friday November 28 from 5pm to 7pm at the Nueva Alcantara Club in San Pedro Alcantara, this event combines a cosy gingerbread house decorating session with expert guidance from Sian.
Sian, a counsellor specialising in child and family therapy, spent 20 years as a teacher and headteacher before retraining to follow her passion for supporting emotional wellbeing. She now works with local international schools, including English International College, British International School of Marbella and Swans International School,
and runs a private practice offering practical tools to help children manage their emotions and behaviour.
During the workshop, Sian will share insights and strategies that parents can use at home to support their children’s emotional well-being, alongside fun, hands-on activities that allow mums to relax, connect and enjoy the festive season.
Tickets are €45 and include wine, nibbles and all materials for gingerbread house decorating. Spaces are limited and early booking is recommended.
For more information or to reserve a place, contact +34 644 868 737.
Join fellow mums for an evening of creativity, and take away a beautifully decorated gingerbread house and practical tips.
Credit: PixabayTheoCrazzolara
Building a happy home.
Saborea Manilva returns
unveiled the official programme for this year’s Saborea Manilva gastronomic fair, set to take place in Plaza de la Vendimia from December 5 to 7. Organised by the Tourism Delegation, the event promises a vibrant mix of food, wine, music and festive activities that reflect
honey and, of course, Manilva wine. A standout feature is the traditional Wine Competition, where local winemakers present their creations for judging and, later, for tasting by attendees.
The fair is packed with entertainment for all ages. There are children’s workshops and craft activities,
yor and local officials. Saturday brings show cooking with local chefs, wine awards, and free wine tastings. Sunday offers a national ham-cutting contest (in return for a charity food donation), a show-cooking of gourmet burgers, and sweet treats from dessert stands. Saborea Manilva is not
