The tourist season has kicked off and with it life returns to areas such as Magalluf. And to iconic venues such as the Benny Hill, a meeting point for several generations of visitors and families who are already filling its huge terrace. A venue with as much history as it has unanswered questions raised concerns about its future months ago, when signs announcing its sale were displayed in various locations, alongside the email address of the business owners to contact should anyone be interested in taking over the business.
The scene is the same, but business is in full swing. The owners have not changed their plans with the arrival of tourists, and the ‘for sale’ sign remains on display. The manager of Benny Hill confirms that ‘there was interest from several individuals and companies. Just a few days ago, another person enquired, but nothing came of it”.
They reiterate their intention to bring this chapter to a close after many years of service and state that they have remained open “because we’re still running the show, we have staff and a clientele and we can’t just stop, but we’re still keen to sell it and start a new chapter. “This year we’ll probably have to do it ourselves; we’ll see next year…”, continues the manager of the restaurant and leisure venue named after the popular British comedian, whose neon sign is visible from various points in Magalluf.
The reopening of Benny Hill has been well received by local residents and traders in the area, who were concerned about the future of an establishment that forms part of the landscape and the range of amenities in Magalluf and Calvia. But the difficulties in finding staff to cover so many hours and days of operation, coupled with the strain on the business managers, have led them to take this decision, which, for now, a step backwards but which awaits the arrival of a reliable successor, whilst seeking to prioritise the safety of its workers – some of whom have been with the business for over twenty years – in the future new phase of the Benny Hill.
Amidst signs advertising its dishes, drinks, ice creams, attractions and other activities, the ‘for sale’ sign remains hanging on the roof of Benny Hill, a witness to the holidays and gatherings of Spanish and foreign families, who currently form the backbone of the clientele in an area that has changed significantly, giving way to this new demographic that has taken over from the young people who used to visit Magalluf, making it welcoming across the length and breadth of its spectacular terrace and in an interior in the true style of British pubs.