Cauldron's on · The kettle's on

Proper British food.
Costa Blanca corner.

Big breakfasts, Fishy Friday lunch, Sunday roasts, pub quiz Tuesday & Thursday, and a Frankenburger that needs two hands. Steve & Chrissie's proper British pub across from the tennis club in El Arenal, Jávea.

— Comida británica como la de casa, en Jávea ✨

Checking the cauldron…
WhatsApp Steve & Chrissie 686 64 01 23
★★★★½
4.5
437 voices · Google
👍
98%
Word of mouth · Facebook

The Lancashire Bruja is a British pub and café in Jávea (Xàbia), Costa Blanca, Spain. We're known for the best British breakfast in Jávea — full English till 3pm — plus beer-battered fish & chips on Fishy Fridays, Sunday roasts from €17.95, and pub quiz nights on Tuesday and Thursday. Steve & Chrissie have run the place for years, with Phil in the kitchen and Christian, Emma & Sue on the floor. 4.5★ on Google (437 reviews), 4.3 on Tripadvisor. Kitchen open Mon–Sat 8am–3pm, Sunday 12pm–3pm; doors open till 4pm daily. Find us at Carretera Cap de la Nau Pla 123, Local 24 in Urb. Moreras del Saladar — directly opposite Club de Tenis Jávea (#118), a 4-minute walk to Playa del Arenal and Marina Nou Fontana, 5 minutes from the Parador de Jávea. Call +34 686 64 01 23 to book.

The terrace · The Montgó Banner #1 — wide red awning, yellow tables, Montgó in the distance
Our story · The witch on the awning

Steve & Chrissie's place, El Arenal, Jávea.

We didn't start this place — we bought it 🙃. We'd been Jávea regulars before we took the keys: the tennis club crowd, the Sunday-roast brigade, the Fishy Friday faithful. Turns out feeding the people we already drank with comes pretty naturally.

The "Bruja" bit came with the pub when we bought it. Bruja means witch in Spanish, and the witch on the awning has been here as long as the place has. We kept her because we like her.

Steve's in the kitchen with Phil most days. Phil runs the batter, Steve runs the rest. Chrissie runs the quiz on Tuesdays & Thursdays and pops onto the floor whenever a table needs a hand. Christian, Emma & Sue keep the rest of the tables moving and pull your pints. New here? Come find us. Regular? Kettle's on, your usual table's free.

— Steve, Chrissie, Phil, Christian, Emma & Sue 🧙‍♀️
The Lancashire Bruja storefront — wide red awning with white witch-on-broomstick logo, terrace with yellow tables and red chairs, the Montgó mountain visible in the background, El Arenal, Jávea (Xàbia), Costa Blanca, Spain
📍 El Arenal, Jávea
Behind the bar · Quiénes somos

Six of us behind the bar.

Steve

Steve

Owner · in the kitchen with Phil

Two chefs in whites — Phil runs the batter, Steve runs the rest. Steve's also the one who plays Father Christmas every December for the Elf Run.

Chrissie

Chrissie

Owner · runs the quiz · on the floor

Tuesday and Thursday quiz nights are Chrissie's. She also updates the chalkboard every Monday and keeps the cocoa hot for the NYE charity swim.

Phil

Phil

Chef · master of the batter

Phil's the reason the Fishy Friday queue forms before noon. House beer-batter, beef braised in ale for the pie, gravy from scratch.

Christian

Christian

Behind the bar · coffees & orders

If you've ordered a coffee, a caña, or a Sunday roast at the bar, Christian's the one who took it. Knows the regulars, remembers the dietary stuff.

Emma

Emma

On the floor · keeps the tables moving

Brings the food out hot, the drinks out cold, and remembers whose toast was meant to be brown-not-burnt. The reason service runs on time.

Sue

Sue

Saves the day · busy nights & Sundays

When the place is rammed — quiz nights, Sunday roasts, that table of twelve that just walked in — Sue's the one who appears with another tray, another stack of plates, and a calm "right, I've got this."

✨ Claymation portraits of the whole crew coming soon ✨

This week's specials · Especiales de la semana

Off the chalkboard.

Chrissie updates these every Monday. Click "Edit specials" to change them yourself — saves to your browser and stays until you reset.

🧙‍♀️

Specials

Off the chalkboard · Chrissie updates Mondays
✨ ~ Chrissie
Claymation scene of the Lancashire Bruja bar — Steve at the kitchen hatch, Chrissie behind the bar, chalkboards stacked above, witches on the shelves, the Montgó through the back, the red awning peeking through.
Step inside · Pasa adelante

The bar, in claymation.

Steve at the kitchen hatch, Chrissie behind the counter with her chalkboard, four real chalkboards stacked above (Fish & Chips, Sauces, Witches Brew Coffee Co), the witches on the shelves, and the Montgó out the back. The real bar — in plasticine.

From the camera roll · Fotos reales

Photos guests actually took.

Inside: stone-clad bar, chalkboards stacked four-deep, a small army of witches on the shelves. Outside: red awning, the Montgó for a backdrop. Real shots from guests and a quick one we took ourselves.

Inside The Lancashire Bruja British pub Jávea — stone-clad bar front, granite countertop, four chalkboards above (Fish & Chips, Sides, Witches Brew Coffee, Sauces), witch figurines and pumpkin decorations on the shelves
Behind the bar — chalkboards, bottles, and a small army of witches.
The Lancashire Bruja terrace under the red awning, looking out to the Montgó mountain — yellow tables, red chairs, palm trees, the heart of El Arenal Jávea
Under the red awning, looking out to the Montgó.
The Lancashire Bruja corner spot on Carretera Cap de la Nau Pla — directly across from Club de Tenis Jávea, El Arenal, Xàbia
The corner spot — across from the tennis club, El Arenal.
Full English breakfast at The Lancashire Bruja — fried egg, bacon, sausage, beans, hash brown, toast, served in the sunshine on the terrace
Breakfast in the sunshine — that's the small one.
Fishy Friday at The Lancashire Bruja — beer-battered Atlantic cod, chunky chips, mushy peas, lemon wedge — Phil's house batter
Friday's beer-battered cod, mushy peas.
Beer-battered cod and chips served on a wooden board — Fishy Friday lunch sitting at The Lancashire Bruja
Same plate, board service.
Sunday roast at The Lancashire Bruja — sliced roast beef, Yorkshire pudding risen tall, crisp roast potatoes, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, brown gravy
Sunday roast — Yorkshire risen tall.
Coronation chicken jacket potato at The Lancashire Bruja — shredded chicken in curried mayo with sultanas and almonds, with fresh salad
Coronation chicken jacket potato + salad.
Smoked salmon and avocado baguette at The Lancashire Bruja — served with coffee on the El Arenal terrace
Smoked salmon + avocado baguette on the terrace.
Photos by our guests via Tripadvisor & Facebook · gracias 🙏
Phil battering cod Action #15 — Phil in chef whites mid-batter, golden bowl, focused grin
Phil & Steve in the kitchen Banner #3 — two chefs in whites, beer batter, the calm before lunch service
Fishy Friday lunch Promo #20 — Phil hoisting a perfect plate, chalk announcement behind
Fishy Friday · Pescado los viernes

It's "Fishy Friday" Time 🐟🍟

Beer-battered Atlantic cod, chunky chips, proper mushy peas. Phil only batters as much as he reckons we'll sell — call or WhatsApp ahead so we save you a portion.

12pm – 3pm
Served up every Friday lunchtime
👨‍🍳
Meet Chef Phil

Steve's right hand in the kitchen. Phil's beer batter is a house recipe, and he's the reason the queue forms before noon.

Watch our Facebook on Thursday evening — Chrissie posts the prep-list once it's set.

Reserve a portion Or call us
Sue serving Sunday Action #18 — Sue carrying two plates of roast through the buzz
Sunday Roast plate Food hero #10 — Yorkshire risen tall, gravy boat, crackling pork & beef
Sunday Roast · Asado dominical

The Sunday roast you've been missing.

Roast beef or roast pork, properly rested. Yorkshires risen tall, roast potatoes crisp, gravy from scratch.

2 courses
€17.95
3 courses
€22.95
Includes a glass of wine, a caña, or a soft drink.Call Steve to book your table.

Starters · Para empezar

  • Prawn Cocktail & Avocado Salad
  • Creamy Garlic Mushrooms V
  • Cheese 'Tequeños' with Allioli V

Roasts · Asados (with roast potatoes, Yorkshire pud, veg, gravy)

  • Roast Beef
  • Roast Pork with Crackling & Stuffing
  • Chicken Breast Wrapped in Bacon
  • Mix Beef & Pork +€2
  • Pan-Fried Salmon w/ Hollandaise +€5
  • Lamb on the Bone +€8 · pre-order Thu
  • Vegetarian / Vegan Option V/VG
  • Cauliflower & Broccoli Bake (for 2) +€2.50 · pre-order

Desserts · Postres

  • Key Lime Pie
  • Chocolate Brownie Mousse
  • Homemade Summer Pimm's Trifle
  • Hot Sponge with Custard or Ice Cream
  • Homemade Apple Crumble with Custard or Ice Cream
"Roast dinner is fantastic. Ingredients are all fresh and cooked to perfection." — GraceAm, Tripadvisor (Dec 2021)
WhatsApp to book Or phone the bar
Quiz Night Banner #4 — Chrissie at the mic, the pub mid-round, pencils down
Pub Quiz · Concurso de preguntas

Two quiz nights a week.

Get there early, get dinner in, settle. Tables fill up — especially in summer.

🎯
Tuesday

Tuesday Quiz Night

Doors reopen at 6pm. Get in early, eat first, then the quiz follows once everyone's settled. General knowledge, music, sport, picture round.

🃏
Thursday

Thursday Quiz Night

Same drill as Tuesday — doors from 6pm, dinner first, then quiz. Watch Facebook for the theme reveal.

Watch this space: start times, entry fee and prizes may change — Steve & Chrissie post the week's details on the Facebook page. Call 686 64 01 23 or WhatsApp us to book a table.
Sport on the screens Banner #5 — Steve watching the match, a pint at hand, ammo for a cheer
📺
Sports on the telly

Sport on every screen.

We've got the paid sports channels wired up — rugby, football, Champions League, Premier League, La Liga. If something big's on, we'll stick it on. Ask at the bar what we can find for you. Pints from €3.00.

🎯DartsBoards up at the back. Ask at the bar for the chalk.
🃏CribbageThe cribbage board lives behind the till. Two players, one Guinness.
🧺TakeawayMost of the menu is takeaway-friendly — WhatsApp ahead and it's ready when you arrive.
🐶Dog-friendlyDogs welcome on the terrace. Water bowl by the door.
NYE Charity Swim Banner #6 — Steve in Father-Christmas-meets-swimsuit, Chrissie with cocoa, the Mediterranean charge
Community · Comunidad

Charity runs, swims, and a quiz jar that fills up.

If there's a charity walk, swim, or run in Jávea, the Bruja's usually the meeting point. Steve plays Father Christmas, Chrissie hands out the buckets. The jar on the bar collects all year.

🎅

The Elf Run

Steve and Chrissie play Mr & Mrs Claus and a crew of elves do a charity bucket-run round the British bars in Jávea. The Bruja is one of the meeting points.

🌊

NYE Charity Swim

A long-standing Jávea tradition. Swimmers gather here for "dutch courage" then walk down to Playa del Arenal for a New Year's Day dip. Steve does the warm-up, Chrissie hands out cocoa.

"Hope to see you all down the beach — either jumping in or spectating the mad people." — Steve & Chrissie

Booking a table · Reservas

Three ways to book a table.

No booking platform, no third-party fees, no 9-step form. Pick the way that suits you and we'll have a table ready.

Phone Steve

Old-school. Steve picks up most days unless his hands are in the batter.

+34 686 64 01 23

WhatsApp Chrissie

Quickest. Day, time, headcount, anything to flag (allergies, prams, dogs). Reply within the hour while we're open.

Open WhatsApp

Walk in

Breakfast, sandwich, coffee, a pint — no booking. Just arrive. Sundays + Fishy Fridays we'd encourage a phone call first because we sell out.

Show me where
Letter from the kitchen · Carta desde la cocina

Right then.

If you're reading this you've found us — across from the tennis club in El Arenal, under a red awning with a witch on a broomstick. Welcome.

A few things you should know before you walk in.

The beer batter is Phil's house recipe. Friday's cod is fresh, never frozen filler. We only batter what we reckon we'll sell, so on a good Friday we run out by 2pm — call ahead if you want to be sure of a portion.

The Sunday roast is Chrissie's pride. Yorkshires risen tall, roasties crackling, gravy from scratch. Two courses for €17.95, three for €22.95, glass of wine or a caña on the house. We do beef, pork with crackling, chicken wrapped in bacon, salmon with hollandaise (+€5), lamb on the bone (+€8, order Thursday). Veg and vegan options always — Chrissie won't have anyone left out.

Quiz nights are Tuesday and Thursday. Doors reopen at 6pm — get in early, eat first, then the quiz follows once everyone's settled. General knowledge, music, sport, picture round. Teams of four max. Arrive early — the regulars take the front tables.

The team is Phil in the kitchen with me; Christian, Emma & Sue on the floor and behind the bar. You'll recognise them. Sue does the heroic shifts when we're rammed.

If you've got a question that's not on the FAQ below, WhatsApp us. We answer ourselves — no chatbots, no virtual assistants. If you ring during quiz night you'll get a 90-second wait while I finish reading a question.

— Steve, behind the kitchen hatch

Stuff people ring up to ask · Preguntas frecuentes

Stuff people ring up to ask.

Do I need to book for Sunday roast?
Yes if you can. We sell out most Sundays. Phone or WhatsApp by Saturday lunchtime to be safe. We hold a few walk-in seats at the bar but no guarantees.
How early should I book for Fishy Friday?
By Thursday evening. Phil batters a fixed amount — usually 60 portions — and we don't pad it with frozen substitutes if it goes. Two sittings: 12:00 and 15:00.
Do you take card?
Yes — chip, contactless, Apple/Google Pay. We've got a €10 minimum for card and we don't take Amex. Cash is always welcome.
Are you dog-friendly?
On the terrace, yes. Water bowl by the door. Inside the bar — only assistance dogs, sorry.
Vegan / vegetarian / gluten-free options?
Vegan breakfast, veggie breakfast, vegan burger, veg curry, plain jacket potato, vegan Sunday roast option, smashed avocado on sourdough, fresh fruit. Gluten-free bread on request — let us know on booking. (V) and (VG) on the menu mean vegetarian and vegan.
Where do I park?
Free on-street parking on Carretera Cabo La Nao-Pla and the side streets of Urb. Moreras del Saladar. Sundays it fills up — arrive 15 minutes early or walk from the marina (5 min).
Do you do takeaway?
Most of the menu, yes. Phone ahead with your order and a pickup time. Sunday roast we'd rather you sat in — it doesn't travel as well.
Kids menu?
Yes — chicken nuggets, fish fingers, smaller portions of most mains, kids' breakfast. High chair available. Crayons at the bar.
Big group / private hire?
Groups of 6+ please book a few days ahead so we can plan the kitchen. We've done birthdays up to 30 — talk to Steve about a set menu.
How close are you to the beach?
About 4 minutes on foot to Playa del Arenal — Jávea's sandy Blue-Flag beach. We're on Carretera Cap de la Nau Pla, 123, just up the road from the Paseo David Ferrer promenade. Easy beach + breakfast combo.
Are you near the marina?
Marina Nou Fontana (the saltwater lagoon with the boat moorings) is a 5-minute walk. Useful as a free parking option if El Arenal fills up on Sundays.
What's the closest tennis club?
Club de Tenis Jávea is directly across from us — same road, number 118 (we're at 123). Tennis, padel and squash courts. Match in the morning, breakfast with us after.
What the regulars say · Lo que dicen

437 voices, 4.5 stars, mostly Brits.

A selection of what regulars and visitors have said on Tripadvisor and Google.

★★★★★
"It's as close to an Irish or UK breakfast as you can get."
trip · Cork, IrelandSep 2024 · Tripadvisor
★★★★★
"Best English breakfast we have ever had!"
CJPAFC · Windsor, UKSep 2023
★★★★★
"The best fish and chips we've had for years."
greygypsies14 · Sandwich, UKDec 2023
★★★★★
"Hands down the best breakfast we have had in Spain."
Peter L · WinchesterApr 2023
★★★★★
"Roast dinner is fantastic. Ingredients fresh and cooked to perfection."
GraceAm · EnglandDec 2021
★★★★★
"Absolutely superb service, banter and top quality food."
Gary GMay 2024
★★★★★
"Excellent breakfast served nice and hot. All items freshly cooked."
Gareth WMar 2025
★★★★★
"Great value, well cooked, helpful staff."
Steven S · PrestonNov 2024
Where you can check us · Donde nos encontrarás

Listed and rated where the Brits look.

If you're checking before you come — here's where to find us.

All ratings are from verified review platforms. We don't pay for placement.

Find us · Encuéntranos

Look for the witch.

Five minutes from the seafront, three from the marina. Easy parking. Look for the red awning and the witch on the broomstick.

Get in touch

Hours · Horario
Kitchen · Mon – Fri 08:00–15:00 · Sat 09:00–15:00 · Sun 12:00–15:00 (Roast — call ahead)
Doors · open till 16:00 daily
Tue & Thu evenings · Pub Quiz
Open in Google Maps Get directions
Five minutes on foot · Cerca de aquí

Around the corner: what's a 5-minute walk from the bruja.

We're on Carretera Cap de la Nau Pla, in the Moreras del Saladar urbanisation of El Arenal. Here's what's nearby — handy if you're planning a day out, or a beach + breakfast combo.

Club de Tenis Jávea Same road, number 118 — literally across from us. Tennis, padel, squash. 30 seconds walk Playa del Arenal Jávea's only sandy beach. Blue Flag, palm-tree promenade, lifeguards, beach volleyball. 4 minutes walk Marina Nou Fontana Saltwater lagoon marina — 500 berths, boat & jetski rentals. 5 minutes walk Parador de Jávea State luxury hotel on Roman ruins — pop in for the views even if you're not staying. 5 minutes walk Paseo David Ferrer Palm-shaded beach promenade — sunset strolls, ice cream, dog walks. 4 minutes walk Punta del Arenal viewpoint South-end viewpoint with the postcard shot of Montgó + the Arenal bay. 6 minutes walk

Tip: park at the marina car park, walk the promenade for sun, then come up to us for breakfast or a Sunday roast. The Cap de la Nau Pla road runs straight from the beach to our door.

One short note. Sundays sorted.

One short email from Chrissie each Friday. Roast options for Sunday, the fish-prep count for next Friday, the week's quiz details. Unsubscribe in one click.

No spam, no third parties. We keep your email on Chrissie's list and you can leave any time. Privacy.

Privacy & cookies · Privacidad y cookies

What we do (and don't) with your data.

Cookies and trackers

We don't drop tracking cookies, analytics pixels, ad-networks or Facebook tags on this site. We use localStorage on your device to remember two things: your language (EN/ES) and your theme (light/dark). That's it. Clear your browser storage and they're gone.

Newsletter

If you join Chrissie's Friday note, your email lives on a Listmonk server we run ourselves on the south coast of Spain. We don't sell it. We don't share it. Every email has a one-click unsubscribe at the bottom.

Bookings

WhatsApp and phone bookings are kept on Chrissie's phone for service planning (Sunday count, Fishy Friday portions, quiz teams). They're deleted once the booking is done unless you've asked us to keep them for next time.

Your rights

Under GDPR (we are based in Spain) you can ask us to show, correct or delete anything we hold for you. Send us a WhatsApp and Chrissie will reply within a week. No forms, no jargon.