Catalonia's oldest restaurant celebrates 500 years of uninterrupted service 

Catalonia's oldest restaurant celebrated 500 years on Thursday with a theatrical performance, history talk, and, of course, by serving traditional local fayre. 

Hostal de Pinós in Solsonès in the heart of Catalonia has been operating continuously since 1524. 

"There is a bit of nervousness and a lot of excitement," the owner, Mònica Segués, tells the Catalan News Agency (ACN). 

Humble beginnings 

The restaurant began as "a simple and modest hostel that provided shelter and served hot soup and some meat," according to historian Laura de Castellet. 

In the 1970s, it stopped operating as a hostel but continued to serve food and drink. 

"We continue to make traditional Catalan cuisine because it works," Segués says.  

"When we took over the business 22 years ago, we didn't think it would turn 500, and now it's very exciting to be able to experience it," she explains. 

The restaurant held a mass and theatrical performance on Thursday morning to mark the anniversary. 

Privileged location 

Hostal de Pinós has a privileged location, located on top of a hill 900 m above sea level, and next to the Geographical Center of Catalonia. 

That helps it attract, in addition to its "very loyal" clientele, passers-by: motorcyclists, cyclists and people going hiking in the area. 

"I think it works better than ever, and I think it should be appreciated more," Segués says, with a smile. 

"A 500-year-old restaurant that serves local produce, you can't beat that."