Mañana (pronounced “manyana”) comes from Spanish, and loosely means “tomorrow” or more fittingly, “we’ll do it tomorrow.” For over three decades, Mañana has seen sandy-footed crews come straight from the beach into the hum of margaritas, nachos, and music. It’s become a meeting point and a landmark in Abersoch’s rhythm. In a seasonal trade where businesses often come and go with the tide, Mañana has not just survived but thrived.

It all started with two local brothers, Leigh and Chris Hookes, born and bred in Llanbedrog. Mañana opened its doors in 1995, inspired by food, travel, and the dream of creating somewhere that felt instantly welcoming, For the brothers, it was the perfect seasonal business: summers spent working flat out in Abersoch and winters chasing waves and sunshine around the world. That pursuit of the endless summer became baked into the restaurant’s DNA.

 

Mañana Today

Despite the rapid change that the past 30 years has brought to the village, Manaña is still buzzing. The menu has evolved, but the staples remain. Chris has been in the kitchen every night since 1995, serving up the legendary nachos, sizzling fajitas, and to-die-for tacos. Out front, Leigh greets familiar faces, remembers names, and serves cocktails that fuel the sharing of laughter and stories, long after the plates are cleared … never forgetting to offer a tequila.

The new addition, Mañana takeaway, is everything you want it to be – quick, tasty, and full of Mañana character. You can’t miss the little jungle growing outside, with Chris’ green fingers potting and filling the space with exotic plants. It’s become a vibrant pocket of colour right by the harbour, making it the perfect spot to sit out on a summer’s day, surrounded by flowers, gringo burger in hand.

And it’s not just evenings that are filling the tables outside. The takeaway has become a brunch favourite too, with a menu that promises avocado and eggs, huevos rancheros, and more. It’s the same soul as Mañana, just served with a sunny-side-up twist.

Then there are the takeaway margaritas. They’ve quickly become a ritual of their own, whether you’re queuing for a table later that evening or heading straight to the sand with a frozen margarita in hand.

 

 

Even the queuing system at Mañana has become part of the legend. Doors open at 5:30pm, and from then on, you can book for later that evening or try your luck straight away. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you know … everyone stands in the same line. Over the years that queue has become famous for stretching all the way up to the Vaynol. Top tip: send the kids down early to book a table with the promise of an ice cream.

 

 

For the Hookes brothers, it’s never been about deposits or exclusivity. It runs on honesty, trust, and values: you turn up, you get stuck in, and you’re part of what makes Mañana the mega Mexican hub of Abersoch.

 

Interview: Stories from Chris in the Kitchen

Q: What inspired you to open Mañana back in the 90s?
After travelling and surfing around the world, we were inspired by the surf bars we visited. But back in the day, to get an alcohol license you had to serve food and that’s when Mañana was born.

Q: Do you remember your very first summer?
I’d like to say yes, but 30 years on, the summers blend into one. We had to work very hard that first summer, but we also partied hard back in those days.

Q: What is your favourite part of having your own restaurant in Abersoch?
My favourite part has been watching it grow over the years. There have been so many different versions of Mañana, and it keeps evolving to this day!

Q: What’s the secret to lasting three decades?
Tequila, tears, and tacos!!! And a lot of support from friends and family.

 

This article is taken from the 2025 Winter Issue of Abersoch Life. Words by Leah Fidling

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