But when it’s time to cough up the Euros, one enterprising bar has found the ideal way of sweetening the bill ... a free Uncle Joe’s mintball!

Tunes, in Albufeira, is owned by proud ex-pat Wiganers Mark and Liz Whalley from Hawkley Hall and there is always a bowl packed full of the legendary sweets made in their home town for customers to try.

Tourist Keith Moore was amazed to find the delicacy so far from William Santus and Co’s famous little factory off Dorning street. The clubland singer and compere says they were clearly going down a storm with holidaymakers, ex-pats and visiting Portugese alike.

Mark’s dad, Arthur, and other family members are warned to take a jar over on every trip to keep the bowl stocked up.

Keith, who lives in Standish, said: “The staff offered me a sweet as I went up to pay the bill in Tunes. I wasn’t paying much attention and popped it straight in my mouth without reading the wrapper.

“I couldn’t believe it - the taste is so recognisable that I knew what it was right away. It was then that I discovered the place was run by two proud Wiganers.

“It’s a great bar with great food. They also show Wigan rugby on the satellite television.

“When I asked them about the mint balls they said that they also like to educate their customers on traditional ‘Lanky’ values and give out a mintball after every meal.”

Santus’ sales and marketing manager said: “We have a section on our website all about the worldwide adventures of Uncle Joe’s and thanks to Keith’s help, Albuferia will now be going onto it as well.

“We will give the owner’s dad a big jar to keep on the bar if he calls in before his next visit.”

Published on Tue May 04 10:15:29 BST 2010

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