ALBERTO cándido LÓPEZ
a. Cándido López
The successor of the great Master Griller
Alberto Cándido López is one of the leading figures in Segovian gastronomy, being a very prominent figure in it. He was born on February 24, 1933 and is known for being the owner of the emblematic Mesón Cándido, a legacy he inherited from his father, Cándido López, who is remembered for his innovation in Segovian cuisine, especially with roast suckling pig, a dish that he turned into a symbol of local gastronomy.
Alberto inherited not only the family business, but also a passion for hospitality and a prodigious memory, a virtue that his father also had.
Since he was 14 years old, he has been involved in the family business, contributing to the maintenance and growth of Mesón Cándido, preserving the tradition and quality that made the restaurant famous, ensuring that it remains a great pillar of Segovia’s culture and gastronomy.
Four years after the death of his father, King Juan Carlos I granted the title of Chief Innkeeper of Castile to Alberto Cándido López, a title previously held by his father, Cándido López.
This recognition made Alberto the new Chief Innkeeper of Castilla. To this day, Alberto continues to perform his duties with dedication and pride, performing the ceremony and welcoming all the visitors who come to the Mesón Cándido at 91 years of age, thus continuing the family legacy of excellence in Segovia gastronomy.
In addition to his work at Mesón Cándido, Alberto and his family expanded their culinary empire with the opening of other establishments, such as Pórtico Real, also in Segovia, demonstrating the Cándido family’s ability to innovate and adapt to modern times, creating the largest event and wedding space in Segovia, with a maximum capacity of 700 people and more than ten classic rooms, modernized in 2024 with the incorporation of the latest technologies.
In 2003, he realized one of his greatest dreams by creating the Cándido Mesonero Mayor de Castilla Foundation, with the aim of promoting gastronomic training and research and promoting projects for disadvantaged groups.
In 2006 he founded the Hotel Cándido, a large luxury hotel located in Segovia, 5 minutes from the Aqueduct, with 108 rooms, gardens, swimming pools and first-class facilities, such as an à la carte restaurant, paddle tennis courts and spa.
In 2021, she founded La Finca de los Jazmines, an open and natural space for events and weddings, creating a magical environment with the “Casona”, the main building of the estate, with capacity for 500 people and equipped with the latest technologies.
For his work and contribution to tourism and local gastronomy, Alberto received the highest awards that a restaurateur could receive, such as the Medal of Merit in Tourism, the Gold Medal of Merit in Work and the Great Gold Collar for International Gastronomy.
Alberto Cándido López is seen as an emblem of Segovian gastronomy and has been recognized for his dedication to preserving and promoting traditional Castilian cuisine to this day, at 91 years old he still dedicates his life to continuing his father’s legacy, becoming one of the greatest exponents of Segovian gastronomy. His focus on quality and tradition has kept his father’s legacy alive, making him a respected and beloved figure in the culinary world.
Some of his achievements
Awards and Distinctions
1955
He is named Grand Chaverlin of the Spanish gastronomy master association
1969
He was appointed Member of the Chaine de Rotexeux and Bailio, in Paris
1971
Receives the Medal of Merit in Tourism, from the Ministry of Information and Tourism
1974
He is appointed full academician of the Tastavins Sant Humbert Academy
1975
He was appointed Member of the Most Serene Chapter of the Order of Wine
1979
Receives the Medal of Merit for Hospitality
1982
He is appointed President of the Labor Relations Cabinet of the province of Segovia
1994
Receives the Grand Gold Collar for International Gastronomy
1996
He was appointed Chief Innkeeper of Castile by King Juan Carlos I
2009
Receives the CECALE Gold Award (Confederation of Entrepreneurs of Castile and Leon)
2014
He receives the Grand Collar of the Imperial Order of Charles V
2017
Receives the Gold Medal for Merit at Work, from the President of the Government Mariano Rajoy
PRESERVING AND EXPANDING THE LEGACY
Discover the Hotel Cándido
Hotel Cándido, a 4-star superior hotel in Segovia and located just 5 minutes from the city centre, has 108 spacious and comfortable rooms. The hotel stands out for its luxury and comfort, distributed in two elegant buildings.
