The Trendy Bar in Madrid That's Actually from Alicante

Bar Manero in Retiro, located on Claudio Coello Street, opened its doors just a few months ago and has already become a must-visit spot in Madrid. The retro decor and the lively, 'bon vivant' atmosphere have struck a chord with the locals, prompting its expansion. This has led to the recent opening of a new venue on Marqués de Cubas Street, right behind the Congress of Deputies, in the heart of the Centro district.

The new venue retains its 'art deco' charm with velvet walls, golden finishes, and modernist windows, a signature of the brand. It's the same, but better and more expansive. Across its two floors, there's something for everyone: from a tapas bar to a restaurant, a piano bar, and a private karaoke room.

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But where did it all begin? Bar Manero takes its name from the location of its original venue on Manero Mollá Street in Alicante, near the Town Hall. The owner, Carlos Bosch, had already transformed El Portal into an iconic spot for Alicante's afternoon social scene, making it a trendy place from midday until late at night.

Just a few meters away, in 2018, Bar Manero opened with a completely different concept, blending a traditional grocery store with a modernist bar from the roaring twenties, the 'crazy years' before the stock market crash at the end of the decade. This passion for fun and good vibes continues in the menu, with a strong Alicante influence. From the Costa Blanca come their prawns and shrimps, canned goods, and charcuterie boards from Pinoso. For dessert, unapologetic chocolate bread.

On its journey, Manero has become international and sophisticated. The Alicante idiosyncrasy has been elevated, now offering caviar, oysters, and refined gourmet 'bikinis' that are a delight (for those interested, there's also a 'Bikini Bar' under the arcades of the Teatro Principal de Alicante, where the menu is expanded).

However, the true secret of the Manero is the good vibes that the venue exudes, with music ranging from Julio Iglesias to Rafaella Carrá. A visit to the restrooms is a must, as the jokes of Chiquito de la Calzada make the experience more enjoyable.

The success was almost immediate, prompting Carlos Bosch to expand further. In Madrid, he opened his venue on Claudio Coello Street, and in Alicante, a second establishment was launched with a twist: while the original Manero has a style reminiscent of the 1920s, Manero Balmis is a colonial-style bar from the 19th century. Located in Balmis Square in Alicante, it pays tribute to the Alicante doctor Francisco Javier Balmis and his expedition to deliver the smallpox vaccine worldwide. There lies the ship on which the surgeon and nurse Isabel Zendal embarked from the port of La Coruña.

What never changes is the passion for enjoying life and good food. And always aiming higher: plans are underway to expand to Barcelona and Seville, and perhaps even abroad. What will never be lost is its origin in Alicante, from where its spirit is born.