ANDALUCÍA - SEVILLA - TABERNA MANOLO CATECA

2 days ago

2 min read

TABERNA MANOLO CATECA

Tucked away in a corner alleyway, this hidden gem gives you the feel of being a local. Taberna Manolo Cateca dates back to 1920, when the Escobar family established a small despacho de vinos, a traditional wine shop. In 1952, it became Taberna La Goleta, a popular local bar specialising in wines from Huelva and the Jerez region.

In August 2013, Manuel Rodríguez Navarro, better known as Manolo Cateca, took over Taberna Manolo Cateca Sevilla, giving the century-old tavern its present name.

Rather than modernising the place beyond recognition, he was determined to preserve its traditional Sevillian character. During the restoration, the original wooden-beamed ceiling was uncovered after years hidden beneath plaster.

Today, this tiny tavern remains one of the historic drinking establishments in the La Campana neighbourhood, renowned for its remarkable selection of old and new sherries and its wonderfully old-fashioned atmosphere.

They also offer an excellent selection of vino del día (wine of the day) for just €1.00 a glass, along with house vermouth for €2.50, Manzanilla at €2 and a caña of Cruzcampo at €1.80.

Tapas are simple, traditional, excellent quality, with a tempting selection of cheeses, mojama (salt-cured tuna), montaditos (small filled rolls), and other classic Andalusian specialities.

I am told that even the urinario (toilet) has undergone a little modernisation. The old saloon-style swinging doors have been replaced with a proper full-height wooden door, offering rather more privacy than before! Women are now welcome in the bar too, although when I asked where the ladies were supposed to go to the toilet, he simply burst out laughing!

The staff are wonderfully friendly and always happy to chat about Sevilla, its history and, above all, football. Be prepared for some lively conversation, particularly when it comes to the city’s great football rivalry. They’ll soon tell you that Real Betis are the biggest team in town, not Sevilla FC — although supporters of the latter might have something to say about that!