Manolo el del Bombo’s Bar 'Museo' in Valencia up for sale
An advertisement has appeared on an estate agency web site, advertising the premises, which, for the past 28 years, has been the bar run by Spain’s biggest fan.
"Located in the Pla del Real district, within just a few metres of Mestalla stadium, is this fabulous retail premises, which is currently in use as a bar”. At first glance, there is nothing too unusual in this opening line of an advertisement placed on an estate agency web site RE/MAX España, announcing the sale of a retail property in central Valencia. The advert continues: “The premises boasts an ample, open plan area of 70 m2 with bar and seating area”. As it turns out, the property isn’t only in uses as a bar - it’s also a museum, who owner in none other than Manolo el del Bombo.
End of an era
Manolo’s famous bar in Valencia is up for sale. The actual owner of the locale, ValenciaPlaza reports, wants to sell it. It will either continue with a license to be run as a bar or for another commercial activity. The Price - 190.000 euros. The listing makes no mention that the premises is Manolo el del Bombo’s bar, which opened 28 years ago on Plaza de la Afición (Fans’ Square), opposite Mestalla. The photographs included in the advertisment leave no doubt that it’s the famous pre-match watering hole run by Manolo.
Bar Manolo's days coming to an end
Manuel Cáceres, more commonly known in football circles as Manolo 'El del Bombo', covered the bar’s walls with football memorabilia – particularly objects relating to the Spanish national team – his great passion. Scarves, photographs, hats and of course, several of his famous bass drums hang from the walls in a bar which like many similar establishments on the east coast has suffered from recent legislation – such as a ban on large TV screens facing the street. Business hasn’t been quite what it was in recent years but Bar Manolo maintains its original essence. Now the property is up for sale. Whoever takes it on, Manolo hopes they will continue the football theme but he knows that realistically, it’s out of his hands. The only thing he must decide on, is what to do with his vast collection of football memorabilia.