Broadly recognised as the very best barman in Banús, Manolo, the cornerstone of Sinatra, is 65 years outdated, though he doesn’t look it.
On Thursday, February 26, he’s lastly retiring after 46 years on the emblematic bar that has seen the evolution of Puerto Banús from a quiet fishing village right into a bustling hub of opulence.
He’s one thing of an area legend, woven into the material of the bar’s storied fame. A determine who’s been there because the starting and who’s left a deep impression on patrons all through the years. He’s typically cited as a standout character, as a ‘crack’ – Spanish slang for a top-notch man – highlighting his knack for making the expertise memorable, whether or not you’re there for a noon espresso or a late-night cocktail.
EWN: I wager you’ve seen some adjustments right here.
Manolo: It was a number of enjoyable within the early days. Folks had fewer issues again then. Folks don’t social gathering like they used to.
EWN: Do you see extra nationalities coming in as of late?
Manolo: No, there have at all times been a great deal of completely different nationalities right here. At first, the French got here, then the English. Now there are extra Dutch and Belgians. In the summertime I serve a minimal of 10 completely different nationalities within the bar at anybody time.
The shoppers are household to me. I’ll miss all of them.
EWN: What concerning the regulars right here?
Manolo: Like household. Everybody we’ve had over time have been enjoyable and pleasant. It’s at all times been that approach. We now have individuals who come right here on vacation, make associates, after which come again 12 months after 12 months on the similar time and meet up in right here. They’re household to me. I’m going to overlook them.
Jeremias, one among Manolo’s colleagues, who’s been working at Sinatra for 13 years, says that he discovered every part from Manolo. Rene, a daily on the marina-side bar, says, ‘He’s the face of Sinatra, a implausible man. Everybody is aware of Manolo. A small man with an enormous mouth who makes everybody come again repeatedly.’
Manolo’s final day at Sinatra is on Thursday, February 26. Get pleasure from your retirement, Manolo.
