27 Thursday Feb 2020
Posted in sevilla
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Look at this shit. The tacky brass with black marble is bad enough, but they actually had the gall to name this place La Jugetería (after the Juguetería F. Cuevas, which occupied this building for 65 years). They might have considered keeping the wonderful original tile work. Shame.
11 Tuesday Feb 2020
Spotted on my WALK… renovations for a new gastrobar in the Alameda area reveal tiles from Marqués del Mérito, an important sherry producer in Jerez that was founded in the mid 1800s. In 1979 Díez Hermanos bought Marqués de Mérito and formed the Díez Mérito group, taking over the emblematic bodegas Bertemati, where it still resides today. I guess this was either a bar or a wine shop (or possibly an abacería – a combination of both).
23 Friday Aug 2019
Over the past few years Sevilla has lost several of its landmark independent shops (and bars), usually replaced by tacky souvenir places or chain stores. Papelería Ferrer, founded in 1856, is one of the last ones still standing. It’s important for us to support these places, and not just lament the loss of them after they are gone. Though I do wonder if it’s inevitable, especially when owners die and there is no family member to take over. Of course in other (most?) cases it’s a case of rents skyrocketing and these small businesses not being able to afford to carry on. So perhaps the most realistic thing is to just enjoy and appreciate these wonderful places while we still can.
26 Saturday Jan 2019
Posted in andalucia, history, spain, tapas, tapas bars
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Taberna El Gallo is probably the most emblematic traditional bar in Córdoba. Great wines and food too! It is my favourite spot in the city. So I was very sad to read that it was going to close after the death of the owner, who ran the business with her husband. Rent issues, along with the ages of its present staff, some of whom have recently retired, have led to the bar closing its doors after 83 years.
Then I saw that someone has started a Change.org petition to preserve the bar and keep it going. Presumably under new management, but hopefully retaining its charm, character and heritage. Here is the link so you can sign the petition and help save Taberna El Gallo.
12 Thursday Apr 2018
By the time I moved to Sevilla Los Gabrieles had already been abandoned, though I think the hostel next door (and above it) was still in operation. It has since closed too. Apparently it is inspected from time to time by the Urban Planning Department, and the paper ads plastered all over this gorgeous tilework are removed.
The original tiles date back to the 1930s and were made in Triana at Mensaque Rodríguez y Cía, which closed its doors for good in December 2006. As you can see, Los Gabrieles was also used as a gaming toom, late last century. What a shame that it is just left like this to deteriorate. I would LOVE to see this place restored and used. Any takers?
