Manolo was an avid soccer supporter and had a massive collection of jerseys and fan items in his bar, where many were added by customers from all over the world. He also attended every match of the local Valle Gran Rey soccer club and even closed his bar for those occasions.
He was also one of the few remaining publicans that actively supported live music of all kinds and often went out of his way in the difficult task to obtain licences and permits for many events outside his bar (and some even inside the tiny establishment), while also making sure his neighbours were not disturbed late. Some famous musicians as diverse as Peter van Hooke (Van Morrisson band, Mike & The Mechanics, etc.) and renowned Irish uilleann piper Mickey Dunne, plus many more played there and Manolo treated every musician like royalty.
Furthermore his good English attracted a lot of English speakers, often seeking advice with the refreshments, and he had a special welcome for the Irish. Last but not least the food and snacks he served in very cramped but spotlessly clean conditions was excellent and his was the best hamburger in Valle Gran Rey, that's what the locals always knew. He seemed to have four arms and four legs as he managed to do all of this on his own most of the time.
He was taken from us in his mid 50s and will be sorely missed by all. RIP Manolo.
