Widely recognised as the best barman in Banús, Manolo, the cornerstone of Sinatra, is 65 years old, although he doesn’t look it.
On Thursday, February 26, he is finally retiring after 46 years at the emblematic bar that has seen the evolution of Puerto Banús from a quiet fishing village into a bustling hub of opulence.
He is something of a local legend, woven into the fabric of the bar’s storied reputation. A figure who’s been there since the beginning and who’s left a deep impression on patrons throughout the years. He’s often cited as a standout character, as a ‘crack’ – Spanish slang for a top-notch guy – highlighting his knack for making the experience memorable, whether you’re there for a midday coffee or a late-night cocktail.
EWN: I bet you’ve seen some changes here.
Manolo: It was a lot of fun in the early days. People had fewer problems back then. People don’t party like they used to.
EWN: Do you see more nationalities coming in these days?
Manolo: No, there have always been loads of different nationalities here. At first, the French came, then the English. Now there are more Dutch and Belgians. In the summer I serve a minimum of 10 different nationalities in the bar at any one time.
The customers are family to me. I’ll miss them all.
EWN: What about the regulars here?
Manolo: Like family. Everyone we’ve had over the years have been fun and friendly. It’s always been that way. We have people who come here on holiday, make friends, and then come back year after year at the same time and meet up in here. They’re family to me. I am going to miss them.
Jeremias, one of Manolo’s colleagues, who’s been working at Sinatra for 13 years, says that he learned everything from Manolo. Rene, a regular at the marina-side bar, says, ‘He’s the face of Sinatra, a fantastic guy. Everyone knows Manolo. A small guy with a big mouth who makes everyone come back again and again.’
Manolo’s last day at Sinatra is on Thursday, February 26. Enjoy your retirement, Manolo.
