Espacio Cervecero, Mini Mahou Brewery in Madrid

Mentally bookmarked for more than a couple months, we finally stepped into Espacio Cervecero Mahou in Alonso Martínez and were not let down. Having no expectations allowed us to be surprised at every turn in this small but compact venue. It’s a little bit brewery and tasting space, a little bit restaurant, a bit gift shop and a bit urban art showroom.

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It’s perfect if you’ve got family or friends visiting or no plans on any given evening. You’ll certainly be surprised by this unusual center of Madrid find. Did you know Mahou is a family-run business? Or that they made a Stout? And an APA (American Pale Ale)?

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At Espacio Cervecero each is served on an individually descriptive coaster for each beer but your “beersommelier” will tell you all about it anyway. These little details are what makes this place unique. It feels small in square meters but packs a lot.

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There are few beers on tap but this allows for more information to be revealed regarding each one. Before you leave, you’ll be asked to evaluate what you’ve tried on one of a few iPads set opposite the bar.

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If you go through the graffiti and mirror covered hallway, you’ll reach the restaurant. Like myself, you may be distracted by the exposed industrial decor but don’t forget to grab a board game to play at your table on your way in if you like.

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You’ll find that the menu is limited but gourmet and ideal for tasting a few different plates. Our waitress suggested we try the ensaladilla rusa (potato salad) which we did and she was right; it was definitely an elevated take on the typical bar food.

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There are events at the bar which you can join like a guided “micro brewery” tour, a beer tasting for newbies and one for more seasoned beer drinkers – an international workshop in which beers are brought in from Belgium, Central Europe and Great Britain for tasting and learning.

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And though there isn’t much information on it, there also appears to be a cooking class using, you guessed it, Mahou! However, it isn’t clear whether you watch or actually cook.

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In the end, we saw Mahou’s classier side and we’d definitely go back.

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By Caitlin English

Espacio Cervecero

Website
Address: Calle de Génova, 5
Metro: Alonso Martinez, Colon
Hours: Open everyday from 12pm-midnight (closed on Sundays)

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La Virgen Brewery, worth the trip out to Las Rozas

Manzana Mahou: Gourmet Art Experience

Manzana Mahou is the concept sponsored by Madrid’s most iconic beer, Mahou. It’s located in Malasaña (between metro stops Tribunal and Alonso Martinez) at Palacio de Santa Bárbara, a beautiful palace built in 1866. For the third consecutive year, the outdoor space has been turned into a popular terrace designed to provide an oasis during Madrid’s warmest months.

The idea behind Manzana Mahou is to bring together art, gourmet food and beer, to create a unique experience. It is open until October 8th, after which it will be temporarily closed until next summer. This year, the stars of the show will be chefs María Marte from Allard Experience, Javier Goya, Javier Mayor and David Alfonso, from Triciclo and Roberto Ruiz from Cascabel by Punto MX.

These top chefs will be in charge of creating exclusive dinners inspired by the four resident artists at Manzana Mahou. In addition to this, two restaurants, La Cabra and Tandem will offer a more casual dining experience. La Cabra is a Michelin Star restaurant that will also offer brunch on Sundays from 12pm to 4pm for only 25€, led by renowned chef Javier Aranda, who at just 29 is one of the most acclaimed chefs in Spain. Tandem, on the other hand, is Triciclo’s little brother which has also become a leader in Madrid’s restaurant scene.

This year, the outdoor space has expanded, enhancing the experience. Four artists will be exhibiting, Julia Llerena, María Platero, Françoise Vanneraud and PLAYdramaturgia. The latter are a group of artists that create a mix between visual and performing arts, while the first three are focused mainly on visual arts.

Manzana Mahou by Naked Madrid

Entrance on Calle Hortaleza

Open Monday to Sunday, from 11am to 1am, Manzana Mahou is a great opportunity to try some of Madrid’s greatest restaurants at a more affordable price while enjoying art and a few beers.

Info

Facebook & Website

Address: Calle Hortaleza, 47

Metro: Alonso Martínez & Tribunal