In Madrid-Uno’s never ending search for different places to watch English sport in Spain’s capital city he has discovered one immutable rule – only Irish pubs exist if you wanna catch a match. As with all rules, there may be one exception. Madrid-Uno has found a Scottish pub as well. So, still celtic, but at least it’s a different colour.
It’s odd that there are no English pubs here, but it appears that the anglo expat crowd prefer to set up other types of businesses (like tea shops, grocery stores, book shops) and use the Irish bars as their spots for watching the premier league footy or rugby. I wondered if maybe there was an Irish mafia in town who would wreck the joint or burn it down if you tried to impinge on their action, but talking to some Spanish mates it appears that it’s more to do with perception. Madrileños associate pubs with Ireland and not with England, since we’re regarded as too ‘uptight’ to run a fun drinking place. Clearly I have some educating to do. The one major problem therefore is that there is no ‘proper’ beer on tap. It’s all disco fizz lager, Guinness and shitey Irish cider (Magners – yeuch). Oh for a bottle of Spitfire Premium Kentish Ale.
OK, so here’s the list and I’ll try and update later if alerted to new places. NB. Most of these pubs will also show American sports as well (especially American Football – NFL / AFL).
Finnegan’s is also the HQ of the Madrid Lions RFC
13 responses so far ↓
Martin // April 23, 2008 at 8:37 am |
Hi! Thank you for the information. But can you tell me which of the following would you suggest for English football: Finbar´s, Molly Malone´s, Moore´s, O´Connell´s or O´Neill´s.
Cheers.
madriduno // April 24, 2008 at 8:25 am |
My personal favourite of the bars you mention is Molly Malone’s. I like the area (top of Malasana) and it has lots of screens.
All the others are OK as well though. Moore´s and O´Connell´s (which are side by side) are best if you’re looking for a BIG screen and a party atmosphere – although for big evening matches expect a crush.
enjoy!
M1
Mark // May 14, 2008 at 7:46 am |
I am a Bristol City fan and can’t wait for the play off final on 24/5. Only problem is I will be on holidy in and around Madrid. Your info above is really helpful, but can you confirm that if the game is on Sky Sports in UK then it will be avialable to the above bars?
Also, we are more likely to be in Avila on the Saturday afternoon, do you know if there is a bar in Avila that shows English football?
Many thanks
Mark
madriduno // May 14, 2008 at 8:46 am |
Hi Mark,
Congrats on yesterday’s result – I detest Palace so was happy to see you guys win.
Yes, I can confirm that if the match is on Sky you will be able to watch it in Madrid. Not all of the bars I mention in my article / blog will show it – I recommend you go to the ones in central town – e.g. Molly Malone’s, O’Connors, Moore’s or Finnegan’s.
BTW – they showed the first match on TVE2 (equivalent to our BBC2) and I saw that wonder goal at the end!
Avila? No idea. Never been there.
Suerte (good luck),
M1
Tom // May 21, 2008 at 12:13 pm |
Hi, 22 May is the day of the Scottish League deciders. Can you advise which pubs will be showing the Celtic game and which shall show the Rangers game.
I have colleagues there who want to go their seperate ways for 2 hours!!!
Thanks
Tom
madriduno // May 21, 2008 at 1:22 pm |
Hi Tom,
The bigger bars in central town will show all matches – all of those posted below operate several screens and are large enough to accommodate both sets of supporters and still have room for non-sports fan punters.
Molly Malone’s – C/. Manuela Malasaña, 11
Moore’s & Co. – C/. Felipe III, 4
O’Connell St. / Dubliners – C/. Espoz y Mina, 7
O’Connors – C/. Almagro, 3
For the green and white fans in your group, they might consider Scottish owned and run The Celtic Cross – it’s in a posh part of town at C/. Maldonado, (nearest metro Diego de Leon) and the landlord’s affiliation is quite clear judging by the pennants and scarves hung up around the bar.
Enjoy!
M1
mike // June 2, 2008 at 1:05 pm |
hey, im an american living in madrid and was wondering if you know any places that will stay open late enough to play NBA basketball games, the finals start thursday and I would love to watch the games
madriduno // June 2, 2008 at 9:22 pm |
Hi Mike,
I’m not a basketball fan (I’m English – we ignore the game) and also unsure what time the games are played Stateside so I can’t be 100% sure in my answer, but I will say that the large Irish pubs in Huertas / Sol (e.g. Dubliners) carry all U.S. sports and they stay open late – very late at weekends (like 4.00 am+) so that would probaly be your best bet. Otherwise, the Triskel Tavern (Malasaña) might also be worth enquiring at as this place always carries the NFL matches in its back room so maybe they’ll do the NBA too.
You say live in Madrid – if so, you’ll know that the Spaniards love ‘baloncesto’, so I would rate the chances of seeing the games very high.
suerte, tio.
M1
brydie // July 27, 2008 at 9:41 am |
Hi,
My name is brydie I am an Australian who is planning to be in madrid when the Australian Rules Football grand final will be on. I was wandering if you know of anywhere that i will be able to view it?
Olivier // August 6, 2008 at 11:45 am |
Hi Brydie, hi everyone
If you are looking for pubs/bar/cafeteria in madrid to see all English/australian/Spannish/… sports, visit http://www.barplayers.com
Already 25pubs and bar are in and we are planning to get many more.
Please don’t hesitate to let your coment, we need yours feedback to improve the website.
Olive
Dwib // May 31, 2009 at 7:27 am |
Does anyone know where I can watch the state of origin in Madrid? “state of origin” is the Australian rugby league game between queensland and new south wales. First game is this Wednesday. Any assistance would be much appreciated.
James // July 1, 2009 at 7:53 am |
Wimbledon. I have to watch Wimbledon. But where in Madrid?
madriduno // July 1, 2009 at 12:08 pm |
Good question, James.
All matches involving Spanish players, from 1st round ownards, are covered by the national broadcaster TVE (usually on La 2 – channel 2) so virtually any bar in town will therefore have these matches. No Nadal this year so coverage not quite as intense but today’s match Ferrero vs Murray will be live.
Usually TVE also cover both semis and the final – whoever is playing, but again, ‘cos there’s no Nadal, I can’t be certain this will be the case this year. All I can say is try the bars on the list above and don’t be shy about asking the staff. I once needed to watch Norwich City vs Reading on Sky 2 (don’t ask…) and O’Connell’s put it on for just me on one screen in the corner. They aim to please.
I’m guessing here, but Public House will probably have the BBC coverage on – it’s run by some Brits – and also Larry’s in the North of the city might be worth a shot – they usually cover English Cricket Test matches so maybe they’ll do Wimbledon too.