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
Madrid-Uno Weblog 