Almost two years after his unexpected closure the historical Commercial Coffee, one of the great literary venues in Madrid, reopened its doors last March 27. The Madrilenians of the Bilbao roundabout and surroundings had missed him. But generally all lovers beautiful literary cafes that the city has.

Yesterday I entered have a coffee to my health and that of all readers and friends that we love these places and their history. Along with Café Gijón, not far away, El Comercial is another institution. So you are invited, locals and foreigners, to stop by again whenever you want. 

History

The Commercial Coffee, which will comply now 130 years of activity even if it is interrupted, closed in July 2015 by decision of the owners. It was a surprise for employees, neighbors and customers, who in the following days, lined their windows with messages as a tribute.

The commercial, founded in 1887 and a business that was mentioned in one of the National Episodes of Benito Pérez Galdós, was acquired by the businessman Arturo Contreras, who bought it in 1909. Since then his family managed it until that unexpected closure. Today Fernando Vera, Contreras's great-grandson, is also a partner in the new project and the link with its historical essence. Witness the Madrid history, this coffee reinvented itself over and over again, always in the hands of your family.

Of the breakfasts and snacks a Menus of the day, pastry cart, dinners with ballroom dancing, concerts live or even the equivalent of a cyber coffee upstairs. But, as is customary in the sector, with the sale of coffees (with churros or toasts) a business of almost Sqm 400 and a team made up of about twenty employees. By the way, the Commercial was one of the first cafes to employ waitresses.

The Commercial was, with the Café Gijón, one of the last strongholds of social gathering bars, although Gijón had a reputation (and maintains it) of being more elitist. During the XNUMXth and early XNUMXth century Madrid had more than 100 coffees where intellectuals, writers and artists met. Now the mythical local embarks on a new stage where it is also Bar and restaurant. He was also the first to serve the popular mixed dishes.

The Most Famous Commercial Names

All the literary gatherings they attracted a great many writers to Café Comercial. Among the long list are Antonio Machado, Camilo José Cela, Blas de Otero, Gabriel Celaya, Enrique Jardiel Poncela, Gloria Fuertes, José Hierro, José Manuel Caballero Bonald, Rafael Azcona or Rafael Sánchez-Ferlosio. Machado had his own tribute: The Don Antonio's corner. And Cela devised her most famous novel there, The Hive. Of the contemporaries, they were regulars Francisco Umbral or Arturo Pérez-Reverte.

The new stage of the Commercial

The place is cataloged with the level one of protection by the General Directorate of Municipal Building, reserved for places of great historical value. This implies the comprehensive conservation of its architecture. Among these elements are the stairs, the counter or the lamps that adorn the living room. Also the façade and that room, the vertical walls, ceilings, cloths, sign, auxiliary furniture and other types of furniture.

Access is maintained by the main door of number 7 of the Glorieta de Bilbao and another door to Fuencarral street. A first space with the bar and windows It invites you to a morning or after-dinner coffee that is served very quickly by the various waiters who serve you. A young and international staffdiligent and friendly, and spotless with her white jackets and unquenchable smiles. And from its main entrance you can access the elegant interior, which now also functions as a restaurant.

Ultimately, a joy to see mythical venues resurface that they deserve to continue having a good and long life Especially if it is so literary and inspiring.

Photographs: © Mariola Díaz-Cano Arévalo