El Anciano Rey de los Vinos celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2009.
A classic tavern that has silently witnessed some of the city’s most important events over the last hundred years.
Thanks to its privileged location in front of the Almudena Cathedral and the Royal Palace, El Anciano Rey de los Vinos has seen the wedding of the Princes of Asturias, mourned at funerals for victims of major tragedies in Madrid, welcomed prominent leaders to the Royal Palace, and, above all, lived the heartbeat of the city and its people.

The tavern is located in a building constructed in 1886 at 19 Bailén Street.
By the late 19th century, the premises were home to Casa Pedro Martínez, an establishment that served pot coffee, liquor, and tea, like many taverns and bars of the time.
In 1909, the owner Pedro Martínez handed control over to Mr. Luis Montón.
It was then that Luis Montón elevated the business by introducing his own wine labels like “Viejo,” “Los Viejos,” and “Anciano Rey,” founding the tavern as we know it today.

There wasn’t just one Anciano: Luis Montón ran three other taverns and introduced his wines in 1907 (La Paz Street), and in 1909 (105 Fuencarral Street and Leganitos Street).

In 1931, due to the Republic’s requirements, Luis Montón had to remove the word “Rey” (King) from the tavern’s sign and furniture.
A few years later, during the Spanish Civil War, the tavern remained closed.
In 1940, a year after the war ended, Montón decorated the interior with tiles that still adorn the tavern today.

He managed the business until 1942, when he passed it to his nephew, Abilio Manzanal Ortega.
Only two of the original four taverns survived: the one on Bailén Street and the one on La Paz Street (renamed “As de los Vinos” or “Las Torrijas”).

Abilio replaced the original walnut bar in 1958 due to the large crowds.
As he couldn’t find anyone to extend it, he installed a new one with a bakelite top and stainless steel tray.

He was the one who brought in the current owner’s family.
In 1948, Constancio Cortés Hernández, at the age of 15, started working there.
He worked hard behind the bar with traditional values and spent over thirty years running it.

In the early 1970s, Constancio purchased the tavern and managed it until retiring in 2003.
Since then, his daughter Belén Cortés Borges, along with her husband Alejandro Casado Manrique, has taken over the family business and continues to run the iconic tavern.