Now in charge of “Teatro Barceló” – previously “PACHA Madrid” - and next in line to ruling Madrid nightlife
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| We noticed the P A C H A letters were missing 23 August 2012 at 4 am |
Pablo is
the son of the famous nightlife entrepreneur, Pedro Trapote, and ex-wife,
Gisela Vethencourt from Venezuela. After growing up in the Swiss boarding
school “Le Rosey”, ranked as the world's most prestigious, he studied at a US
military academy. But his brilliant curriculum does not end there, as he then
moved to New York to study Business. Once the tour finished, he returned to
Spain to take over from his father and direct “Teatro Barceló”, former
nightclub “Pacha Madrid”. For over three years he has shared his life with the
model Silvia Salleras from Marbella, winner of Elite Model Look contest famous
mannequin for David Dolphin, Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana.
Your family
sent you to Switzerland as a child and since then you’ve grown up abroad - How was
the experience?
The truth
is I was very young in Spain and at first I had a hard time leaving my family
and my friends. But then I got used to not living at home. However, looking
back, it has been one of the most enriching experiences. I learned a lot on many
levels, professionally, of course, but also on a personal level, as I’ve made
friends from all over the world.
Do you think this experience gave insights you wouldn’t have had if you stayed in Spain?
No doubt. I've
been very fortunate to meet people and ways of life very different from the
Spanish, including how people have fun outside Spain. Note, for example, my
father found inspiration for “Joy Eslava” from “Studio 54” in New York. I think
we always have to take from experiences, assimilate and apply them to innovate
and improve them in Spain.
After so
many years abroad, did you lose touch with Spain or was it clear you would go back
to your country?
It’s always
been very clear!! I love Spain, my family and the people I love are here. But mainly
I like how we Spaniards live; we definitely have more fun than anyone. Perhaps this
country wouldn’t be the same without our way to enjoy and savour every minute
of life.
Your father
is the Madrid nightlife leader - Were you sure you would follow his steps?
I've always
been very sure that I wanted to devote myself to this. Since I was about 12
years old I was fascinated by nightlife.
These years
really haven’t been easy. Spain is coming of a bad period, nightlife is
increasingly regulated and we have also undergone major changes. Clubbers are more
demanding and they want better nightclubs. We
at “Teatro Barceló” pay attention to detail and every year bring in something new.
This year, for example, we have improved the lighting. We will also soon open
the mythical “El Cielo” [Heaven] floor, fully renovated with some other surprises
that will soon be revealed. “Teatro Barceló” highlights its history. It seems
to have soul and every person who has been here has left their mark. Not just a
legendary nightclub or name, for many people it has been a benchmark for nightlife;
it’s really hard to keep doing it year after year and we have already for more
than three decades! That formula is to do things well, work hard, enthusiasm and
gather the best team of employees.
Any anecdotes?
Yep! You
can imagine! “Teatro Barceló” is a place where people go to have fun... One
night we had DJ David Guetta. There were loads of people trying to get in saying
they were Pedro Trapote. Some even, not knowing it was me, assured me they were
close friends of Pedro Trapote haha!
How’s a
typical day at work for you?
Days the nightclub is closed are like days for any other person, who goes to the office and meets the
suppliers, developers, promoters, etc. The days when the nightclub is open, I will
also work at night. I feel the vibe of
what's happening in the nightclub, I can see what we do well, but also what we do
badly. What I like most is hanging-out with clubbers, sometimes being a host
and greeting people as if they came to my house to have fun.
You've been
going out for years with the model Silvia Salleras, is easy to combine
personal and professional life working like you do in nightlife?
Yes, although
I admit that with Silvia all’s very easy, she understands my job, because she
knows how important it is for me and I understand hers too. When I'm not
working I like to practice sports, play football, paddle, tennis, skiing ... Take
a break with Silvia or go out to dinner with my group of friends.
Your father
dedicated more than 45 years to nightlife: “Joy Eslava” and “PACHA Madrid” (now
“Teatro Barceló”) are two essential nightclubs in Madrid, how did you see as children
at home when you were your father's profession?
My father
was a businessman very atypical night, he was not local at night, he’s a
manager. He would go to “Joy Eslava” every night, always during the day. This
has never been a problem, quite the opposite!
Does he have
any anecdotes you can tell us?
Actually,
we have been fortunate to see very important and unique people enter our nightclubs;
my father is extremely discreet and doesn't like to talk about what happens in there, but there have been some really very funny things.
Can you
tell us some starring some famous in the golden years of "PACHA Madrid"?
Anecdotes
as I told you, and known, countless people; but our motto is discretion, so I
prefer to continue leave it inside the building.
Will you retire
doing nightlife or do you have more projects in mind?
You never
know, I’m far too young to think about retirement! I love Madrid nightlife, but
I won’t last forever. Anyway, yes I'd like nightlife to be linked to entertainment;
I like working so people have a good time. If I can do it my way life will be
great.
