NIGHT MAYOR - an Ada Colau at Night for Barcelona?

Nightlife Entrepreneurs Propose Council Operative to End Late Night Chaos

An 'Ada Colau' at night to stop Barcelona nightlife excess? 

Employers FECASARM will request city hall creates the “Night Mayor”, a mediator to resolve conflicts between nightclubs and neighbours.

The president of this business organization, Joaquim Boadas, has defended this particular Mayor: "They are a link between politicians and nightlife businesses. While a Mayor sleeps at night, he doesn't know that during this period there is a lot of economic and social activity."

"Night Mayors in Paris, London and Amsterdam mediate conflicts with neighbours and spur business and the creation of jobs at dawn. They customize dialogue between residents and nightlife operators".

"WE IMPROVE RELATIONSHIPS ..."

In conversation with this newspaper, Mirik Milan, Amsterdam Night Mayor, has appeared. "My position was created in 2003 on a voluntary basis, a few years ago I became a professional, now we are a platform for dialogue in which we find the City Council, neighbours, nightclubs and promoters."

"A night mayor demands commitment from nightlife operators, but also from neighbours. The city has to recognize the benefits of clubs which open until dawn for economic, social and cultural reasons."

This formula allows us to resolve conflicts and pacifies the city

"Clubs end up being responsible for what happens in their surroundings: anti-social behaviour, drinking in public and noise. Those who don't are left outside."

"... and we will raise the BAR"

Milan has exploited the economic benefits of his position in the Dutch capital. 

"The best clubs, most responsible for noise, flow of people and their behaviour, have won licenses to open 24 hours a day on the outskirts of the city."

"Some clubs have restaurants and art galleries next to the dance floor, and those who are most committed to neighbourhood coexistence receive Council rewards like less restrictions, which allows them to raise the bar."

Milan calls for a change in thinking:

"The night mayor is not exportable, first, clubs and neighbours should sit around the same table, and then the figure of mediator happens organically."

Like, for example, in Amsterdam the first night mayor was made aware of sexual harassment of women in clubs. In Cali (Colombia), he campaigns against youth gangs. 

"We are a link between party youths and politicians."

YES, WITH CONDITIONS

When Jordi Giró was presented with this proposal, as representative of one of the most punished neighbourhoods by anti-social behaviour at night, and President of AV Vila Olímpica, he expressed doubts. 

"Mediation always seems good to us. Although I don’t know the details, mediating in conflicts is always good, our association does it frequently."

Barcelona Nightlife Mayor

The activist, however, points to more pressing needs:

"Before mediating it is necessary to disperse nightlife. Areas with nightclubs are problematic. It is proven. Certain areas have to be dispersed. Otherwise, I'm afraid there's an unbearable flow of people."

According to Giró, Vila Olímpica, located next to Olympic Port party zone, this problem is suffered with all its crudeness:

"We have people from 1 am to 8 am, non-stop, going up and down the streets. Shouting, urinating, fighting and vomiting. Nightclub ‘pools’ are incompatible with neighbourhood life."

JOY IS NOT FOR SALE

Owner of "Joy Eslava" Denies Selling the Club

Due to rumours on social networks, they deny the closure of Joy Eslava; not known who leaked the news, but just confirm that it's not true, they have many high scale projects including "Escenario Eslava" and also their 35th Anniversary... Joy can't close!!

Exterior of Teatro Joy Eslava on Madrid's “Calle Arenal”

Venue owner has denied any plans to sell

Nightlife industry entrepreneurs complain about "a decade of problems, linked with the crisis, VAT increase and inspections", leading them to “question the future." The nightclub Joy Eslava first opened the night of Monday, 23 February 1981, after overflowing public euphoria for overcoming 23F*

"Everybody on the floor!!"

(*) Day when a Spanish Lieutenant Colonel - Antonio Tejero - together with 200 armed Guardia Civil & soldiers failed "golpe de estado" attempt after holding hostage Congressmen for 22 hours... He served 15 years in military prison.

The owners of Joy Eslava in Madrid denied today a sales operation existed at this moment of their famous club and reaffirmed the venue "is a strong and forward-looking project".

Businessman Pedro Trapote, nightclub owner, said JOY is currently "in its period of greatest activity" with preparations of their 35^th Anniversary and the launch of “Escenario Eslava” (Eslava Stage), a commitment to live music with details being announced during the anniversary. The first 35 years of Joy Eslava are hot material from the history of our Madrid.

"Nightlife entrepreneurs are suffering a decade of linked problems, with the crisis, the VAT increase, new administrative status, inheritance of misfortune Madrid Arena and continuous inspections. This leaves the sector in an uncomfortable position, and so many leads us to question the future. But it is not the case with Joy."

Thus, they have come out against reports in media that said Trapote planned to sell the distinguished club and in the future it would be a clothes store or restaurant. 

Joy Eslava, launched by entrepreneur Pedro Trapote in Madrid's central "Arenal" street, opened the evening of February 23, 1981, after the overflowing euphoria of overcoming 23-F. Since then, political figures, international celebrities, sports stars, and familiar faces of culture, cinema, music, TV...  Roger Moore, Pedro Almodóvar, Stevie Wonder and Julio Iglesias have danced at Joy Eslava. 

"The first 35 years of Joy Eslava are hot material from the history of Madrid nightlife passing through the magical sieve into its more playful dimension."

Like us on Facebook to be informed of what's on!

facebook.com/Madrid.Nightlife.Madrid/

CLUBBING OVER 40 IN MADRID

MADRID NIGHTLIFE REVIVAL

PACHA (1980 - 1996)

If, like me, you were a regular at PACHA, loved the sofas at JACARA, remember a swimming pool at OH!, or knew ATTICA wasn't a an island off Greece, it’s likely we partied when there were more than 4,000 nightlife venues open in Madrid, however, going out lately is reduced to only 4 times a year, according to a recent survey...

JACARA (1986 - 1991)

Undoubtedly, personal reasons, such as finding child care or work stress, don’t help, but now we are more relieved of our obligations, more mature, [or more hedonistic?], we have a new opportunity for a very well deserved revival.

JACARA ~ 1989

Around 500,000 people go out every week (28% are tourists) and 50% are aged 40 to 54, but they only go out once a month, based on data from Madrid Nightlife Entrepreneur Association “Noche Madrid”. 

This reveals an issue that affects thousands of mature adults... 

Nightlife Disconnection!!

Are your grandparents having more fun than you?

Armed with courage, after launching the most advanced logistics (children with babysitter or grandparents, overcoming the attraction of a comfy armchair or decline invitations to drink at a friend’s house), they get up and by midnight they’re in some random bar, surrounded by youngsters that could very well be their own children while ordering a drink... 

Wondering where last 20 years of your life went?

 

MADRID NIGHTLIFE

Concert lovers have an easier job. "Madrileños never stop going to the same concert venues, although they go less often, they known well where to go," according to "Asociación de salas de espectáculos y Música en Directo de Madrid La NOCHE en VIVO” (Live Entertainment and Music Clubs in Madrid), which promotes 46 venues.

When concerts cost 1.000 Ptas (€6)

However, many 40+ face serious lack off up-to-date information problems. Give it a try and ask around: 

• Who hasn't experienced the sense of total failure after returning home early on a Saturday night without finding a decent bar or nightclub?

Barón Pocholo, 52, reappers at night

"La Movida Madrileña" (1980 - 1995)

This generation who partied is going out again after a few years of negligible nocturnal activity, mainly due to the responsibilities of parenthood and the economic crisis; and they’re doing it with specific demands. They want a place that combines: local cuisine, drinks and dancing.

Nightlife Entrepreneurs "Noche Madrid" are adapting to these demands but with some troubles: "Venues are designed for the 20+, everything has changed radically. Red tape is complex and we need to cooperate with the authorities to adapt to changing times."

Jesus del Pozo, Elena Benarroch, Javier Mariscal, Miguel Bose, Carlos Berlanga
Ana Torroja, Lolita Flores, Mercedes Mila, Bibi Anderson, Pedro Almodovar

Federacion Española Bebidas Espirituosas

Nightlife has changed, it is more mature and calmer [and so am I]. We have become radical beer drinkers. Since 2007, according to the Spanish Drinks Federation “Sales of SPIRITS has dropped by 40%”. 

*Drink Sensibly*

Nowadays, Gin is more popular but whiskey is still the most consumed, followed by rum. 

The 40+ [grown-up clubbers] have two things clear:

1. Their favourite brand. 
2. They order drinks that require careful preparation. 

A quick, cheap and poorly mixed drink is just not good enough.

Does clubbing stop at 40?

Join the Club: Facebook 40+ Group

10 THINGS ONLY IN SPAIN

They dip everything in coffee

1. What do Spanish people have for breakfast?

It's not unusual for them to have toast with olive oil, tomato and salt for breakfast. Dunking cupcakes, biscuits, cookies, Jaffa Cakes, "mojar el churro"... in milk (with cocoa) or in coffee is socially acceptable! 

"Café au lait" is pronounced "Café olé", but don't ask for that, it's "Café con leche". 

2. Which are the best bars in Madrid?

The oldest bars are the most authentic. Those where they wouldn't think of throwing napkins [the waterproof ones, which spread more than clean] in the bin, but go straight on the floor, together with the shrimp heads and olive pits. They're dirty, they smell funny and they're ugly, but they're awesome!

'Pan con Palillo' isn't my favourite

3. What are TAPAS?

When they order something to drink and don't get free food, they get annoyed. They expect at least a handful of almonds or a bowl of olives. You can go out and eat for free with the snacks while ordering wine, "sangria" or a few beers. Typical arguments between locals are:
Where are the biggest, nicest and safest tapas?

4. What is Menu del Día?

At Noon ~ between 1 pm and 4 pm ~ they don't eat "a la carte" but order from the Daily Menu for around €10-15 which includes first course, mains, dessert, bread and maybe drink? And even a coffee - but always ask first to confirm - might also be included.

How do you pour and drink cider in Madrid?

5. What is EMPALMAR?

- To go from lunch time to dinner time - They sit around the table for at least two and a half hours! They leave the restaurant only when the staff want to close and go home.
It is also used when you go out all night until 7 am and go straight to school or work, by literally splicing two days into one. Ask any local. They've all done it.

Orujos, Licores y Aguardientes...
Cojonudo tio!

6. What are CHUPITOS?

- Shots - Who finished their meal with herbal mint tea? That's ridiculous! "Orujo", "Licor" and "Aguardiente" are insanely digestive drinks. Yep, beverages with over 40º alcohol [a la sombra] which they claim are healthy for the stomach...

7. What are PUENTES?

- Long Weekends - And by that we mean they have really long weekends; like when they go away on vacation; like "Monday is a Bank Holiday, so they take Friday off, phone in sick on Thursday, and go to the beach for 5 days" kind of long weekend. Totally normal when a Festive Day lands near the weekend, so productivity rate plummets as early as Wednesday afternoon.

In Spain, to go home
before 3 am isn't 
going out. It's having dinner

8. Do Spanish people DANCE?

No! It's undignifying. They don't know how to dance "Sevillanas" either. Well, maybe down south, but the rest of Spain have no idea.

9. What is LA PENULTIMA?

- The 'next to last' drink - They finish work at 6.30 pm on Thursday; go out for some beers and "se lian" (get tied up) until 1 am. They go home drunk and spend the whole of Friday swearing they'll never go out again on a weekday. Nowadays, they call it "After Work Party". But traditionally it's called "tomar unas cañas después del trabajo" (have a few beers after work).

Raising prawns...

10. Where is the best NIGHTLIFE in Madrid?

Their party starts at 11.30 pm.  When Europe starts to close down, here they're still grooming themselves.  Dinner after 9.30 pm is an eating habit entirely incomprehensible beyond their borders. Just as it is for them to understand why in USA and UK dinner is prepared at 5.30 pm, because that's when they have their "merienda" (a simple, light meal in the afternoon filling the gap between lunch and dinner).

MMDDMM: Tuesday Lunch Club in Madrid

This Facebook Group announces the venue and they post a review after the meal. They look for cheap and cheerful dining experiences with good company. They also evaluate the service and general presentation of each restaurant.

What’s it all about?

They have lots of friends in the service industry, i.e. teachers, barmen, waiters, chefs, delivery drivers as well as promotional agents and museum exhibition organisers. During ‘typical Spanish lunch hours’ [2 pm – 4 pm] they meet up with their friends and discovering the multiple pockets of Madrid for its “Menu del Día” culture and gastronomy.

What's the story so far?

A few Menus and months later, with the addition of a few friends, the seed has grown. Their Facebook group features reviews and photos of the places we have experienced so far.

It’s all about a fun day out but yet its popularity has grown far beyond their expectations. They have enjoyed Menus from “Getafe” to “Cuatro Caminos” and “Vallecas” to “Moncloa” discovering quite a few “barrios” in between. Join friends from all over the world residing in Madrid.

Doesn’t matter if it’s your day-off or if you have to go back to work, it’s all about the “craic” and the banter. If, however, you are lucky to be off on a Tuesday or have a few more hours to spare, it’s customary to partake in the odd after-lunch liqueur and local "barrio" beer culture.

While experiencing different languages, cultures, aspects of Spanish cuisine and the diversities of Madrid’s numerous "barrios", what MMDDMM has always been about is just having a laugh at lunchtime.

Click here to join: MMDDMM

MADRID COUNCIL INSTALLS MORE CCTV CAMERAS

657 Police Surveillance Cameras

• Aiming to control Madrid nightlife and avoid thefts in pedestrian zones.
• Police see what’s happening live at “Plaza de España”, “Plaza de los Cubes”, “Plaza de Santo Domingo” and “Plaza Mayor”.
• Commission checked CCTV installation and gave permission to begin transmitting.

Big Brother’s watch in Madrid continues to expand...

After installing 55 surveillance cameras in December around “Azca” area, Madrid City Council has returned to install another 47 cameras around “Gran Vía”, “Plaza de Callao” and “Calle Princesa”.


Objectives are to control Madrid nightlife and monitor thefts and robberies. Municipal Police watch in real time everything that happens in Madrid’s city centre, 24 hours a day.

Some points coincide with Madrid's busiest pedestrian routes, like streets around “Plaza de España”, “Santo Domingo” and “Calle Mayor”.

This technology is already operational

The Commission inspected CCTV equipment and gave its approval. The Central Council System for Video Recordings (CISEVI) will be integrated and managed by Municipal Police.

Madrid now has more than 200 surveillance cameras throughout Madrid with Police officers monitoring “Plaza Mayor”, “Azca”, “Calle Montera”, “Calle Ballesta”, neighbourhoods of “Lavapies” and “La Latina”, and the open-air museum on “Calle Eduardo Dato”.

In addition, are 177 municipal traffic cameras focus on main roads in Madrid and 280 more devices controlled by Traffic Police scattered on roads around the region.

Specifically, according to the company responsible for this new installation, project includes placement of 6 cameras on “Gran Vía”, 3 on “Calle Princesa”, 2 in “Plaza de España”, 2 in “Plaza de Callao”, 4 on “Calle Arenal”, 3 in “Plaza de Santo Domingo” and 5 in “Plaza Mayor”. The rest are shared between “Calle Preciados”, “Plaza de Isabel II” and “Plaza del Carmen”, among other areas.

Cameras have great capacity for movement, turning up to 360 degrees, thus preventing any dead spots, but they will have software will prevent recording sensitive points, such as through building windows. They also have zoom and can record both day and night.

Automatic Police Alert

Politia de Bandera

10 out of these 47 devices feature analytical software which sends alerts to Police if it detects certain behaviours, such as a group of people running, helping Police respond faster.

Viewing material is restricted to a group specifically authorized agents. Images will be stored for a maximum period of seven days, after which they are auto erased unless requested by Police or a Judge.

Installation Cost €600,000

An expense, according to the Council, was justified because:

"We have seen a 10% reduction in the number of incidents and Police resources." 

Captured images will be stored for a maximum of 7 days

Despite initial doubts about these devices raised by residents when they began to install them (especially around “Lavapies”), neighbours seem to have fully adapted to them: "We agree they should be installed. Due to shouting, fights, robberies and drug trafficking, we prefer to be monitored than to remain in this situation", said by residents association for "Opera-Austrias". “We'll see if cameras are useful, because recorded images, don’t detect noise we put up with", added same spokesperson.

All Police forces in Spain are armed! All Officers carry hand guns!

“CENTRO” District will become one of the most guarded areas in Madrid due to increase of 

thieves, fights and riots often occurring on the streets.

• In 2014, crime fell by 2.9% in Madrid, from 221364 to 214881 [that's 588 reports each DAY!]

Government believe improvement is mainly due to Police pressure exercised around Madrid's "hot spots", including city centre and “Azca”.

Eye in the Sky

DRONES

Spanish Police and Fire Department have been using drones since 2013...

M.M.D.D.M.M.

It’s Getting Hot in Here, So Take off...

Lunch overlooking the park was this week’s theme as we headed over to “Parque del Oeste” in our never ending search for best luncheonette. This week joined by my comrades in arms, to take up this solemn task, we met at “Metro Arguelles” and headed down to “CYATHUS Gastro Bar” on “Calle Pintor Rosales” number 30.

Now normally, in our experience, anywhere that self-tittles itself as a gastro bar should be taken with caution as normally its more style than substance! However, we couldn´t ignore the hoards flocking to this little local as we´d passed it before so it was time to give them a go on our gastronomic wheel of fortune.

We took our seats indoors and perused our options. The choice was ample and we could choose between 5 starters from the normal “Menu del Día” or you could build your own salad with 8 ingredients and (regardless of your starter choice) you could choose between 4 mains. HAVE IT YOUR WAY! There was an extra €1 fee for the salad but it was all reasonably priced for portion and quality at a respectable €12 or €13 with a drink and coffee or cake included.

Just to recap the Menu - “Entrantes” consisted of “salmorejo con sus taquitos de jamon y huevo”, “quiche de puerros y bacón”, “melón con jamón” or “ensalada templada de queso de cabra y cebolla caramelizada”. For mains; “secreto ibérico con reducción de PX”, “salmón al horno con sus verduritas”, “merluza a la gallega con sus cachelos” or “huevos rotos con ajo arriero”.

Straight to the point - Food quality was awesome as everyone was happy with their starters. As for our mains, anyone who was lucky to try the salmon was in for a treat, cooked to perfection! The “secreto” was a bit tough and difficult to chew but the flavour was nice and the rest were happy enough with their food.

Service was a little shabby and lacking a smile. It´s a simple touch that makes the world around you better, especially your customers! There were times we were left wanting, it was just about sufficient. The interior décor was strange, it felt like we were in an airport cafeteria which is odd considering the level they are looking for here but by the by it didn’t reflect too much in our overall opinion and when “scores on the doors” was called, our panel of experts came away with a 4 out of 5. The food really was very good and I would recommend you give it a try, hopefully you´ll have better luck with staff.

Heading off, we headed over to a tree lined terrace by “Conde Duque” where the “tintos” are cheap and plentiful while we discussed and solved all of the world’s problems in one afternoon.

Next week we´ll be heading back up north of Bilbao to a gem of a terrace that we stumbled across last week. This looks really promising!!! YOU my friends are invited. Invitation will be posted forthwith. Until then however kids its chow for now!

Written by: Marc Kildea

Thursday Nights in Madrid

Thursday Nights are Back!

Campaign launched in October aims to "recapture the magic of Thursday nights"

The Platform of Associations for Tourism, Leisure, Hospitality and Culture in the Community of Madrid will launch this October, the 'Madrid's Thursdays are Back' campaign intends to "recapture the magic, prestige, and the special appeal of Thursday nights" in the capital. More than 70 venues will take part:

The campaigners held on September 24, at the Barcelo Theatre (http://www.madridnightlife.com/teatro-barcelo), a press conference to detail the new edition of the 'return of the Madrid's Thursdays' campaign, which started on October 2 and aims to boost economic activity and social nightlife. 

As in the first edition, which was held on Thursdays in April, more than 70 entertainment and catering venues are taking part in the city of Madrid.

This new campaign promoting nightlife coincides with the start of the season and aims to boost the recovery of tourism in the city. Assisting the campaign are the Business Platform, the Community of Madrid, Madrid City Council and Mahou-San Miguel group.

The campaign will continue to offer discounts so that you can enjoy entertaining shows and music offered by the locals in varied nightlife venues. Developers seek to recover business from tourists and all those who come to Madrid to work, the figures are recovering in recent months.

At the press conference the following intervened:
Carmen Fernández González - Deputy Minister for Tourism and Culture in Madrid. 
Pedro Maria Corral - Head of the Department for Arts, Sports and Tourism. 
Javier Olmedo - President of the Platform of Associations for Tourism, Leisure, Hospitality and Culture in Madrid
Juanjo Madariaga - Grupo Mahou / San Miguel

Besides presenting this second edition of the 'Return of Madrid's Thursday' campaign, the objectives of this campaign is to promote tourism, nightlife and hospitality of Madrid that will be dealt with, recovering domestic tourism to boost Madrid's nightlife and presented the satisfaction survey data from the first campaign. 

HOTEL DE LAS LETRAS

Penthouse with Panoramic Views

If you've seen the movie Just Like Heaven*, this place will look familiar, a rooftop garden just like this, with vines climbing up the simple white furniture and wooden floors with quality and striking views of rooftops and domes in the capital, overlooking the "Calle Gran Via". The Penthouse of the "Hotel de las Letras" is usually crowded [although 10 people are enough].

Such small dimensions of the terrace and the privacy of some of their tables, besides the aforementioned garden, makes this venue most suitable for couples in Madrid. Score.

Therefore, sit in the sun and enjoy the views while the sun goes down when fun begins in the Penthouse "de las Letters".

- Atmosphere: collected, flirty and select.
- Sofas with water sprinklers (in the summer)
- Views from the attic you always wanted to have.

Where? 
Hotel de Las Letras. Calle Gran Vía, 11. 28013 Madrid
Location: Google Map

€4.50 - Basic juices are the cheapest option on the menu
€7.00 - Specials like watermelon juice
€14.00 - Mojitos

Deli food like Beef Tartar and other precious jewels. Dinner for two costs about €40.00. 

http://www.madridnightlife.com

*"Just Like Heaven" is an American romantic comedy fantasy film released 2005. Set in San Francisco, directed by Mark Waters, starring Reese Witherspoon, Mark Ruffalo, and Jon Heder.