Bodega El Pimpi

The number of times we have been to Malaga and not been to this place. What a find! It is located on Calle Granada, just around the corner from the Picasso museum. It has another entrance on Calle de la Alcazabilla. The number of times we have walked past it!

We were wandering around the beautiful narrow streets that snake around the city. We were looking for a traditional tapas bar. Most appeared to be shut. We ended up going back up Calle Granada when Angela was stopped by an elderly woman outside El Pimpi.

El Pimpi

“A Beautiful bar”. She said in her best English. She wasn’t kidding. It is an amazing atmospheric place. Traditional Andalusian ceramic tiles everywhere. You walk through an inner courtyard to arrive at the bar. The wall opposite the bar is filled with photographs. Old and new, showing various VIP visitors to the bar.

Antonio Banderas signs the end of a Barrel.

Past the bar is another wonderful inner courtyard area filled with plants climbing along the walls and ceiling. The next room has a number of old wooden barrels stacked up. Each barrel end has been signed by illustrious guests such as famous singers, previous mayors of the city. We sat down at a table near to the barrel signed by Antonio Banderas. I think he is a hit with the girls.

Antonio is a hit with the girls.

Everything about the place drips with traditional andaluz authenticity. The menu was a work of art. The array of tapas, sandwiches and main dishes all sounded deeply tempting. We settled on a plato combinado and a tomato salad. The waiter taking our order with an electronic handheld device. The 21st century has not completely passed by El Pimpi.

Monica eyes the menu.

The place was busy but not packed. It looked a favourite place for tourists. A number of local tour guides brought in their guests to sample the local fino. A very sweet wine that is deceptively strong, like the Frigiliana wine. El Pimpi comes highly recommended.

Angela shows off her shopping.