Corral de la Morería: seven decades of flamenco in the heart of Madrid
The art of the tablao blends with Michelin-starred gastronomy and Jerez wines in soirées with a rich history
An evening at Corral de la Morería might start off with a glass of sherry and end with the echo of unforgettable taconeo footwork. The Madrid tablao celebrates its 70th anniversary without forgetting its roots: a close proximity to the artists and renowned gastronomy. Between the stage and the dining table, a visit to the world’s oldest tablao is an invitation to truly feel the art of flamenco and to leave with more than just a photo. Manuel del Rey opened the Corral de la Morería in 1956 with the unusual idea of uniting the main protagonists of flamenco and offering, just steps from the stage, a recognizable concept of carefully crafted haute cuisine. Pastora Imperio was one of the figures who left their mark on the early years of tablao. This stage was graced by Antonio Gades, La Chunga and Camarón de la Isla, who debuted there as a teenager. It is where Paco de Lucía presented “Entre dos aguas”. These names explain the historical significance of the venue, but its appeal is not based on memories alone. Blanca del Rey, the venue’s artistic director and recipient of the Gold Medal of Merit in the Fine Arts in 2016, is responsible for curating a programme where dance, vocals and guitar continue to capture audiences just a few metres away. This closeness changes the way the experience is felt. Guests can sense the gestures, the dialogue between artists and the tension before the first beat. Those who arrive without knowledge of the codes of flamenco can find an entry point, while those already familiar are able to discover new layers of nuance, as each performance offers something new and unique. The gastronomy adds another dimension to the event. The culinary space, headed by David García, has held a Michelin star since 2018 and boasts three Repsol suns, while Juan Manuel Del Rey has assembled over 1,000 references of Jerez wine. Choosing a glass and letting oneself be guided by the flavours turns dinner into part of the experience.
The Corral de la Morería preserves the prestige of a true Madrid icon, and what makes it so special is the feeling of having taken part in a night filled with art, conversation, avant-garde cuisine and time shared with others. Location Madrid is located in the centre of Spain, within the Community of Madrid. Its main points of access are Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport and the Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes and Chamartín-Clara Campoamor train stations, which provide high-speed and long-distance rail services.