Mateo’s Bar Benidorm: The Complete Guide for Fans of the Show
I’m going to be honest with you, I had absolutely no idea what Mateo’s Bar was when my friend dragged me through the doors.
She’s a massive Benidorm fan (the ITV show, not just the place… though also the place), and visiting Mateo’s Bar Benidorm was firmly at the top of her holiday agenda. I, on the other hand, had never watched a single episode. Not one. I went in completely blind, armed only with a vague memory of watching 5 minutes of an episode the first time I went to Benidorm and thinking, “What is this show and why would I ever watch this?!”
Wow, I was wrong! (And I don’t admit that too often *wink*).
Within twenty minutes of walking through the door (after the shock of the bright yellow Solana bar wore off), I was cackling at clips from the show playing on the screens and taking photos of memorabilia I didn’t fully understand but somehow found hilarious anyway. By the time I left, and after a couple of cocktails with questionable names, I was intrigued enough to download the show on Netflix for my flight home… I didn’t even wait until I was home to start watching!
Somewhere over France at 30,000 feet, I became a Benidorm fan. And I owe this little bar on Avenida de Almería for it.
The next day, my friend went back and casually met the owner of Mateo’s Bar, Derren Litten, who happens to be the writer and creator of Benidorm. You really never know what will happen in Benidorm.
If you’re a fan of the ITV series, Mateo’s Bar Benidorm is an absolute non-negotiable on your trip. And if you’re like me and you’ve somehow never watched the show? Well… don’t say I didn’t warn you.
In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know before you visit. What Mateo’s Bar actually is and the story behind it, the memorabilia and props you’ll spot inside (some of which are genuinely iconic if you know the show), the themed cocktail menu, practical info on getting there and when to go, and whether it’s worth adding to your Benidorm itinerary. *Spoiler* IT IS! I’ll also share tips on combining it with a wider Benidorm TV show pilgrimage around the city, because once you watch the show, you’ll want to see ALL the Benidorm locations!
Mateo’s Bar Benidorm: The Complete Guide for Fans of the Show
What is Mateo’s Bar & Why Should You Care?
If you haven’t seen the show (don’t worry, I’ve been there), here’s the quick version… Benidorm was an ITV show that ran from 2004 to 2018 across ten series and 74 episodes. It followed the chaos and hijinks of British holidaymakers and the staff at a fictional all-inclusive resort in Benidorm called the Solana Hotel.
One of the show’s most beloved characters was Mateo Castellanos, the very flirtatious and smooth-talking barman of the Solana, played by Jake Canuso.
What makes Mateo’s Bar genuinely special (and different from your average themed bar) is that Derren Litten, the writer of the show, created it. This isn’t a fan project. It’s the official love letter, built by the person who created the world in the first place. Litten also has a regular presence at the bar, so you actually have a chance to meet and greet with the creator himself. Visit the Mateo’s Bar Facebook Page to keep up-to-date on Q&A sessions and special episode screenings with Litten.
The Memorabilia
Here’s where Mateo’s Bar stops being just a bar and starts being a full-on Benidorm museum. As a clueless non-Benidorm watcher, the first thing that popped out was the giant Neptune’s Bar sign and the brightly colored Solana Hotel-style bar. If I went back as a Benidorm fan now, I would be completely fangirling over Lesley’s hair, the Blow & Go sign, and the actual script pages lining the restroom walls.
Neptune’s Bar Sign
I’ve already said this is the first piece of Benidorm memorabilia that popped out at me. You can’t miss it! It’s one of the consistent pieces that’s throughout every episode in every season. Neptune’s Bar is the karaoke bar located at the Solana Hotel where all the characters meet for dinner, drinks, karaoke, and a lot of craziness! Who can forget Chantelle passing out on stage from trying to cover up her pregnancy or the infamous YMCA dance?!
Madge’s Mobility Scooter
Heading towards the back of the bar, you’ll see a very familiar scooter… and yes, you can even sit on the scooter and take a pic! Madge Harvey (played by the glorious Sheila Reid) is the Solana’s resident sharp-tongued senior, and her scooter is basically her throne. Sitting on it felt like sacrilege in the best possible way, and this is a must-have photo op that no Benidorm fan should miss!
Lesley’s Wig
A nod to Les Conroy, the Solana’s cross-dressing barman played by Tim Healy, who rollerblades around the pool in full female attire as his alter ego, Lesley. If you know, you know. If you don’t, you will once you’ve watched Series 3. Lesley is one of my favorite characters on the show, and I love how Lesley and Mateo’s friendship and storyline evolve throughout the seasons.
The Poop
Yes, really. The prop poop from the iconic pool scene in Series 1 Episode 6 is displayed in a case like the artifact it absolutely is, and it’s possibly one of Benidorm’s most famous moments in the show (correct me in the comments below if you think I’m wrong). If you have not yet watched Benidorm and you are reading this thinking “what on earth,” just trust me. Watch it. Then come back and tell me you didn’t laugh until you couldn’t breathe… or never want to set foot in a pool again.
Other Notable Benidorm Memorabilia
There’s a Benidorm clapperboard, Mateo’s actual nametag, a Solana hotel phone, and “do not disturb” signs for the hotel door. And you can’t miss the Blow and Go sign on the way to the restrooms! One thing you could miss is the tiny box on the wall holding the Blow and Go business cards. Blow and Go is Solana’s in-house hairdressing salon run by the magnificently chaotic Kenneth (more on him in a moment when I get to the cocktail menu).
The door to the restroom has Joyce Temple-Savage’s manageress sign on the door, and to the left of the door is her wedding invitation from season 10, where she finally gets her happy ending. And if you want a little bit of behind-the-scenes magic, go into the bathroom! The walls are lined with actual scripts. I wish I’d been a Benidorm fan before I walked into that bar, because I would’ve been buzzing from reading the show’s scripts!
There is also plenty more to discover, but I’ll let you find out for yourself!
Cocktail Menu – Themed Benidorm Tipples
Let’s talk about the drinks. Because the cocktail menu at Mateo’s Bar is not an afterthought; it’s an extension of the show’s sense of humor, and it is very, very funny. As a Benidorm outsider, I took one look at the menu and thought, “WHAT?!?” It’s no surprise that the menu reflects the ridiculous nature of the show, and I’m here for it!
The specialty cocktails are all named after show moments and characters, and the names alone are worth the visit. We’ve got The Temple Savage (a nod to Joyce herself), Bananarama, Witch’s Tit, Pink Pussy, and Blow and Go. That last one is a cheeky reference to Kenneth’s iconic salon at the Solana, where absolutely nothing runs smoothly, and poor Liam ends up with all the work.
And then there’s The Madge.
The Madge is a one-pint cocktail with your choice of spirit. One. Pint. It’s described as being so strong that you’ll need an actual mobility scooter to get home, which is both a threat and a promise. I chose not to order one because I didn’t want my first cocktail of the day to floor me completely. But major kudos to those who are up for the challenge!
I went for the Blow and Go and the Temple Savage. Both cocktails were fun and tasty. Just enough to get you in the Benidorm mood, but not so much that you won’t remember you were there! The bar also does jugs and shots if you are with a group of equally obsessed Benidorm fans and ready for the level of commitment.
And my personal favorite detail? The bottom of the menu reads:
“Please do not steal this menu. Printing them is becoming a full-time job.”
It seems a lot of Benidorm fans are very committed! I opted for a photo instead!
Everything You Need to Know Before You Go to Mateo’s Bar
- Address: Av. de Almería, 8, 03503 Benidorm, Alicante, Spain
- Best Up-to-Date Info: Official Mateo’s Bar Facebook Page
- Opening Hours: Mateo’s Bar is open 6 days a week. The sign says open from 4pm until late, but always check their Facebook page for the most up-to-date information! Be aware that the bar closes for a month at the end of summer so the staff can take their holiday.
- Vibe: Small and Intimate. Don’t expect this to be one of the crazy Benidorm bars you see on the main strip. This is more like stumbling into a superfan’s well-curated living room, but they serve drinks and have Madge’s scooter in the corner. That being said, there aren’t a lot of tables, so seating is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Wheelchair accessible: Yes, and with a terrace too if you want to sit outside.
How to Get to Mateo’s Bar
Mateo’s Bar sits just off the main Benidorm strip on Avenida de Almería. You’re close enough to the action to walk there easily, but far enough that you’re not battling through the full chaos of the strip at peak evening hours.
- On foot: Easily walkable from most hotels in Benidorm New Town. If you’re staying near Levante Beach or the main strip, you’re looking at around 10 to 15 minutes on foot.
- By taxi: A short and inexpensive ride from Old Town Benidorm or hotels further along the coast. There are plenty of taxis available in Benidorm, and the journey won’t break the bank.
- By hire car: Honestly? Don’t bother driving. Parking in Benidorm seems like a genuine nightmare (I’ve never done it, and I probably never will), and the bar is central enough that you don’t need a car to get there. Taxi or walk every time.
Combining Mateo’s Bar With a Full Benidorm TV Show Pilgrimage
Here’s the thing about visiting Mateo’s Bar… It’s almost certainly going to do to you what it did to me if you’re not a Benidorm fan. You’ll walk in mildly curious, watch twenty minutes of clips on the screens, and walk out absolutely determined to watch all ten series and then come back and do the whole thing properly.
So consider this your permission slip to build a full Benidorm filming locations day around it.
The most important stop alongside Mateo’s Bar is Sol Pelicanos Ocas Hotel, the real-life hotel where the Solana exterior and pool scenes were filmed across all ten series. You can actually stay in this hotel, unfortunately, Mateo and Les won’t be working!
Morgan’s Tavern on the main strip is another essential one. This is the real filming location for Neptune’s Bar, which makes spotting the Neptune’s sign in Mateo’s Bar hit even harder once you’ve stood in the actual place it was meant to represent. It’s also a pretty good venue, although I never did any karaoke there; the band that was playing was pretty good.
Benidorm Palace is the famous cabaret venue that Madge and Mel owned. The Palace still puts on extravagant shows if you want to end your night on a high!
The Balcón del Mediterráneo, or Balcony of the Mediterranean, is turned into a restaurant a couple of times throughout the TV show, with the most memorable scene being Lesley’s introduction into the series.
There are plenty more locations to visit, but that would be straying too far away from what this post is actually about!
I’m working on a full guide to every Benidorm filming location! Bookmark it, because it’s coming!
And if you’re a serial set-jetter who already has a list of shows you want to follow around the UK and beyond, I’ve got you covered. Check out my guides to Queen Charlotte Filming Locations in England, The Mallorca Files Filming Locations in Mallorca, Downton Abbey Filming Locations, and The Madame Blanc Mysteries Filming Locations in Malta, because once you start, you absolutely cannot stop.
Where to Stay in Benidorm
Is Mateo’s Bar Worth Visiting?
Short answer? Absolutely yes. And I say that as someone who walked in knowing literally nothing about the show it’s based on.
That’s the thing about Mateo’s Bar that I don’t think you can fully prepare for: you’re not required to be a superfan to have an amazing time in the bar. The memorabilia is funny and fascinating even if you can’t name a single character. The cocktails are genuinely good. The staff is super friendly. And the fact that it was created by the show’s actual writer rather than a third-party cash-in means everything in there has been chosen with real love and intention.
If you ARE a Benidorm fan, though? Oh, you are going to absolutely lose your mind in there. Completely and utterly lose it. The table next to us was quoting every word that was on the TV and asking us trivia questions… none of which I understood! You’ll probably spend 40 minutes photographing every piece of memorabilia to the point where the ice has melted in your cocktail. This is your place. This has always been your place.
Are you a massive fan of Benidorm and thinking about heading to Mateo’s Bar? Let me know in the comments below! Also, let me know what your favorite Benidorm is! I know it;s hard to pick just one!
And if you want to follow along with The Crave Traveler’s more recent travels, head on over to Instagram or join in the conversation on Threads! Or check out TikTok if that’s more your thing!
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