Rottehullet Dansk Bar
The small bar with a big personality
Rottehullet is a small bar with a big personality in the heart of Cala Major. Sandwiched between a kiosk and a kebab shop, you'd be forgiven for thinking it nothing special. However, if you head inside you'll find tasty tapas, an exciting selection of beers and spirits, and one of the friendliest barmen in Mallorca.
When people ask me what I miss about London, I used to think of cosy pubs and pale ales. That was before I discovered Rottehullet. Owner, Daniel, is passionate about beer and every time I visit he has a new flavour to sample. Thanks to his enthusiasm I've had the pleasure of tasting artisan beers from Mallorca to Japan.
If you're not a beer drinker, don't let that stop you heading inside. Cocktails and wines are also on the menu. If you're in need of something stronger then Daniel might even rustle up some 'små grå', a potent dark brown Danish liquor, served in a deceptively harmless-looking red tea pot. A 'Dansk' bar, but frequented by visitors from around the world. There are hints of Denmark in the sayings behind the bar, the flags and the tapas with a Danish twist, such as delicious herring, or soft boiled potato with lemon mayonnaise on rye bread. There are Spanish classics too such as tortilla, Manchego cheese and Mallorcan sobressada. Tapas range from €2, or a choice of three with a draught beer for just €6.
Another Danish feature is the bell on the corner of the bar, rung by those generous, and possibly tipsy, individuals who decide to buy a round for everyone. This actually happened the first time I went. Perhaps that was the moment my love affair with this bar began!
Daniel is half Danish and half Spanish, and also speaks fluent English, enabling him to communicate effortlessly with all his customers and making them feel really welcome. He's a great person to chat to with a wicked sense of humour.
Rottehullet is a family affair. Daniel's father, Paco, opened the bar back on 1st May 1984 and is still going strong. He's usually on the morning shift while Daniel is the night owl, keeping the bar open until at least 01.30 from Monday to Sunday.
Monday is a popular night, with live music and open mic. The session kicks off at 21.00 with professional musicians, before opening up to the audience. Last time I visited I wasn't certain who was a professional and who an enthusiast. There was some real talent, with audience members taking up the guitar and belting out classics by Nirvana, Bonjovi and Metallica. Consistently good music is another reason why Rottehullet is a great place to hang out and it's played at a level you can still hear your friends speak. If you want pumping dance tracks, this isn't the place for you. For funk, soul, rock, continue this way...
"Keep 6th August free!" Daniel instructed me last week. It sounds like a party is brewing. Keep an eye on their facebook page for updates. I certainly intend to keep it free.
Rottehullet is an intimate, unpretentious bar decorated with vintage posters, humorous signs and a wall covered in photos of happy customers. You never know, if you love the vibe as much as I do, you might be on there some day too.
Summer Opening Hours: 11.00 - 01.30
C/ Joan Miro 294, Cala Major
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