Cuervo y Sobrinos: A History Between Espresso and Watches [ENG/ESP]
Hello, coffee lovers! Today I want to share an experience that transformed a simple morning break into a fascinating journey through history and flavor, in the heart of Old Havana.
I was walking through the narrow, cobblestone streets of the city, enveloped in the hot and exhausting summer, when my body began to crave a break. It was mid-morning, and the craving was clear: a strong, intense coffee, a good espresso to restore my energy.
Something caught my eye on the corner of Oficios and Muralla Street: an elegant facade engraved with the words Cuervo y Sobrinos.
Curiosity won out. As I walked through the door, I was greeted by a surprisingly sophisticated space with a very cool atmosphere. It wasn't just a shop; it was an elegant bar next to a cigar display case and... watches! Lots of watches. I chose a small table, and as the friendly waitress presented my options, I asked without hesitation, "An espresso, please."
While I waited, my eyes scanned the place. The walls, adorned with clock motifs in vibrant colors, told a story long before I knew it.
The bar has a decorative ceiling that is a work of art, a spectacular clock.
Glass cabinets displayed a small collection of exquisitely beautiful antique clocks, on loan from the City Museum.
And then, a large piece caught my eye: a huge antique safe, elegantly engraved with the name "Cuervo y Sobrinos."
The waitress brought my espresso, steaming and with that exquisite aroma, accompanied by very white stoneware crockery and brown sugar, my favorite, because it enhances the flavor without overpowering it. As she served me, I couldn't help but ask, "What is so special about this place?"
With a smile and patience, she revealed the secret: I was in the original Cuervo y Sobrinos Jewelry and Watch Store, founded in 1882. A place that was synonymous with prestige until 1959, still preserving furniture and pieces from its glorious past.
That safe housed priceless watches! The magic of Cuervo y Sobrinos lay not in the manufacture of the movements, but in their art of personalizing imported watches: they printed their double branding and, upon request, even engraved the owner's name. Figures like Hemingway, Caruso, Churchill, and Gary Cooper trusted them to create unique pieces.
I savored my espresso, perfectly hot and strong. With each sip, I delighted in observing the relics carefully preserved for so many years.
I even had the opportunity to browse the watch catalog on display, imagining the stories they held.
In addition, the establishment has a beautiful interior patio set with small tables where we can enjoy the pleasant atmosphere.
It was much more than a recharge of energy. It was immersing myself in the history of Havana, discovering a legend of the luxury of watchmaking, all while enjoying one of my small daily pleasures: excellent coffee. An experience that transformed a necessary break into a truly enriching and unforgettable moment.
Have you ever had a coffee experience so full of surprises? Tell me! I'll be happy to read them in the comments.
See you soon!
Historical data was found on this site.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOLCuervo y Sobrinos: Historia entre Espresso y Relojes
¡Hola, amantes del café! Hoy quiero compartir una experiencia que transformó una simple pausa matutina en un viaje fascinante por la historia y el sabor, en el corazón de La Habana Vieja.
Caminaba por las estrechas y adoquinadas calles de la ciudad, envuelta en el caluroso y agotador verano, cuando el cuerpo empezó a pedir un descanso. Era media mañana y el antojo era claro: un café fuerte, intenso, un buen espresso que me devolviera las energías.
Algo captó mi atención en la esquina de las calles Oficios y Muralla: una elegante fachada con las letras grabadas de Cuervo y Sobrinos.
La curiosidad pudo más. Al traspasar la puerta, me recibió un espacio de una sofisticación sorprendente y de un ambiente muy fresco. No era solo una tienda; era un elegante bar junto a una vitrina de habanos y... ¡relojes! Muchos relojes. Elegí una mesita y, mientras la amable camarera me presentaba las opciones, pedí sin dudar: "Un espresso, por favor".
Mientras esperaba, mis ojos exploraron el lugar. Las paredes, adornadas con motivos de relojes en colores vibrantes, contaban una historia antes de que yo la conociera.
El bar tiene un techo decorativo que es una obra de arte, un reloj espectacular. Vitrinas exhibían una pequeña colección de relojes antiguos de belleza exquisita, prestados por el Museo de la Ciudad.
Y entonces, una gran pieza llamó mi atención: una enorme caja fuerte antigua, con el nombre "Cuervo y Sobrinos" grabado con elegancia.
La camarera trajo mi espresso, humeante y con ese aroma exquisito, acompañado de una vajilla de losa muy blanca y azúcar morena, mi favorita, porque realza el sabor sin opacarlo. Mientras me servía no pude evitar preguntar: "¿Qué es este lugar tan especial?".
Con una sonrisa y paciencia, me reveló el secreto: estaba en la Tienda original de la Joyería y Relojería Cuervo y Sobrinos, fundada en 1882. Un lugar que fue sinónimo de prestigio hasta 1959, conservando aún muebles y piezas de su glorioso pasado.
¡Esa caja fuerte custodiaba relojes de valor incalculable! La magia de Cuervo y Sobrinos no estaba en fabricar las maquinarias, sino en su arte para personalizar relojes importados: les imprimían su doble marca y, bajo pedido, grababan incluso el nombre del dueño. Figuras como Hemingway, Caruso, Churchill o Gary Cooper confiaron en ellos para crear piezas únicas.
Saboreaba mi espresso, perfectamente caliente y bien fuerte. Con cada sorbo me deleitaba observando las reliquias celosamente conservadas por tantos años.
Tuve la oportunidad incluso de hojear el catálogo de relojes expuesto, imaginando las historias que guardaban.
Además, el local tiene un hermoso patio interior preparado con mesitas donde podemos disfrutar de un agradable ambiente.
Fue mucho más que una recarga de energía. Fue sumergirme en la historia de La Habana, descubrir una leyenda de lujo del arte relojero, todo mientras disfrutaba de uno de mis pequeños placeres cotidianos: un café excelente. Una experiencia que transformó una pausa necesaria en un momento verdaderamente enriquecedor e inolvidable.
¿Han vivido alguna vez una experiencia cafetera tan llena de sorpresas? ¡Cuéntenme! Los leeré con placer en los comentarios.
¡Hasta pronto!
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Thanks very much @cinnccf I love this cappuccino ☕ best regards 🤗
Wow!... Another magazine-quality post!!!... Great work!... Thanks for sharing @mayramalu friend!... Have a great Sunday!
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Thanks @jlinaresp friend for the support and your appreciation of my work, have a beautiful weekend 🤗
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Thanks very much 🤗
Wow what a nice exploration of shop you had, surely the place is full of things❤️ Enjoy your coffee🎉
thanks very much @hopefulsoul, It is a beautiful place to enjoy a good coffee. Best regards 🤗
A beautiful place full of history, curiosities, and good coffee. I loved it. Thank you for sharing.
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Thanks very much my dear @chacald.dcymt, I really enjoyed this espresso in this beautiful place full of history. Best regards and hugs 🤗
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