From the coffee shop to Chamberí's bar where there's always a table, Casa Neutrale, the restoration group of Nacho Aragón, is even bigger with Casa Bar

From a modest coffee shop to a vibrant bar scene in Chamberí, where there's always a table, Casa Neutrale, part of the restaurant group founded by Nacho Aragón, has grown significantly with the addition of Casa Bar. The expansion marks a milestone in the journey of this new generation of entrepreneurs who have reshaped the culinary spaces in Madrid. The story began with a clothing brand and a café where the founders would gather each Friday to work. Initially, they had no formal training in hospitality and did not envision opening five locations within just five years. Their vision was rooted in creating a lifestyle brand, one that combined design, architecture, and gastronomy into a cohesive identity. This ambition led them to revive the name “Neutrale,” originally registered by Nacho’s father, Emilio Aragón, for a project that never materialized. The name resonated with their desire to create timeless pieces that transcended trends. The true inspiration emerged during those mornings of remote work around a specialty coffee. Each Friday became a cherished routine, blending work with leisure over a cup of quality coffee. It was here that the idea of establishing their own space took shape. The owner of the café encouraged them to build a place reflecting their unique personality, which they initially thought would come later, perhaps after retirement. However, the pandemic accelerated their plans. They opened their first Casa Neutrale, a coffee shop in Regueros, in the Justicia neighborhood, with little experience in hospitality and more enthusiasm than resources. Despite these challenges, the venture succeeded beyond expectations. This success prompted them to consider the next step, ensuring that each new location addressed a different need. Thus, Casa Plaza focused on breakfasts, brunches, and lunches, while Casa Wine Bar revived the tradition of classic bars. Casa Música blended food, cocktails, and DJ sessions, and the newly launched Casa Bar offers traditional cuisine. This growth brought in the third partner, Nicolás Viladomiu, who had been following the brand’s evolution from Mallorca. A job posting on LinkedIn eventually connected them. Today, each member has a defined role: Nicolás manages daily operations across the five venues, while Jaime and Nacho oversee creative, financial, and strategic direction. This structure contrasts sharply with their early days, when everyone handled multiple tasks. Competition does not concern them much. They believe customer loyalty stems from more than just the coffee. “Food is important, certainly. But so is music, service, the design of the space, and how someone feels upon entering.” One of their proudest aspects, though not listed on the menu, is their team, the waiters who remember customers' names. Their approach reflects a broader shift in how dining experiences are perceived, emphasizing atmosphere and community over mere sustenance. With each new venue, they continue to redefine what it means to enjoy food and drink in Madrid.