In Madrid, Spain, Casa Pedro, a rustic tavern located on the city’s outskirts, is claiming to be older than the world-famous Sobrino de Botín. Botín, which holds a Guinness World Record for being the oldest continuously operating restaurant since 1725, attracts many tourists each year. However, Casa Pedro’s management believes the tavern began serving guests in 1702—23 years earlier than Botín. The owners recently hired a historian to investigate the tavern’s past and have already uncovered records dating back to 1750, found in Spain’s national archives. Among the findings were 18th-century land records linked to the First Marquess of Ensenada, which indicated that a tavern, wine cellar, and lodging facility existed in the area during that time. Casa Pedro, if proven older, may become a strong contender for the Guinness title.

Confirming the restaurant’s history requires following rigorous guidelines set by Guinness World Records. According to a Guinness World Records spokesperson, claimants must provide substantial documentation to confirm continuous operation in the same location under the same name. Casa Pedro’s original town records were destroyed during the Spanish Civil War, which complicates the search. Despite this obstacle, the owners persist in their efforts, aiming to validate Casa Pedro’s lineage. While both Casa Pedro and Botín are family-owned and offer traditional Castilian cuisine in historical settings, only Botín has achieved global recognition. Experts note that heritage establishments like Casa Pedro contribute to cultural preservation, even if they lack commercial visibility. The final verdict depends on whether Casa Pedro can present conclusive archival evidence—an endeavor that remains ongoing but has already brought renewed attention to Madrid’s culinary legacy.