Venda Velha is right in the heart of old Funchal and while it is one of the more recent bars, it recreates the ambience of the older ones, albeit with more cocktails and music, with its DJs always guaranteeing a good night. There are metres of poncha, on trays full of small glasses of the drink ready to be served directly to the table, where you just knock them back. It serves traditional, passion fruit and tangerine poncha.

Celebrating the music of the 1960s to 1990s, this great little club-bar livens up weekends in the Zona Velha. Friday nights are all about paying nostalgic…

Venda Velha recreates a Madeirense concept of the 20th-century, joining the idea of a tasca where the locals get together for drinks and large windows where the locals would go to communicate via notes and mail. The bar Venda Velha does not operate in this way but pays respect to the times through vintage elements and furniture such as radios from the 20s, wall lanterns, and more. Venda Velha’s exterior looks like a traditional home and guests enjoy drinks around its perimeter, making it quite busy on warm summer nights.

Venda Velha, on Rua de Santa Maria in Funchal’s Old Town ( location), is a small bar that has always been known to have some of the city’s best Poncha. The fruity drink is made with fresh fruit and sugar cane brandy and has been a staple in Madeira’s culture since the early 20th century. Historically, vendas were places where locals gathered to socialize, gossip, read newspapers, and buy regional products.

Looking for a place to taste local wines and drinks, consider stopping by Venda Velha, a bar famous for its wide selection of Madeiran poncha, a traditional drink made with local alcohol, citrus juice, and honey. For wine lovers, Blandy's Wine Lodge offers tastings of the best drops from all over Madeira, in an environment that breathes history and winemaking tradition.

Even asking for local recommendations can be a little confusing when it comes to this tipple, as everyone has their own favourite bar, but Venda Velha in the heart of old Funchal, comes highly recommended, as does the poncha at Pub Number 2 (suggested by our trusty coach driver) in the hotel zone. Just don’t get it confused with ‘The Pub’ across the street, as I did.

Overlooking the park area in the Old Town, Venda Velha is my favourite spot for Poncha in Funchal. They serve several different versions, but the two most famous are the Regionale (made with orange and lemon) and the Pescador (made with straight up lemon). There’s also a tangerine version and a passionfruit version for those who like their drinks a little sweeter.

You’ll get a slice of history with your evening at Venda Velha. It’s been designed to replicate typical meeting points from the early 20th century called vendas, and is full of knick-knacks from this period. As the night goes on, the bar spills out onto the pavement, attracting locals and tourists alike.

Venda Velha Known for its iconic poncha, a traditional Madeiran drink, this bar is the go-to for an authentic experience. The cozy, traditional setting makes it ideal for starting your evening. You can find it here on Google Maps

Not many places can make you feel right at home while transporting you back in time quite like Venda Velha does – an unforgettable stop in Madeira that offers more than just food and drink but an enriching cultural journey.

Immerse yourself in the soulful melodies of Fado, Portugal’s traditional folk music, at Venda Velha. Enjoy a heartwarming performance accompanied by a delicious meal of authentic Madeiran cuisine.

Some of the most popular gay-friendly venues are Venda Velha, 23 Vintage Bar, Mini Eco Bar, Cafe do Teatro, Trap Music Bar, Copacabana Disco, & Escondidinho!