La Ardosa

What would Madrid be without its hundred-year-old taverns? We love discovering new spots as well as revisiting old ones. And speaking of old, La Ardosa was founded on January 4, 1892: with over 125 years of history, our minds reel just thinking of some of the people who have been there at one time or another. Those walls must have witnessed some incredible things. You'll find this famous tavern in the neighbourhood of Malasaña, just a few metres from the always-bustling Gran Vía. Once you cross the threshold, you might feel like you've been teleported back in time. Even the little space with tables in the back grabs your attention, as you have to duck down below the bar to get there.

As for the food menu, La Ardosa specialises in home-made recipes and tapas, prepared as tradition dictates. You can't go wrong with the 'tortilla de patata' (potato omelette, cooked perfectly to Spanish taste, just a bit undone in the middle) croquettes, 'salmorejo' (similar to gazpacho) and grilled artichokes.

If you're there for the drinks menu, bear in mind that La Ardosa were pioneers in bringing certain imported beers to Madrid, so don’t be surprised if the beer from the tap is the Czech Pilsner Urquell. They also have a host of others, including Budweiser and Guinness. If you'd rather have a vermouth, don't leave without trying the one prepared exclusively for La Ardosa.