No Frills

No Frills

Cervecería Azul y Blanco: a no-frills bar that’s accidentally become retro

13 May 2017

Cervecería Azul y Blanco takes its name from everyone's favourite Mediterranean colour combination, but as its bold colours fade to dark grey and dusty pink, this little corner bar slips into a bygone era and has become totally kitsch.

El Rincón de Marco: Lavapiés’ foodie portal to Cuba

2 May 2017

One end of Calle Cabestreros opens out onto the buzzing 24-hour Plaza Nelson Mandela so you'd be forgiven for not paying much attention to the opposite end. But illuminating the dimly lit end of the street with a distinctive dusk-pink glow is a little Cuban bar blasting Caribbean music through its sealed windows.

Madrid’s no-frills station bar

7 February 2017

Since 1961, El Brillante has been the first and last port of call for millions of Atocha's passengers. A first caña stood at the bar sets the tone for the rest of your stay, and that final bocadillo de calamares leaves you with a belly full of fondness for Madrid.

Bar En Ca’ Kiko: everyone’s favourite Rastro bar

13 January 2017

If simply wandering around the Rastro gives you a buzz, then a visit here will make you feel like you’ve plugged yourself straight into the national grid.

Tinned tuna, sardines, anchovies and more in Lisbon

Is tinned food really better than the fresh stuff?

13 August 2016

The tinned food craze is sweeping the hipster capitals of the world but Spain has long been aware of the treasure inside these little tins.

Upstairs on the mezzanine is the dining area with antique paintings

No Frills

The bar that hasn’t closed in 40 years

25 July 2016

Cafetería Hinojar has been open 24 hours a day every day for 40 years and hasn't changed at all.

The Lavapiés sweets and spices shops

24 July 2016

Wander around Lavapiés' maze of connected high streets and find dozens of Asian spice stores firmly grounded. Gentrification is going to need to work hard to push these neighbours out.

Mercado de la Cebada’s no-frills seafood party

21 July 2016

Every Saturday, all of the seafood stalls group together and transform the mercado's aisles into electric avenues of seafood bars.

Bar El Boqueron: the last marisquería in Lavapiés

5 July 2016

In the candy-coloured streets of this multicultural barrio lies a traditional Madrid institution serving up some of the best seafood around. It's the last marisquería in Lavapiés but step inside, back to 1949.