Aneta Quraishy (1981)

OK so I haven’t exactly been here to get my haircut. This is a barbers shop and that’s not where ladies tend to get their haircut. Coincidentally I go to a fantastic salon in Chueca, but more about that another time.

For the time being I’d like to draw the attention of all those image conscious men out there to this gem of a barbers. The tiling of the shop front speaks for itself. Actually this barbers opened in 1908 and the decorative ceramic dates from the 1914 and has been preserved to date. So what are you waiting for? Hurry up and get your very authentic Madrileño haircut or moustache trim!

I recently discovered this bakery/pastry shop that also does sandwiches and sells wine and other goodies. It’s a very typically Spanish ‘local’ affair and you would normally miss it as you rush past as I have on previous occasions.

There’s lots to choose from, savoury and sweet, and most importantly it’s all homemade. I loved the spinach quiche and the dulce de leche alfajors. I bought alfajors for a friend and she could’t stop saying, mmmmmmm, wow and yum as she ate them.

My plan with this place is to stock up on snacks on the way to the Retiro park. I often arrange to meet friends there for a picnic or go there for a quick snack when I’m on the go. The place is almost always open.

This has got to be the most popular film lovers hangout. The Spanish Filmoteca is housed in the historical Cine Dore. You can pick up and study the monthly programme line-up flyer whilst you sip your café con leche in the coffee shop.

If you don’t speak Spanish, don’t worry all films here are original version so if you’re in luck you’ll find your pick in English, Swedish or even Bengali. There are several themes and seasons chosen each month.

You may stumble across a selection of Portuguese cinema, to a Truffaut season and a space is also importantly kept for documentaries. In the summer months there even is an outdoor screen, so you can enjoy your favourite ‘peli’ under the starlit Madrileño sky.

A great bar in the heart of Lavapiés, really close to the popular Calle Argumosa. The owner is an ardent photographer and you’ll find some great photos displayed on the walls lining the bar. Apparently when he bought the bar the wallpaper was so distasteful he just had to do something about it! Luckily he stumbled over some old photos he’d taken and decided to make a more interesting wallpaper creation. Most are in black and white and well worth having a closer look at.

The drinks are cheap and although the tapas on offer few they are good and home-made. I recommend you try the chicken (Pollo Hortelano) and the potatoes (Papas Arrugas) with the sauces (Mojo and Mojo Picante).

Every 1st Thursday of the month there are poetry readings. Every 2nd Thursday of every month short story readings. Both start around 21:30 but check at the bar as all is subject to change. Oh and don’t worry if you find the place empty – it fills up quick and there’s charm in just chatting to the staff.

Spain is not exactly known for its wild offer of vegetarian restaurants, let alone macrobiotic cuisine. La Biotika is a place that is nice and central, good value for money and you can even opt for a macrobiotic option if vegetarian is not enough.

If you have no idea what macrobiotic is, well simply put, macrobiotic cuisine refers to whole, unprocessed food. The macrobiotic diet is based on an understanding that food is energy and that everything we eat becomes a part of us.

La Biotika is a great place for indecisive individuals like myself. Basically you choose from a menu with either option A) Vegetarian or option B) Macrobiotic, which avoids endless staring into the menu.

I’ve been here in the evening and the portions are big so do come on an empty stomach. I think it’s also a great healthy option for lunch-time, when the menus are slightly cheaper than in the evening and you can re-charge your batteries ready for more city exploring!