I’ve written about the aperitivo more than once (I love it!), and the wonderful Casa Labra in the heart of Madrid is one of my very favourite aperitif spots. A leisurely lunch is a Spanish tradition, and you should start with a delicious little aperitivo to whet your appetite – Casa Labra is just the place.

This little tavern is located just off la Plaza del Sol and has remained almost unchanged since 1860. According to Wikipedia, it is famous for being the site for the foundation of the Spanish Socialist Worker’s Party on May 2, 1879. Delicious food AND history!

Have a beer, wine, sherry or (my favourite) vermut de grifo, and a couple of their famous “croquetas de bacalao” (salt-cod croquettes) and a “tajada de bacalao” (a chunk of battered salt-cod). Nothing lasts forever but some places are worth fighting for, and Casa Labra is one of them, so don’t miss it!