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; I’ve been going there for 30 years! A leisurely lunch is a Spanish tradition you really must indulge in when you are here, and if you want to 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). With Covid19 there is now waiter service and smartphone menus outside but everything else is the same as always!

Like many bars and restaurants in Spain, the future of Casa Labra is not certain. Help keep it open by dropping in – nothing lasts for ever but there are places that are worth fighting for, and Casa Labra is one of them.