Dec 25, 2024

La Abuela Rockera Madrid

I Want to be Her

"Madrid in the 1980s was certainly rocking and she became a fixture in the city’s music scene, always going out in her famous leather jacket and cap."

Madrid is a city full of interesting tales and legendary people dating back centuries. But the story of Ángeles Rodríguez Hidalgo, who inspired this famous statue, is one of my favourites. 

Ángeles Rodríguez was born in Argentina in 1900 and relocated to Spain as a small child. She was left to raise five children after being widowed at the age of 41 and worked as an assistant and at the Post Office. She led a modest life in the working-class neighbourhood of Vallecas and did not achieve notoriety until her seventies.

Ángeles probably expected to live out her life like a normal grandmother until the night that her grandson took her to a heavy metal concert. She fell in love with the music and her life changed. Madrid in the 1980s was certainly rocking and she became a fixture in the city’s music scene, always going out in her famous leather jacket and cap. She regularly contributed to radio shows, El búho and Parada, and, into her 90’s, had a weekly column in Heavy Rock magazine, titled La abuela consulta.

She passed away in 1993 at the ripe age of 93. Her legacy lives on in this sculpture, created by artist Carmen Jorba, of Ángeles in her classic clothing, giving the rock salute. While Ángeles’ statue is outside the central core, it is worth the trip to Vallecas to get a sense of her neighbourhood and put her story into context. Come and hang out with her sometime!

002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

Calle de Peña Gorbea, 22

free

Explore Madrid like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Madrid guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Madrid

VETA Galería

Fine art in Carabanchel

VETA is the biggest contemporary art gallery in the city, so once you’ve had your fill of the Old Masters at the Prado, why not get off the beaten track?

002-building
Art & culture

By

Andrea

Roberts

Feb 14, 2025

Kintaro

Loosen your belt!

Don’t worry about collecting and counting plates - there’s an “all you can eat” lunchtime menu, you can fill your boots for a very reasonable fixed price.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Andrea

Roberts

Feb 14, 2025

Mercado de Chamberí

On-trend tradition

Each covered market has its own flavour; Chamberí I would say is high quality and traditional but also one that has adapted successfully to the times.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Andrea

Roberts

Feb 14, 2025

Museo Sorolla

Our national impressionist

His favourite time seemed to be that magic hour when the sun is sinking low in the West and turns everything a golden pinky hue.

002-building
Art & culture

By

Andrea

Roberts

Feb 14, 2025

Casa Dani

A ‘tortilla’ unlike any other

"Casa Dani" in my opinion makes the best Spanish omelette in Madrid, and this is coming from a passionate Spaniard himself!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Cesar

Gonzalez

Feb 12, 2025

La Hummuseria

For hummus lovers

"La Hummuseria" is a vegetarian restaurant in Madrid made for hummus fans like me! My favourite's the one with mushrooms. Protip: say yes to the egg...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Elena

Quintero

Feb 12, 2025

Konnichiwa

Japanese street food

"Konnichiwa" is a Japanese street food restaurant in Madrid. Their specialty is the ramen with the egg, which they cook with a blowtorch at your table!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

María José

Morr

Feb 12, 2025

Sala de Despiece

Unique gastronomique experience

"Sala de Despiece" Madrid defines itself as "a bar with a kitchen and a great tasting of raw materials". Once I was there I understood.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Elena

Quintero

Feb 12, 2025

Harvey's Cocktail Bar

Welcome to the '50s

"Harvey's Cocktail Bar" in Madrid makes me feel as if I've entered an American vintage speakeasy. Unlike new hip retro chains, this one feels authentic...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Elena

Quintero

Feb 12, 2025

Bosco de Lobos

The architects' refuge

"Bosco de Lobos" in Madrid is 'a bar that serves Italian food in a garden. It's a brunch and meeting place...' My favorite though, is their 'library'...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Elena

Quintero

Feb 12, 2025

Quesería Cultivo

You're welcome cheese lovers

"Quesería Cultivo" is a cheese shop in Madrid where you can find a wide artisanal selection. My protip: do get some bread from two numbers down the street.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Elena

Quintero

Feb 12, 2025

Tapería La Pequeña Graná

Granada in Madrid

"Tapería La Pequeña Graná" in Madrid is still holding on to the proper tradition of tapas -- more and more difficult to find. Also, they have great beer!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Daniel

Ramirez-Escudero

Feb 12, 2025

Heading to Madrid?

241 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Madrid?

241 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

Our team loves Madrid

Get to know our other Spotters from Madrid

As featured on: