The first thing you notice when you walk into La Carbonera is the delicious smell. Then take in the decoration – mirrors and lighting have been thoughtfully placed to create a sexy, intimate feel. Madrid has a few cheese bars, but La Carbonera offers an extra special experience to diners.

Their passionately-curated menu features cow, goat and sheep milk cheeses; choose the size of your selection and how many cheeses you want to try. The well-informed wait staff will quiz you on your tastes and help you decide on the right cheese. Listen to them because my dining partner and I went against a recommendation and discovered that some cheeses separate the boys from the men! We had one that was probably just for die-hard cheese fanatics, but we had been warned…

Not into cheese? They also have a menu of non-cheesy hot and cold dishes and leave room for dessert – also homemade and excellent. The wine list is interesting too – predominantly mainland Spanish but with a few wild cards thrown in. Take a chance with a wine from Menorca, Tenerife or even Morocco!

And really, what is better than cheese and wine? Why, cheeses and wines of course!