Taverna Sacromonte Madrid

So excited to share what is a very locals-only Madrid spot - Taverna Andaluza Sacromonte. The neighbourhood of Usera is the "other" side of the Rio Manzanares, about a 15-minute walk from the cultural centre El Matadero. Or just take the metro - 6 stops from Sol! You emerge in a busy little square that feels very village-y, and you immediately feel you have left tourist-land.

Usera has become better known recently due to the growing Chinese population who have settled here - Chinese food connoisseurs know that the best, cheapest and most authentic Chinese restaurants are to be found here.

Taverna Andaluza Sacromonte is a classic Southern Spanish-style bar and just the thing if you are not in the mood for Chinese, or if you want to mix it up with an aperitif and tapa before your Sichuan feast!

The wine selection is fantastic, and the tapas are great too - bar snacks can vary wildly from bar to bar, and while some crisps, nuts or olives are always welcome, Sacromonte goes the extra mile and offers something gourmet. I love the inside of this bar too - the shelves lined with wines and liqueurs are so decorative.