Vintage

Maria Pandora is located in the quiet area of La Latina, away from the crowded party streets so famous on a Sunday afternoon. It is a self proclaimed library come champagne bar and it succeeds in being as much a place for romantics as intellectuals.

For the romantics it offers large windows overlooking park Vistillas and of course the champagne. With candle lit tables and peaceful music this is a great place to take a date around sunset. For the intellectuals the bar is decorated with frequently changing photo and painting exhibitions and there is a section filled with books which you can read while sipping your champagne seated on vintage furniture. There are many events such as live music or poetry readings so be sure to check out the website to see what’s coming up.

Walking into Lolina feels like being transported to a 70s sitcom. The vintage style is laid on thick. The patterned wallpaper alone is worth the visit. I recommend going to the bar yourself to get a drink otherwise you’ll be waiting forever. The tables and chairs do get a bit crowded so you’ll find yourself squeezing passed people to get to the bar at the back.

During the summer they have large windows that open out onto the street. The winter can get a little cold but downstairs there are a few seats on the same vintage theme. Things are a little less crowded down there so if you want some intimacy it’s the place to head.

Regarding the food I’m a bit more into ribs and wings than quiche and cake but what they do have they do well and it’s not too pricy. They also have free wifi but only during the week.

A young hip crowd and relaxed atmosphere. La Realidad specialises in Gin tonic which is a bit of a fad in Madrid. With every bar trying to out do it's neighbour this place holds it's own. One of the things I like most about this bar is that it is constantly changing. The wallpaper alone always seems to be filled with new graffiti or the latest art.

The front has a U-shaped bar dividing the front room in two. Hanging off the bar itself are little books of "micro-poetry". The decoration is interesting in that every seat or chair is different. For instance the back bar is filled with tiny seats. Who knows, maybe there was a local nursery school closing and La Realidad got the tables and chairs cheap.