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A bar for sherry drinkers who know their fino from their manzanilla, La Venencia opened its doors in 1929 and still does a roaring trade, especially in the evenings when tourists mingle with a loyal local following. Apart from the decor, which is ageing as graciously as the sherries behind the counter, there’s a good selection of canapés and tapas such as mojama (flakes of salty dried tuna) (see La Venencia).

Sherry is the speciality of this small, lively bar. Simple tapas dishes.

Set to rival Casa PATAS is this Madrid tablao (Flamenco club) which opened in 2002, its talented and enthusiastic young owners also figuring among the performers. The standard of both resident and visiting acts is excellent, which is why it is already making waves among aficionados. Although the show doesn’t usually begin until around 11pm, arrive early to be sure of a seat. Serves typical Spanish snacks.

The framed picture of Elvis greets you at this friendly bar, decorated in minimalist style. Comes alive after dark. Games room

The walls of Los Gabrieles are decorated with superb azulejo tiles, dating from the late 19th century when the bar was a brothel and gypsy dancers performed Flamenco here. To appreciate the decor, arrive early; around 11pm the lights are dimmed and Los Gabrieles is transformed into a music bar serving copas and cañas (spirits and beer) to people in the mood to party. Flamenco shows Tuesday nights (see Los Gabrieles).

A 19th-century bar with tile-lined walls, popular with locals and visitors alike (see Los Gabrieles).

Bring your camera when you visit this wonderfully over-the-top bar, often overlooked by tourists. Every inch of space is crammed with bric-à-brac – signed basketball shirts, old telephones, beer barrels, bull’s heads, you name it. Steer your way to the bar for a glass of beer and a plate of shrimps. While you’re about it, take a look at the tempting array of canapés, filled rolls and tapas .

This restaurant was a favourite of film director Pedro Almodóvar, and appears in his film All about my Mother . The terrace has views of the Calatravas church on Gran Vía, but you pay for the privilege. Mediterranean cooking.

“The best bar in Spain, certainly” was Ernest Hemingway’s verdict on this cocktail bar. It was in the 1950s and 1960s however that Chicote became really famous, thanks to visiting Hollywood celebrities such as Frank Sinatra. The bar, which preserves its 1930s decor, is at its best late evening (see Museo Chicote).