YOUR NEXT DESTINATION / December
Kimberley Tecles-Byrom,
founder and designer of the Madrid-based
footwear label Goya
INSIDER
How would you
spend a perfect day in
Madrid in December?
While the weather can
be chilly during the
winter months, it’s al-
ways sunny and there-
fore perfect weather for
a leisurely stroll in Re-
tiro Park, which is vast
and beautiful and has a
wonderful atmosphere
on the weekends. You
could stop by Plaza Ma-
jor to see the Christmas
market and then go for
a late lunch of tapas
in the Las Letras bar-
rio followed by some
churros and chocolate
sauce, if you wish.
Alternatively, opt for
the famous cochinillo
(roast suckling pig),
which definitely won’t
leave you hungry!
What should one
definitely do to feel the
spirit of the city?
The locals are lively.
They live and em-
brace life, and the best
place to embrace this
spirit is in Madrid’s
food markets. Try
Mercado San Miguel
next to Plaza Major or
Mercado San Anton in
Malasaña. Enjoy a glass
of Ribera red wine and
some Jamon de Bel-
lota – they go well with
people-watching.
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/ airBaltic.com
Following a ten-year career
in the luxury fashion
industry, Kimberley Tecles-
Byrom moved to Madrid
in 2015. Inspired by the
traditional Menorquina
shoes she wore on a trip
to Formentera, the British
designer launched her
own footwear label, Goya,
named after her Mexican
grandmother. Goya shoes
are made entirely in Spain
using premium leathers.
They are available any-
where in the world from
Matches Fashion, an
online store.
How would you
describe the style
of Madrileños?
Madrileños take great
pride in their appear-
ance, and their style is
largely classic Spanish,
which is quite formal.
For men, that means
chinos, loafers, a shirt,
and blazer. Women are
always well turned-out,
too, and have their hair,
nails, and makeup in
perfect condition.
Where are the
best shopping spots
in Madrid?
The barrio of Salaman-
ca has all the luxury
flagships, like Louis
Vuitton and Prada,
but for independent
shops try Chueca and
Malasaña. For local
fashion, head to Loewe,
the local luxury fashion
house. For something
more quirky, choose
Bimba y Lola.
Which is your favourite
tapas bar?
Casa Macarena is a
nice spot with a young,
fashionable, local
crowd. Or head to Fide
on Calle Ponzano in the
barrio of Chamberí,
where you can have
amazing seafood tapas
in a typical Spanish
bar environment.
USEFUL ADDRESSES
WHERE TO STAY
Located just steps from the iconic Atocha
station and the Golden Triangle of Art,
this hotel is a trendy stay. Think bare brick
walls, loads of wood, and cheeky tiled
floors. But the best part is the breakfast
room on the top floor, boasting lovely
views of the city.
Paseo de la Infanta Isabel, 13
onlyyouhotels.com in a wood-fired oven, perfect slices of
jamón ibérico, and a carefully curated
list of sparkling drinks. Maybe you crave
an Antonito? All of the sandwiches are
named after the owner’s friends. B de J
has two parlours in Madrid, and both
feature a chic, white interior with golden
accents.
Calle de Fernando VI, 21 / Avenida de
Menéndez Pelayo, 15
bdej.es
7 Islas Hotel Chocolatería San Ginés
An off-the-wall design hotel that won’t
leave your pockets empty. Apart from
stunning rooms, there are also three
penthouses, each with its own rooftop
terrace. The 7 Craft Bar offers its own
7 Craft beer, cocktails, and a kitchen
that mixes Spanish traditions with an
international touch.
Calle de Valverde, 14
7islashotel.com Tucked in a small street near Puerta
del Sol, this is an iconic place to treat
yourself to churros con chocolate. If you
don’t believe us, the pictures on the wall
of celebrities who have visited the café
speak for themselves. Open 24/7, the
café is also a popular place to have a
post-clubbing snack.
Pasadizo de San Gines, 5
chocolateriasangines.com
WHERE TO SHOP DON’T MISS
The oldest and most famous espadrille
store in Madrid. Opened in 1836, this
store in Malasaña is as little as a box of
matches and packed from floor to ceiling
with espadrilles. All of the shoes are
handmade, come in a variety of colours,
and cost around 20 euros. A unique idea
for a souvenir!
Calle Divino Pastor, 29
antiguacasacrespo.com Rughara A modern alternative to the canon of the
Golden Triangle of Art, CaixaForum is a
museum and cultural centre in a striking
modernist building that itself is well
worth a visit. It hosts great international
travelling exhibitions from such giants
as Pixar and Disney. If you don’t go inside
the building, at least stop by to check out
its vertical urban garden.
Paseo del Prado, 36
caixaforum.es
Located in the hip Malasaña district,
the store specialises in unique fashion
and design items ranging from clothing,
accessories, and furnishings to vinyl
records and decorations. The assortment
features the best of local design alongside
international brands. Some of the names
represented include Revolution, Batabasta,
Bow Hand Made, Komono, and Kuraga. The
store’s little sister, Rugharita, is just a few
steps away.
Corredera Alta de San Pablo, 1 / Velarde 12
rughara.com If Wes Anderson had an art gallery,
this would be it. Cute dog portraits,
nature illustrations, and loads of pastel
colours – who knew that art can also
be uncomplicated and cute? Created
by young local artists, the paintings
perfectly match the overall homey aura
dominated by wood and white colour.
And the gallery definitely has one of the
most charming front doors in Madrid.
Calle Pelayo, 47
echaleguindas.com
Only YOU Hotel Atocha
Antigua Casa Crespo
WHERE TO EAT
Café Federal
Whether you want a proper breakfast
or to just check your work emails in a
pleasant coffee-house environment,
Café Federal is the place to go. The coffee
is good, and the menu features hearty
omelettes, salads, granola, and plenty
of other breakfast classics, which, by the
way, are not so easy to find in Madrid,
seeing as Spaniards aren’t very big
breakfast eaters.
Plaza de las Comendadoras, 9
federalcafe.es
Bocadillo de Jamón y Champán
Also called B de J, the name says it all –
a place to savour bocadillos with jamón
and a glass of bubbly. But these aren’t
any ordinary sandwiches: bread baked
CaixaForum
Échale Guindas
Royal Chapel of St. Anthony
of Florida
While its modest profile gives little
away, just open the doors of the Ermita
de San Antonio de la Florida and your
jaw will drop – the frescoes covering
the ceilings were created by none other
than Goya, who is also buried here.
Closed on Mondays.
Glorieta San Antonio de la Florida, 5
airBaltic f lies to
Madrid
twice per week
from
149
€
round trip
Look for prices with
cherries on airbaltic.com