Two words: OLD SKOOL! It's such a delight to walk into a bar and be magically transported to days…read moregone by, especially when you are surrounded by multiple shelves chockablock with wine, beer, liquors and spirits.
Before being introduced to this place, I had walked past it a million times without even noticing it. I always thought it was just a shop and didn't realise there was a small bar tucked away inside. What a joy to finally discover this hidden jewel!
Now that I know what's inside, I come here to keep a Spanish tradition alive known as "La Hora del Vermut" (Vermouth Time). It takes place just before lunch and serves to whet your appetite before lunch, basically an aperitif! It may be known as Vermouth Time but you can drink whatever you like: beer, wine, soft drink etc. However, in this bar it is traditional to take advantage of their homemade vermouth (vermut casero) that goes for 1€ a glass. It goes down extremely well and you can't help going for multiple rounds! Also, apart from getting rather inebriated on premises you can also take some back with you. The traditional method is to come loaded with an empty bottle to be filled up but if you don't have one, they can provide you with one instead. It's a joy to see places that still maintain these old traditions; I remember back in the days being sent to our local bodega to get wine bottles topped up even before I was of legal age to drink alcohol...
If you want to feel like a proper local, cross the river from the main part of town and venture into this neighbourhood with its own distinctive vibe and help us maintain these traditions well and truly alive and vibrant! Although, honestly, we are doing quite a good job of it already...
