ANYWAY WINE BAR Mark Walsh paid a visit to this fantastic little wine bar in Malaga City, founded in 2018 by local entrepreneur David Camino after he returned from working abroad and pursued his idea for a wine-centric concept in Málaga. It is a wonderfully cool place for serious wine drinkers, quite near the paseo marítimo; it’s the perfect spot for an early evening drink after work for the city’s creative in-crowd.   With over 200 wines, all served by the glass, the list is

ALFREDO BAR RESTAURANTE Mark Walsh returned to one of his favourite spots in San Pedro de Alcántara, just outside Marbella. It is a family - run business established in 1981. I t is a little bit out of the way and doesn’t look that great from the outside, but once you get inside, it’s like being transported back to ’80s Spain. The decor reminds me of when I went to Spain as a kid. You will find a large dining room with old Spanish pictures and bullfighting memorabilia. The re

SEGOVIA During our visit to Madrid, we stayed one night in Segovia (it is also an easy day trip from Madrid; it’s a short 25-minute ride by high-speed train, but feels like a world away the minute you arrive). The mountain range seen from the train station is known as La Mujer Muerta (The Dead Woman). When viewed from the plains around Segovia, the peaks form the outline of a woman lying down. Head, torso and feet clearly visible. The effect is strongest at sunrise or sunset,

EL GATO NEGRO TAPAS Michelin Bib Gourmand Simon Shaw opened El Gato Negro Tapas in an empty former pub in Ripponden in 2005. With a view to good luck and a nod to a favourite old shop in Madrid, he named it El Gato Negro (Spanish for the black cat). Strangely, it later transpired the pub had been called the Black Cat many years before. El Gato Negro’s move from the Pennine village of Ripponden to Manchester has proved a great success story. Simon, whose love of Spanish fo

If you’re dreaming of a trip that combines stunning coastlines, mouth-watering food, and a culture that’s as unique as it is welcoming, then the Basque Country should be at the top of your list. I’m here to share the essential tips you need to make your journey smooth, fun, and full of those “wow” moments. Whether you’re wandering the charming streets of San Sebastián or exploring the rugged beauty of the countryside, these tips will help you get the most out of your adventu

CASA PUGA There is no more classic bar in all of Almería than this one. It is an old-style bar known for traditional Andalusian tapas steeped in history. It dates back to 1870, undoubtedly one of the oldest in Almería. Overloaded with ancient wine bottles on dusty shelves, tiled walls, a marble bar, an exposed iron grill, and hanging Jamónes, these are key parts of the decoration, as are the several non-stop waiters. All the tapas are excellent but straightforward. Try, Ques

The beach at Caños de Meca curves inland from the Faro de Trafalgar in the Cabo de Trafalgar. This is where Nelson defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Trafalgar, which took place just here in October 1805. It's something to think about as you enjoy your lunch! Things have chilled out since then. The beachfront is still wonderfully underdeveloped, save for most of the dreamlike Chiringuitos around the corner at Pago de Zahora. Here, you will find some of Andalusia's iconic beac

RESTAURANTE SACHA This is not the most straightforward restaurant in Madrid to find, even with GPS, as it is at the rear of where it should be and hidden away in a corner on the right side of the building. Everything looks great, small but cosy, busy and traditional upon entering. It was opened in 1972 by a couple (he was from the Basque Country, she was from Galicia) in this neighbourhood just north of Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium. It is now run by their son, Sac

MADRID TAPAS BARS IN THE CALLE DE JESUS AREA The Plaza de Jesús and its extension, the Calle de Jesús, is a street with many bars, mainly filled with locals, near the Prada Museum and other historic sites, and a good spot for lunch after visiting the museums, etc. On a Thursday lunchtime in February, we had a stroll to a tapas bar for drinks. CERVANTES Plaza de Jesús 7, 28012 Madrid +34 914 29 60 93 We did not eat here this time, but it is a very good cerveceria offering typi

If you’re heading to Bilbao, you’re in for a treat. This city isn’t just about the Guggenheim Museum or its stunning riverside views. Nope, Bilbao is a food lover’s paradise. From pintxos bars tucked away in narrow alleys to Michelin-starred restaurants that push culinary boundaries, the dining scene here is vibrant and diverse. I’ve spent quite some time exploring the best dining in Bilbao, and I’m excited to share my discoveries with you. Ready to eat your way through this