THE JOURNAL
Restaurant Ramón Freixa Madrid at the Hotel Único. Photograph courtesy of Hotel Único
If you’re a Liverpool FC fan, you will know Mr Xabi Alonso as a world-class midfielder and one of the best players to ever grace the hallowed turf of Anfield. If you think this sounds like fan hyperbole, his status as a standout footballer was backed up by Manchester City manager Mr Pep Guardiola who, on hearing of Mr Alonso’s retirement in 2017, called him “one of the best midfielders ever”. The ex-Bayern Munich and Real Madrid man is so respected that as recently as December 2018, the chairman of Bayern Munich Mr Karl-Heinz Rummenigge spoke of his admiration for Mr Alonso, wondering whether the Spaniard would return to the club as a coach. Whether he decides to dip his toe back into the world of football or not, today we are more concerned with what the Madrid-based ex-pro does with his time off. Below are his insider tips on where to eat, drink and stay in the capital of Spain.
Where to eat
La Manduca de Azagra
Photograph by Mr Roland Halbe, courtesy of La Manduca de Azagra
“The atmosphere of this restaurant is very sophisticated and the architectural design is spectacular. This helps to enjoy a delicious – and long – lunch or dinner. Fresh and seasonal vegetables for the food are brought directly from the farms of Navarra. Juan Miguel, the owner, is the life and soul of it all.”
Where to stay
Hotel Único
Photograph courtesy of Hotel Único
“A relatively small place in an old 19th-century palace, Hotel Único has a homely and warm feeling to it. It does an impeccable breakfast and has a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Ramón Freixa Madrid. The location is great, too – it’s walking distance from Retiro Park.”
Where to drink
Café Comercial
Photograph courtesy of Café Comercial
“This is a classic bar and restaurant right in the middle of Madrid. After closing for a year, it has reopened with a refresh on the classic interior. It’s very lively throughout the day – people will gather to chat or play chess.”
What to do
Retiro Park
Photograph by Mr Alex Segre/Shutterstock
“I think of Retiro Park as the lungs of the city. There are so many things to do here but I go to walk my dog, or for an early morning run.”
What to wear
“I tend to go very casual on a daily basis in Madrid. I might wear some Common Projects sneakers with a simple James Perse T-shirt. You’ll probably need sunglasses at some point; I love the brand Garrett Leight. When it’s a bit chilly, my go-to knitwear is made by Tom Ford.”