If you happen to be in the neighbourhood and looking for an elegant and sophisticated place for a romantic evening, do a huge U-turn because this is not the place for you. But if you are looking for an authentic Spanish experience on a budget, then look no further - Casa Mingo is the oldest cider house in Madrid and every cab driver in town knows about it. They've got beer and wine, but what are you doing here if you're not drinking their infamous sweet cider?

This place is ultra-popular and always buzzing with people - students, families, tourists - pretty much everybody goes here. The waiters are jolly and friendly, plus they all have big beer bellies that jiggle every time they chuckle, which makes us chuckle, and then we're all laughing. This isn't a fancy venue - it's got convenience store lighting, plain wooden furniture and walls covered with dusty bottles and faded labels - but we love its whole non-styled rustic thing.