STIL ŽIVOTA / LIFESTYLE
Aníbal González Álvarez-Ossorio. The central courtyard envelops the stage that hosts performances, while the tables of the gallery are the most desirable thanks to the privacy and great views they offer. The hotel has only 28 elegant rooms, in which traditional toile de Jouy motifs are combined with vibrant prints in red, blue and green. Representing one of the leg- endary symbols of Seville is the magnifi- cent Hotel Alfonso XIII. Surrounded by palm trees, its chandeliers are adorned with royal crowns and it has sumptuous beds, ensuring you could easily believe that it was made for a monarch. Triana House comprises a boutique hotel and an adjacent B&B, located in the trendy but authentic Triana neighbourhood. Its small and carefully decorated rooms were designed by one of Seville’s most successful interior designers. Excellent value for money is offered at U-Sense Centro, a small hotel that’s hidden in a winding alley of the old town neighbour- hood of Santa Cruz, just a stone’s throw from the Cathedral and La Giralda bell tower. Simple, modern and very pleas- ant, its staff are extremely friendly and always ready to help. Where to eat La Casa Inquieta is a former restau- rant and cookery school that is today a combination tapas bar, restaurant and flamenco tablao. Its glamorous central bar boasts high ceilings and is surround- ed by elegant dining areas. The spacious tablao allows you to nibble on top-quality jamón ibérico to the rhythm that’s creat- ed by a guitarist, singer and cajón player,
Hotel Alfonso XIII
while a dancer hypnotises with her swirl- ing skirt and energetic kicks. One of Se- ville’s trendiest eateries is Seis Tapas Bar on the Plaza Nueva. It lives up to expec- tations – from its jungle-inspired interi- or, complete with lush greenery hanging from the ceiling, to the impeccable ser- vice and creative tapas interpretations. And it all comes at surprisingly affordable prices. Start the evening with a cucum- ber margarita at the vibrant treetop bar, then settle into a cozy booth and try Pe- ruvian sea bass ceviche or a hot dog with slow-roasted Iberian pork. Hiding in an unremarkable street not far from the Se- tas wooden structure is the fantastic Palo Cortao. This sherry lover’s paradise offers more than 60 Jerez wine labels, from dry and light fine wines to golden, nut- ty oloroso styles. Its owners, Ana and An- gel, together with their wonderful team, serve guests on both their small terrace and in the restaurant’s pleasant interior. Where to raise a toast For a more intimate experience of flamenco, head to Flamenco Esencia,
which is held at the Taberna La Quedá de Triana, just off the famous Calle Bet- is street. The space is so intimate that the dancers’ skirts will almost touch you. It isn’t unusual for neighbours to spontane- ously join the performers - this precise- ly embodies the true spirit of flamenco. Your entrance fee comes with a free beer, while you can also opt to tour the lo- cal tapas bars in the company of flamen- co dancers, during which you’ll discover more about the history of this art, be- fore the evening culminates with a show. Afterwards, stroll Calle Betis to the Em- barcadero bar, with an interior and ter- race right next to the river that exude a nautical atmosphere. If the flamenco al- so inspires you to dance, head back to- wards the Triana Bridge and drop in at Lo Nuestro, where locals practice the part- ner dance Sevillanas, accompanied by live music, year-round. A gin and tonic will give you just the dose of courage you need to join them. End the evening at the EME Catedral Mercer Terraza rooftop bar, where you will enjoy postcard views of the spectacular Gothic flying buttress- es of the city’s cathedral, with mojitos and an elegant crowd. And remember... Seville is a chilled city, but it is the rhythm of the day that represents the biggest difference compared to the cit- ies of northern Europe. Lunch is rare- ly served before 2pm, though some restaurants open at around 12.30pm. Dinner, on the other hand, usual- ly starts at around 9.30pm, while cer- tain venues begin receiving guests from 8pm. If you decide to eat earlier, you’ll probably find yourself sitting in an al- most empty restaurant, without locals and the lively atmosphere for which Se- ville evenings are renowned.
EME Catedral Mercer Terraza
86 | Sevilja » Seville
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator