After its final screening almost a decade ago, a former cinema (and home to legendary basement nightclub Cleofás) has now been reincarnated as a major culinary destination by four of Spain’s most in-demand chefs: Ramón Freixa, Paco Roncero, Pepe Solla and Marcos Morán. Located in Madrid’s Salamanca district, the listed building designed by Spanish architect Luis Gutiérrez-Soto in 1952 has been meticulously restored by Barcelona-based interior designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán, whose interiors hint at the decadence of the 1950s with polished metal work and plush upholstery, allowing the splendour and drama of the original features to take centre stage. The venue’s signature restaurant, Arriba (run by Freixa) can be found on the first tier, while the remaining chefs have teamed up to create the ultimate tapas spread serving traditional Spanish classics. Also available is an international assortment of eateries from Peruvian to Japanese and Italian and for entertainment, the old stage features daily concerts and DJ sets.
