What a great time to be living in the Spanish capital. The article which was first published in the UK charts some of Madrid’s very best music venues.

Cardamomo

Madrid has dozens of fine tablaos (flamenco venues), but there’s only one Cardamomo. All the spontaneity and raw passion of flamenco thrives here in this dark, smoky bar where a knowledgeable crowd gathers for live performances many weeknights from around 10.30pm. It’s all about a cantaor (flamenco singer) and guitar maestro, and this evocation of flamenco’s Andalusian roots ensures that Cardamomo is where the great flamenco performers really feel at home.

· +34 91 369 07 57; cardamomo.es; Calle de Echegaray 15; entry free

2. Café La Palma

Madrid’s musical revolution in the 1980s reverberated out across the city from the gritty barrio of Malasaña and neighbouring Conde Duque is its worthy successor. It’s as rare to find tourists in Conde Duque as it is to find international acts at Café La Palma, a labyrinthine venue dedicated to the hottest local bands. Live shows, DJ mixes and laid-back locals lounging on pillows is a wonderful combination.

· +34 91 522 50 31; cafelapalma.com; Calle de la Palma 62; entry free

3. Populart

In the clamorous heart of Huertas, the barrio that stakes a strong claim to being Madrid’s nightlife capital, Populart is uncharacteristically intimate and classy. They’re traditionalists at heart here and make no apology for calling to the stage the finest exponents of classic jazz from all over the world, in the process capturing the low-key, expectant atmosphere of an informal jam session while maintaining a professional sound.

· +34 91 429 84 07; populart.es; Calle de las Huertas 22; entry free

4. Las Tablas

Madrid’s finest new tablao for bailadores (flamenco dancers), Las Tablas showcases the talents of Antonia Moya who has long been a respected backing dancer for flamenco greats. With soulful singers, fine guitarists and guest appearances from visiting famous names, Las Tablas, unlike other flamenco floorshows, gets the balance right by ensuring quality without the pressure to pay high prices for mediocre food.

· +34 91 542 05 20; lastablasmadrid.com; Plaza de España 9; entry €6-20

5. Honky Tonk

The name is something of a misnomer for what’s on offer, but otherwise Honky Tonk rarely misses a beat. One of Madrid’s longest-standing hangouts for rock fans of all ages, it’s at its best on weekends when the beats don’t stop until 5.30am; get here before midnight to carve out your vantage point or dance corner.

· +34 91 445 68 86; Calle de Covarrubias 24; entry varies

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