Postcard from Madrid

The All Court Tennis Club partners with the prestigious and historic Club de Tenis Chamartín in Madrid, where our Madrid ambassador and former world number 17, Francisco “Pato” Clavet, is a member. You can gain access to the club to play with your travelling companions or even arrange to hit with Pato himself to hear firsthand about his victories over world number ones like McEnroe, Hewitt, and Federer.

Where to play tennis

The Club de Tenis Chamartín was founded in 1922. It is one of the oldest and most traditional tennis clubs in Madrid, and its location is ideal, being the club closest to the city centre.

You can enjoy private member racquet facilities in a serene setting just a short distance from major hotels. The club features a total of 20 tennis courts, including 14 clay courts, 4 artificial grass courts, and 2 hard courts. As it is Spain, you will also find padel courts on-site. In addition to the courts, visitors can enjoy the swimming pool, gym, and a traditional Spanish restaurant where the San Miguel is served ice-cold and the Albariño is perfectly crisp.

Madrid Open

The Mutua Madrid Open is one of the most important tournaments for men and women players on the road to the Grand Slam at Roland-Garros. Previous men's winners include Andy Murray, Carlos Alcaraz, and Alexander Zverev, while Rafa Nadal holds five titles. On the women's side, Petra Kvitová leads the trophy haul with three wins.

The event is held at La Caja Mágica, or the "Magic Box". The stadium features three main courts, each with a unique design including a retractable roof and a facade made of translucent material that allows natural light to filter through. In 2026, the tournament is scheduled to take place from 22 April to 3 May.

Shop

Madrid is an exceptional city for shopping, featuring flagship stores of Spanish success stories like Zara and Mango, alongside many unique local designers.

Gran Vía: One of Madrid's most famous shopping streets, lined with international brands and retailers.
Salamanca: Located in the north-east, this neighbourhood is known for luxury boutiques and designer shops such as Chanel, Gucci, Prada, and Spanish labels like Adolfo Dominguez and Loewe.
El Rastro: Madrid's famous flea market, held every Sunday in the La Latina neighbourhood, offering everything from vintage clothing to antiques.
Chueca: A trendy neighbourhood known for alternative fashion and independent boutiques featuring local jewellery and accessories.
Malasaña: A hip district known for vintage shops, indie boutiques, records, and books.

Eat, drink and be merry

When in Madrid, the focus is always on tapas. While it is impossible to visit them all, here are a few local favourites:

El Sur: Located in La Latina, known for its traditional tapas and excellent wine selection.
Casa Labra: A historic bar in the city centre famous for its fried cod tapas, which have been a staple since 1860.
Bodega de la Ardosa: A classic Malasaña spot dating back to 1892, celebrated for its croquettes and Spanish cheeses.
Juana la Loca: Offers a contemporary twist on Spanish dishes in La Latina; their truffle and mushroom risotto is a signature must-try.
La Venencia: A traditional sherry bar in the city centre with an extensive selection of fortified wines and cured meats.

Sleep

The Mandarin Oriental Ritz is a luxury landmark located in the heart of the city. First opened in 1910 and designed by French architect Charles Mewès—who also designed the Ritz hotels in Paris and London—it is famous for its elegant Belle Époque style. The hotel has played host to notable guests including Ernest Hemingway, Ava Gardner, and the Spanish Royal Family. It features 162 individually decorated rooms and suites furnished with luxurious amenities.

Member recommendation

Our long-time Madrid member, Pedro Domecq, whose family has been in the sherry business for generations, shares his insider tips:

"I sometimes like to keep it loose and head over to Calle Ponzano. There are loads of bars and tapas options. Start at Arima for great tapas to provide a base for the evening. Another excellent option is Angelita, a wine bar further downtown that offers an incredible selection of wines by the glass to accompany their high-quality food."