El Mercadillo Inglés

mercado inglesWhenever I wander down Calle Acetres on my way home I remember the time I had to find an old glass shop when years ago one of my windowpanes broke and my landlord wouldn’t replace it. Well today I passed by the old shop only to discover it was no longer there and the delightful high ceilinged space had been recently taken over by a colourful and chaotic emporium called El Mercadillo Inglés (so-called because a lot of its stock comes from the UK). I can’t even begin to list the variety of things you can find here, both first and second hand, but I think it’s safe to say there something for everybody.

I had a nice chat with co-owner Marta Nuñez, a Sevillana who used to live in England and who now runs the shop along with partners Patricia Toscano and Santiago Toscano. They also have a section offering fabrics from their other local business Entretelas. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind Christmas gift this looks like a good bet.

El Mercadillo Inglés
Acetres 8
Sevilla

La Abacería del Sur

abaceria del surco-owners Antonio M. Lebrero and Andres J. Guerrero

La Abacería del Sur, a little gourmet food shop tucked away in a quiet street just outside the main shopping district, has just celebrated its first anniversary. Founders Andres J. Guerrero and Antonio M. Lebrero were getting into the Christmas spirit today by giving a little cheese sampling outside the shop – and very nice cheeses they were too. As well an impressive range of exclusive cheeses you can find good selections of fine wines, canned fish, olive oils and, more surprisingly, a selection of English biscuits and preserves, including marmalades, from the Mrs Bridges range (named for the Upstairs, Downstairs housekeeper).

It’s a charming and well-maintained spot, a sign of the owners’ pride in their dream. Treat yourself by stopping by for a bit of fine food shopping. Ideal for unique and delicious Christmas hampers too.

La Abaceria del Sur
Calle Lagar 11
Tel: 609 049 022

Noche en Blanco

noche en blanca 2014

Sevilla’s third Noche en Blanca is TONIGHT.  Organised by @SevillaSeMueve, the 2014 edition of this all-night cultural event is the most amibitious to date with more than 100 spaces participating, including theatre, music, boutiques, galleries, cinema, gastronomy, walking tours and much more.

Have a great White Night everyone!

Noche en Blanco Programme
Twitter hashtag: #nocheenblancoSEV

Pan y Più

How did I not stop in and buy anything here before today? Pan y Piu opened last April and I have walked by time and time again, admiring its attractive window displays. Well, today I finally took the plunge and, after sampling their Pan Payes and Pan Gallego, this is now my new local bakery.

Combining Spanish and Italian tradition with innovation, Pan y Più (più means “more” in Italian) offers a gorgeous selection of artisanal breads, muffins, cakes, pastries… and more. You can find foccacio, pizzas and Italian-style sandwiches filled with arugula, bresaola, parmesan, bologna bolognese and truffled sauces. And don’t miss the “nubes” (clouds) which are olive-oil based fluffy-crusty bites of deliciousness. And if you want to enjoy your carrot cake or croissant on the premises you can order a cup of coffee to go with it.

Cabeza del Rey Don Pedro 15-17
Plaza Alfalfa
Tel. 954 219 348
Open 8.00 – 22-00 Monday – Saturday
8.00 – 15.00 Sunday
Pan y Più Website

La Azotea Vinos & Más

Just across the street from La Azotea restaurant is the newly opened Azotea gourmet food and wine shop. Here you can find a wide selection of wines, with an emphasis on Andalucian and Californian wines, which can also be purchased for consumption in the restauraunt (no corkage fee). Food includes cheese, delicatessen, olive oils, vinegars, sauces and other specialities from around the world. Fresh bread from the restaurant is also available, including special fruit breads such as strawberry and mango.

There are monthly catas (wine tastings) that are free of charge and feature a selection of wines available in the shop. And coming soon: specially hosted wine tasting events – call to get put on the mailing list.

Opening hours are the same as the restaurant so that diners can easily purchase the some of the foods and wines they have enjoyed during their meals. And as always, Jeanine & Juan – and their excellent staff – are on hand to provide you with information and advice about their products.

Jesús del Gran Poder, 44
Tel. 955 11 67 48
Open: 12.00 – 15.00 / 20.00 – 23.00
Closed Sunday & Monday