Ever walked into a space and instantly felt at home? That’s Swinton & Grant for many in Madrid. It stands just off Glorieta de Embajadores.
Swinton & Grant is more than just a place. It is a bookstore and gallery that aims to shake up Madrid’s art scene. It offers a space for anyone with similar interests to create. You are always welcome at Swinton & Grant.
Let’s step inside. You will find two main areas. First, there is Ciudadano Grant. This is a cafe and bookstore. Below that, there is Swinton Gallery. It is a large space for local artist exhibitions.
Hip folks feel at home here. Bare bulbs light the way to bookshelves. They are lined with English and Spanish books. You can find biographies, comics, and children’s books. Jars of LEGOs and framed pictures catch your eye. There are bottles of Arizona Tea, Jones Soda, fresh cakes, and cookies. Music from Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes fills the air.
The menu at Swinton & Grant is impressive. Coffees are cheap. For a small charge, enjoy special bean blends. They come from Costa Rica, Kenya, and Colombia. Teas come in many sizes and colors.
Before 1 PM, the cafe offers a desayuno special. While enjoying the art, try pan con tomate. You can also have a ham and cheese sandwich. A slice of cake with your choice of beverage is also a good option. All of this costs only two to four euros. If you are still hungry, get a full-size bocadillo or a giant cookie.
After your meal, go downstairs. Artists display their work in rotating exhibits. You might see pieces from Luis Pérez Calvo. Or maybe Victor Solana and Antonyo Marest. If you like something, buy it. Prices range from a few euros to a few hundred.
Swinton Gallery is a meeting point for artists. They work in different fields. The gallery has over 200 square meters of space. It is divided into two rooms. These rooms can host different events. Street art, illustration, and photography are showcased. The gallery is interested in artists who explore human nature.
Ciudadano Grant focuses on street art and contemporary art. It also has comics and graphic novels. The selection of books is diverse. They are available in Spanish or the original language.
The cafe offers more than good coffee. They have teas, special drinks, and sodas. All the cakes are homemade. It is a great place to meet friends or read a book. They also have free Wi-Fi.
So, next time you’re in Madrid, make your way to Embajadores. Experience the comfort, cake, and caffeine of Swinton & Grant. It is a place where art, books, and coffee come together.