We asked and you voted: Spain’s greatest export

A week ago we asked you what you thought was Spain’s greatest export, and the results are in! 53 people voted on our poll and after (Golden Globe and Academy Award winning) Penelope Cruz held the top spot for the first four days, one of the most traditional and stereotypical Spanish exports won: tapas. Click on the images below and take a look at the results…

Viva Espana! But what do you love most? Give it your vote…

Santiago de Compostela's famous cathedral

When it comes to holiday destinations Spain is a much-loved favourite among us Brits. But when we hop on that EasyJet flight, what is it we’re visiting Spain for? When we think of Spain, from San Sebastian to Marbella, what springs to mind? From a visit to the British-dominated tourist havens of Magaluf, Benidorm or Torremolinos, many Brits could come away thinking Spain is about sun, sea and cerveza, and not much else. Spend a few days in the northern towns of Santiago de Compostela or Burgos, and the cooler climate and gothic architecture will give you a very different impression.

What about Spain’s image overseas, boosted by ambassadors such as Penelope Cruz, (who recently became the first Spanish actress to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame) Rafa Nadal (currently ranked world number 1) and Cesc Fabregas (in the list to please Arsenal fans) to name a few. You don’t need to visit Spain to wear Spanish fashion (Zara, Mango) or to eat Spanish cuisine such as tapas and paella washed down with sangria, all cruelly imitated in La Tasca restaurants up and down the country.

 

Let us know what you think is the best Spanish export. It might be your personal favourite, or what you think represents Spain at its best. And feel free to offer suggestions! How do us Brits, best known for ordering “dos cervezas por favor” and raving it up on the Costa del Sol, really view Spain?

 

Image: Bestourism

Loewe comes to London

Last month Spanish luxury leather brand Loewe opened a new boutique on Mount Street, Mayfair, its first independent shop in London. Previously only available to London shoppers at Selfridges and Harrods, Loewe has found its new home in a gorgeous nineteenth century building complete with cornicing  and pillared entrance; it is almost as attractive as the colourful treats inside.

As pretty outside as it is within: Loewes new Mount Street shop

Daisy Lowe and Pixie Geldof at the launch

The launch party attracted some big fashion names as well as mainstream celebs; Bianca Jagger, Marie Helvin, Jade Parfitt, Daisy Lowe and Pixie Geldof were all in attendance. Guests nibbled classic Spanish tapas including chorizo and manchego, washed down by Moet & Chandon champagne and elderflower presses. Sadly, HispanicLondon was not invited, but this doesn’t stop us from lauding this iconic Spanish brand and celebrating its bold arrival in the capital…

You got rhythm? Try Flamenco

It may look easy, but flamenco is one of the hardest Latin dances to master. Undaunted, freelance reporter Patrick Smith journeys to London’s East End to test the theory.

It is raining. I am soaking and out of breath as I finally arrive after 20 minutes of cycling up and down Commercial Road looking for the studio. I had been looking for a bright, shiny building with fresh faced people wearing lycra. When I eventually find it at the back of an old warehouse it is marked with a laminated A4 paper sign flapping in the wind, Cable Street Studios.

After ringing the bell I sheepishly step into the small space, dripping. Two diminutive Spaniards, arms crossed, are not happy that I’m so late. As I mutter my excuses to one, the other, Titi, shaven headed with deep set blue eyes pivots elegantly and shuffles off firing a rapid burst of stomping and tapping.