Antigua Pasteleria Del Pozo

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Madrid is starting to become the land of opportunity, when it comes to the modern pastry. The cronut, the much hated but highly-demanded cupcakes, and cake pops with flavors ranging from red velvet to hot fudge flood storefronts. Still, the delights with which we grew up are hidden in old bakeries, old bakeries that still deserve to be honored. La Antigua Pastelería del Pozo is that perfect place. Opened in 1810 as a bakery and in 1830 as pastry house, it is now the oldest in Spain. Julian Leal Charle worked there since childhood to later take ownership of the business from 1900. The Leal family is still in control of this artifact with Estrella, a third generation Leal. The current manager, Antonio Perez, has spent 35 years in charge of the establishment and still maintains the liveliness to tell the stories that were born there. On the eve of All Saints Day they bake large amounts of fritters filled with cream fillings, coffee and sweet potatoes , and are all sold non-stop. After dessert they start to sell “the crown of the Almudena”, a relatively new sweet in Madrid similar to the “roscón de Reyes,” which is filled with cream or chocolate. Pastry chef of 45 years Angel Villami decorates the windows with almond tarts, apple tarts, Russian tarts with different fillings and bayonets, making it hard to have just one. Good pastry is worth eating at any time of day, provided it is well made, so try Antigua Pasteleria del Pozo, an excellent way to develop good eating habits.