Sala Equis

In the 1980s, the Alba cinema became an X-rated cinema, or a 'sala x', and it was one of the few that were still open in Madrid. It's still a cinema, located in a former mansion that now also houses the restaurant El Imparcial, and which has survived several attempts to demolish it, thanks to the tenacity of the family who owns it. Sala Equis came about with the mission of being a place people could meet up for cultural and social events – they programme film cycles, acoustic concerts, and plenty of activities. The space was remodelled and redecorated with exquisite taste, and it's got a terrace at the front; the Plaza room, which is the epicentre and features a large movie screen, a bar where you can get a bite to eat, and a play area with wooden benches, lounge chairs and even swings; and of course there's a cinema room with 55 seats for celluloid fans to catch a flick during their film cycles.