Where … to buy a hat in Seville

You can imagine the dilemma; you have cheap tickets for the bullfight but in the excitement of arriving at the stadium, you left your hat in the taxi. Now you are faced with having to sit in the sun for three hours in temperatures well into the forties. Whyever didn’t you pay for the expensive seats in the shade? Forget the suffering in the ring – presumably you won’t find that too difficult – how will you survive without a hat?

Well, if the bullring is the Plaza de toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla then you’re in luck. Tucked away behind the imposing stadium is Sombreros Antonio Garcías. Señor Garcías opened his shop in 1847 so, generations later, they certainly still know a thing or two about making, fitting and selling hats.

Spanish somberos are not to be confused with their Mexican namesakes. These traditional Spanish felt hats are elegant with a firm brim and contrasting band (see photo). They are (apparently) perfect for a day at the bullfight, for your best friend’s wedding or for a pre-prandial evening stroll about town. Leave your old hat in the taxi.

Where? Sombreros Antonio Garcías, Calle Adriano 27, 41001 Seville. Tel: 954 22 37 52

Why? Because the hat box is so stylish; skyblue with a brown silhouette of (the hatted) Señor Antonio Garcías on the lid.