Intrusive background piped music is a problem plaguing diners around the world, so the founding of  a similar group in Spain is welcome news.  Svante Borjesson has started a Madrid-based group, Comer Sin Ruido (eating without noise) at   http://www.comersinruido.org/   He is concerned with all types of noise – a problem aggravated by the ‘hard surfaces’ favoured by too many designers at present, which echo or amplify background noises. He includes unwanted background music among the things that can wreck enjoyment of a meal. The site has a list of about 20 quiet restaurants around Spain, some with Michelin stars.

Anyone looking for, or knowing of, a quiet place to eat in Spain can contact  him at svante.borjesson@oiresclave.org