CityLife Rating
Barcelona
JUST when you thought the Northern Quarter could not possibly accommodate another outlet, a new venture has opened its doors. The area’s cluster of independent bars continues to grow at a pace of one every two weeks in the last couple of months.
Some say the expansion of the Quarter’s late night offering is diluting its alternative edge and roots in music, but that’s a long way off yet. The latest drinking spot doesn’t have the quirky, cool factor that many have come to expect, but it does have its own humble charms.
More continental café bar than late night drinking den, Barcelona bar on Hilton Street is an unassuming tapas venue that claims its USP is serving food that is authentically Catalan. A small pick ‘n’ mix menu is displayed in a glass cabinet and free nibbles are served with early evening drinks.
There are no cocktails to speak of and a modest range of beers, wines and spirits are stocked on the bar, but all are served by friendly staff – some Spanish – who are well versed on the menus.
Unlike new nearby theme bar Hula, where the interior is heavily influenced by the tropics, Barcelona’s design hints only subtly at the Spanish city, with blue and orange hues. Other than that the décor is pretty non-existent and bright spot lighting doesn’t help the bland setting. However, City Life saw the venue during its soft launch before it closed for the first fortnight in January, so the bar could well have been a work in progress.
The open layout is broken architecturally by high wooden tables, low seating and a raised platform with a perching ledge for watching passers-by or for those wishing to use the free wi-fi and plug sockets.
For evening drinkers there is little night time vibe, but for daytime grazers Barcelona is an accessible tapas café bar for all ages.
Reviewed: Fri, 15 January, 2010
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