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14 De La Rosa

Barcelona

Everyone’s favourite Barça local

Once a separate village, Gràcia has long since been absorbed by the expansion of Barcelona. Still, the area retains something of a small-town feel, characterised by low-rise architecture and independent businesses. In this village-within-a-city, you'll find one of the Catalan capital's best bars: 14 de la Rosa.

The Platonic ideal of a neighbourhood bar, it opened in its current form in 2018, but the space has housed a bar for over 60 years. This long history informs the décor, which is refined and classic, with a loosely Art Deco feel. Guests can choose to perch at the white marble-topped bar or head into the inviting sitting room, separated from the main space by two archways for an increased sense of intimacy and intrigue.

Under the leadership of British-born owner Dean Shury (who cut his teeth in London bars and can still occasionally be found behind the bar here), head bartender Alessia Fuscetti and bar manager Maxime Straechelin, the team welcomes guests with distinct ease and charm, so that even a newcomer feels like a neighbourhood veteran. Immaculately turned out in white jackets, shirts and ties, bartenders dispatch perfectly balanced cocktails, favouring beautifully executed classics over cutting-edge innovation. Standout sips include the martini, gimlet and the sherry-based cocktails.

To accompany your drinks, there's an impressive selection of snacks. Again, the options are classic but elevated: take the gilda, which changes weekly but has been known to include a scallop; or the bread and anchovies, made extra special with the use of smoked butter. Spanish guests will be familiar with mojama, but for the uninitiated, this thinly cut, salt-cured tuna (here served with a scattering of olives and a slick of olive oil) is a delightfully savoury bite, every bit earning its reputation as the jamón of the sea.

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