Reset Experience - New Club in Barcelona!

The clubs in Barcelona are always reinventing themselves. I often get asked which are the best clubs in Barcelona, and although I've been off the circuit for a while, I almost always answer that it's not the place but the people you're with. Some of the best nights I've had out in Barcelona have been the least "planned" and just a place we've ended up. In the same way, New Year's Eve is almost always the biggest let down of a night out (I learned this many years ago, and adjusted my plans each year!).




There are, however, some pretty special places which I hold dear when it comes to clubs in Barcelona. La Terrrazza is one of them (about 11/12 years ago, of course), The old Matinee afters down on the Port Olympic, Octupussy had its charm, and Discotheque always used to blow my friends away when they came to visit. It's had a few dodgy makeovers since then, and this Friday, there's a new inauguration of the new space -. now called reset experience.

The location is something a bit special, set in Poble Espanyol - a purpose built Spanish Village on the side of Montjuïc representing different architecture of the cities around Spain. During the day, it has artsy-crafty things going on, gincanas for the kids, puppet festivals, well, you get the idea. But at night, it's a special place to go, wandering the quiet stone streets past the plaça principal, to the corner into the local of what used to be discotheque.

So, by the looks of things from the youtube trailer above, and the website itself, things are very hush hush, and it'll be up to the revelers to test the waters and give the opinions. There are a few cool teaser photos on the Facebook page to get you in the mood, and there's a free bus from Plaça Catalunya from  midnight onwards, if you fancy it. Anyone going? Let me know in the comments!!

Fancy partying this February in Barcelona? Check out these late deals on Barcelona apartments for some money-saving opportunities!

Summer Nights with El Chiringuito!!

One of the best things about living in Barcelona is the al fresco lifestyle. There's nothing quite like having an early evening drink outside on a terrace somewhere with the heat of the day still around but the cool breeze of the evening starting to cool things down. Barcelona locals really don't know how lucky they are in that respect and I warmly welcomed the recent news from City Hall that there would be more licences for more terraces this summer.

However, sometimes you have to go with the best. Yes, it's great in a city terrace but what better place than the beach?! The Mediterranean in the background, some cool tunes coming from the DJ and drinks aplenty for the punters. There can be only one place - El Chirninguito. There are two chiringuitos  - just think "beach bar" - down in the Olympic Village at Playa Bogatell and also Nova Mar Bella. Not only are these places the coolest beach bars in the city (think hammacks, terrace, fruit juices, cocktails, etc.) but you can get a damn fine bite there, too. And not to mention Yoga, fitness schemes and just a pretty damn cool place to arrange a meet up with your friends.

Anyone who goes to any bar in the city will know the popularity of Gin & tonics this year, and the Chiringuito bars are no exception, with a great selection of Gins on offer as well as the usual brews and beers. A great way to relax in the summer heat, get yourselves down there!

Coming to Barcelona this summer? Check out BCN Rentals for some late deals on Barcelona apartments.

Barcelona Under the Stars

There's a pretty smart initiative for the coming month - assuming the weather behaves itself. I've spoken before about some of the best places for a rooftop cocktail in the city, and really only touched on a few places. However, from the 3rd to 7th May you have the opportunity to step up to 36 of the city's best terraces (many rooftop) with a variety of different activities ranging from hip hop music, magic shows, cinema screenings, gastronomy demos to literature readings.



Launched via the Gremi d'hotels de Barcelona, the idea is to encourage the locals to take more of an advantage of the fantastic spaces throughout the city to go out for dinner and a drink. There is also a photography competition running throughout the 5 days for those with a fancy for snapping with prizes of ipod shuffle, camera and a night in a 4 or 5 star hotel up for grabs.

Funnily enough the first night is the return leg of the semi-final of the Champions League between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. Barça look to have the tie pretty much wrapped up after Leo Messi's brilliant sparks of individual skill this week, but hey - pretty cool place to watch the match, right?! For a full programme of events and dates, see the website here. Do you fancy any of the nights? Let me know in the comments.

Coming to Barcelona this coming month of May? Forget the hotel rooms and check out Barcelona apartments instead. And for a quick look at the sights not to miss, see this great Barcelona guide.

Any Excuse for the Party to Go On...

I don't know about you, but it's been a while since I went "out" on New Years Eve. I've always spent it with the most important people close to me, but we have usually opted for a house party, or dinner at a friends or invite people round. Previous years of so much planning for one night which always seems to be the biggest disappointment of them all seem to have taken their toll, and whilst I've had some cracking New Years over the ten years I've been here, they hardly rank as the best nights I've had as you might expect.



So who else is more in the know to exploit that new-year-blues feeling than the kings and queens of Barcelona night life, Matinee group? Instead of organising a massive New Year Party this year, they're presenting thier annual Matinee Winter Festival at the end of the Purple Line metro (don't even get me started on THAT one) in the Pavello Olympic Badalona. On the 1st January. That's right. You can go out AGAIN after that blur that is the week between Christmas Day and New Years Eve, just to make sure you're done welcoming in 2011!!

Given the fact that pretty much everything that Matinee Group touches turns to gold, it'd be a safe bet saving your 35 Euros to pay the entrance fee (with 2 free drinks to limited time) here, than 2 cubatas the night before in a place you can't quite remember the name of!

So what do you reckon? Like the sound of it? Planning on going? Let me know in the comments!

If you're coming to Barcelona this end of year, check out these Barcelona Apartments for a great alternative to a hotel room. and for a qucik look at the city sights, check out their Barcelona Guide.

Guest Post - My Favourite 3 English Pubs in Barcelona

English and Irish pubs are popular all over the world with traditional ales and stout on sale, and it is no different in Barcelona. With a large ex-pat population, the city has a host of 'traditional' English pubs that are popular with locals and tourists alike. Below are three of the best in the city:

The George and the Dragon - When it opened in 1998, The George and the Dragon was one of the first English pubs in the city. Bringing together the best of England and Catalonia (of which Sir George is also patron saint), the pub sells traditional English cuisine such as fish and chips, as well as lager and ales. It is also a sports bar with two large TVs showing the latest football games and results. Extremely popular with locals due to its location in the heart of the city, this is a great pub for expats.

The Queen Vic - Situated just off Las Ramblas, The Queen Vic is a traditional English pub that has everything you'd expect – popular lagers such as Heineken, Strongbow and Stella and large TVs for the footie! The Queen Vic describes itself as the only pub in the city to have access to every single Premiership game and thus is extremely popular with visiting Brits and the ex-pat population. The bar also caters for stag and hen parties and, should you need it, has free Wi-Fi.

The Black Horse English Pub - Found in the Ribera district of Barcelona, The Black Horse English Pub is distinctive due to its exterior – a traditional 16th century building. As such, the pub exudes a form of authenticity that many British pubs do, making many visiting tourists feel immediately at home. As it is quite close to the Picasso Museum, you can often find the pub packed with tourists enjoying a pint after viewing the local culture.

Guest blog by Paul Symonds - Paul is involved with Barcelona Travel and Car rentals in Spain.

Fancy Partying this Weekend?

Well, it's looking like the rain is coming this weekend, guys, like it or not. It's held out so far all week, but looks like there's no stopping it this weekend - I hope I'm wrong of course! So with the "official end" of the great weather and the official end of the great parties we're left to ponder the Autumn and wait for "La Castanyera". Well guys, it's not all doom and gloom! This weekend sees the return of one of the best club nights in Barcelona (it's moved around a bit and changed names once) - Discotheque.



The locals and holiday party-goers have been wowed by the Discotheque crowd since 1997, and it was one of the best clubs in the city when it was located in Poble Espanyol up on Montjuic. Sister club La Terrazzza entertains the crowds in summer (when the neighbours don't complain), but Discotheque moved downtown and is currently housed in Calle Tarragona, 141 - the old Space venue. Confused yet? Don't be. Just know that if you're looking for a great night out, get your glad rags on and head down to Discotheque. There's a great VIP section, but for the rest of us mid-crisis, we can just do with the normal bar at the top of your picture, thanks!

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New Club in Town - Sunlife BCN

Is it just me, or have you also noticed a fair few pink posters out and about for the "new era" of clubbing which is "comming" to Barcelona tomorrow night? (no, that's not my typo, check the poster). Yes, Sunlife BCN is coming to town at The One Club. Don't bother clicking either link, as both websites are in the early stages of development and have zero information at the moment (OK, sorry, contact details, VIP, etc.).

Well judging by the location up in Poble Español on Montjüic, it's far enough away to be able to be loud enough to be a good club (just read that again if it sounded gobbldygook), and judging by past clubbing ventures there (ok, not tres torres, the other ones) it should be a great night. I'm pretty sure I know which "local" they're using, as I had a Christmas Party there about ten years ago as a teacher (we then went to Discotheque).

So it's all very hush-hush, and I also say, unlike Matinee group, I have never heard of Bsideworld the organisers (but that doesn't mean to say they don't know what they're doing by any stretch of the imagination). Entrance is free until 1:30am and there are VIP numbers you can call. However, I'd be interested to know the hype or security on this place - we attended the opening night of a club down on Parallel years ago (sorry, can't remember the name) and really had to battle with the door guys to get in - my wife worked for the company who supplied the beer, so we all got in only to be the only people in there almost the whole night...???!! (why bother, right?!)

Sooooooooooo.....anyone heard the buzz about this place, or thinking of heading on down ? Let me know!! Or if this turns up in your internet browser and it's been and gone, then let me know how things went!! And of course if the organisers get a whiff of this, you can always save me a VIP table for myself and a few friends...?! ;o)

Coming to Catalan Capital to party? Well, check out the savings that apartments in Barcelona can offer instead of a hotel room.

Rooftop Cocktails in Barcelona Hotels

There's something very cool about wandering into a 4 or 5 star hotel, and heading striaght for the lift without the staff or consierge batting an eyelid. Oh, and if they do, you just slip them a "I'm just going up to the bar" and receive a nod. Well, it's the height of summer, we're heading for some great parties already this wekeend. But if you're not in the mood for an all night dance fest and fancy some cool cocktails, then there are some great places you can try out.

One of the most central locations is the Gran Hotel in the gothic quarter, right in front of the Plaça Sant Jaume (metro Jaume I). Stunning views of the Cathedral and the sprawling streets of the maze that is the gothic quarter below provide a perfect backdrop for your drinks.



Visit Up is the name of the rooftop bar at the Pulitzer, just off Plaça Catalunya. This bridges the gap between the old and new, just on the border of the old town and the "new town" of Eixample. August has a limited access, and September jumps straight back in where it left off (open every night bar Mondays - pun intended!). Both locations so far are a nice summer walk away from each other, and if the thirst gets the better of you in between, then you could always stop off at the next place.



Hotel 1898 on Las Ramblas has Bar Isabela where you can book tables for some snazzy grub, or nip up for a quick cocktail, too.




And although not strictly a rooftop bar, the wet bar at the W Hotel in Barceloneta is well worth a mention. There is also a 26th floor bar (indoors) if you fancy the view, but Wet Bar has the best of both worlds with style, DJs and the Med right next to you!



For more outdoor drinking tips, check out my other posts from last year. And if you're coming to the city this summer, and fancy your own terrace, why not check out these Barcelona apartments for rent, with a selection of central apartments, some with terraces and balconies.

Outdoor Clubbing - Bora Bora

The heat is most definitely on. After Spain's recent triumph in the World Cup, there's that party atmosphere around which doesn't seem to want to end. So what better way to continue the fiesta than a party under the stars?! After a couple of the classics from last year, it's time to explore a few places a little further afield.



Bora Bora is a bit of a trek for those planning on using public transport (i.e. don't bother) but if you have a car - and therefore a designated driver - you can head down to the open air marquee that is Bora Bora in Barbera de Valles (not that far). Every Friday and Saturday until the end of August, they have themed nights, with two different ambients - the main space is the dance floor with palm trees and the like, and then there's the "Carpa Play House" for a bit of a different style of music depending on which night you go. Check the site for specific nights (some rather more risquee than others) and head on down for a party in the open air.

Any more tips for some outdoor clubbing this summer? I'd love to hear them! Leave a message in the comments and we can get the definitive list! And if you're coming to Barcelona this summer, check out these great apartments for rent in central Barcelona as a great alternative to a hotel. Also, see this Barcelona City Guide for a quick look at the main sights.

Belly Laughs in Barcelona

November is a bit of a boring month in Barcelona - after the celebrations of Halloween and la Castanyada comes cold weather, coughs and colds, and although the Christmas lights have started to appear in the streets, it seems ages before another excuse for a party comes along. Not to worry, though, help is at hand from the Barcelona International Comedy Festival.

I've mentioned before that there's a great English Comedy scene in Barcelona, and this second year of the International comedy festival kicks off on the 22nd November, and lasts all week! The festival kicks off in Maremagnum with mainly Spanish artists, clowns and monologues, before moving to various locations around the city for the evening gigs.

Highly anticipated acts include sell-out "Made in Barcelona" comics "Que Four Comics Juan Vision" who are returning home after 15 back to back performances at the Edinburgh Festival. And top of the bill is the "Adam and Jason Show" - featuring Irishman Jason Byrne and Aussie Adam Hills. Byrne comes with the comfortable tag of being officially the biggest selling comic in the history of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and both he and Hills have been given free reigns on the night, so expectations are high - and rightly so.

Logan Murray is also giving a Stand Up comedy Workshop in Gracia, which has limited places, as well as a co-incidental Spanish monologue comedy on the weekend of the Barcelona vs Real Madrid game - all about both teams! Toni Moog, Toni Cano and Jorge Segura are performing "Barça vs Madrid; Derby de Comedia". Given the rivalry between the two teams never mind the cities, I'm sure there'll be plenty to chuckle about.

I think it's fantastic that there's an International Comedy Scene in Barcelona (there are also Dutch and Swedish performers amongst the other acts), and invite you to embrace the idea, too. Ticket prices are cheaper in advance than on the door and cost from 8 euros to around 20, which is a bargain considering the potential quality on offer. If you're planning on going, leave a comment, and let us know what you're looking forward to, of if you read this after you've been, give us your critique, and look forward to December - loooads of public holidays!! Woo-Hoo!

Coming to Barcelona this winter? There are some great last minute deals for Barcelona apartments to be had. And for a head start on what to visit while you're here, check out this Barcelona Guide.

Great Barcelona Bars Part 5 - The Black Sheep

One of the best bars in Barcelona to meet people is L'Ovella Negra - the Black Sheep. This bar is located just off the top end of Las Ramblas near Boadas Bar on Carrer Sitges, which is a little alleyway, typical of Barcelona's Old Town.


The reason why it's such a great place to meet people is because of the size. Most of the bars in the old town are small and narrow, but - depsite the appearance from the door outside (you almost have to stoop to get in) - The Black Sheep is big. The website calls it a Tavern, and I suppose you could say that's right, with the old stone walls and huge trestle tables and benches. The waiters will only serve you at a table (or a barrel) and serve big jugs of beer or Sangria. You can also get spirits at other drinks at the bar but mostly the big jugs go down well. It's inevitable that you sit down next to a group of people, or newcomers will ask if they can squeeze on your table, so exchanging stories and meeting both locals and international travellers is really easy! There's a table football area towards the front and a pool table in front of the bar, too. Many of my best nights out when I first arrived here started at the Black Sheep. Check it out.

For your accommodation needs in the city, try apartments for rent in Barcelona as a great alternative to hotels. And for more city information, check out this great Barcelona Guide.

English Comedy in Barcelona

Looking for a laugh in Barcelona? Head on down to Raval. Apart from a couple of sporadic nights in the odd Irish pub downtown throughout the year, there are actually 2 semi-permanent fixtures offering the best of English-Language Stand-Up comedy from across the water in the Raval neighbourhood.

First is the "Giggling Guiri" at the Llantiol Theatre located parallel to the Rambla del Raval, on Carrer Riereta number 7. This funky little venue plays host to some local Theatre events, but is a great venue for the comedy nights organised. Earlier this month saw 2008 If Comedy Winner David O'Doherty headlining, with other big names like Ardal O'Hanlon, Paul Tonkinson and Dan Antopolski having also shared the space on the boards, too. Prices have been slashed (I imagine due to the current financial "crisis") so there's no better time for some beer and belly laughs at Llantiol. For more details see the comedy in spain website


Just around the corner, on Reina Amalia number 3 literally 5 minutes walk away from the Llantiol Theatre is The Guinness Laughter Lounge at La Riereta Teatre which is a beautiful old Stone Theatre for around 100 people, and according to the laughter lounge website is "a cosy yet comfy arena for stand up comedy".



BBC 4's Adam Bloom is probably the most well known name to have performed at the lounge, but there have been some equally unknown comics bringing the house down according to the website, too. At the moment, there's no programme on the website, but sign up to their newsletter for more details of upcoming events.

If you're looking for accommodation close to the comedy events, you can try these old town apartments in Barcelona which are just around the corner. And for more information on the city in general, see this great Guide to Barcelona.

Barcelona Nightlife - Outdoor Clubbing Part 2.

After the arrival of the great weather, and Sonar has come and gone, everyone is still in the party mood, leading up to Sant Joan this week and the Midsummer Madness that accompanies the hedonistic Barcelona nightlife.

Earlier this month, I touched on an idea of wanting to dance under the stars in some of the open air clubs in Barcelona and headed the list with Atlantida, due to open shortly after the post. So I thought I'd hit you with another (and there may be more to come, so tune in or subscribe on RSS for more!). And where better to start than La Terrrazza.


No, that's not a typo, Mr Fish and the crowd up on the club up on Montjüic in Poble Espanyol have been partying (almost) non-stop for 14 years. This is the place Madonna hired out for her party after the Drowned World tour in 2001, and is another big ole house converted into a club. Due to complaints from neighbours up on Montjüic (I don't know where, as it's in the middle of nowhere, in a purpose built Spanish Village on the endge of a mountain...?!!?) La Terrrazza has has a few summers of nothing, and it's sister club Discoteque (now Club D) was forced to take the reins while things calmed down a bit.

Well, the good news is that La Terrrazza is still as good as the first couple of years it was rocking, and offers a completely unique night out in the hills of Barcelona. The official blurb of the club is an...ahem..."atmospherical fun club" but don't let that put you off making your way up (in a taxi) to Poble Espanyol with your glad rags on for a night of dancing until the sunrise. Bring your sunglasses - no seriously.

If you're coming to Barcelona with friends, you might want to consider apartments for groups in Barcelona as an alternative to hotel rooms. Also, see this great Barcelona Guide

Barcelona Nightlife - Outdoor Clubs

Spring is in full swing, and this month sees the party of all parties as the summer annouces it's arrival with la verbena de Sant Joan where anything goes and people dance under the stars till dawn. So what about if you fancy dancing under the stars on another night? Well, fear not, as there are a few places in and around Barcelona that are like open air clubs and not sweatpits like some of the other clubs!


Just outside of Barcelona, in nearby Sitges, is Atlantida - which is a club right on the beach and although it's maybe a little pricey, the location is fantastic. You can see from a Google map view below just where the club is located. It's also part of the well-respected Matinee Group - responsible for some of the best clubs in Barcelona. Many have come and gone (Discoteque, Space, etc.) but Matinee have been at the forefront of the best dance music in the city for the last 10 years, without a doubt.


The times I've been we always went in a car, as it's slightly outside of Sitges itself, so public transport might be a bit of a pain, but you can always catch the train to Sitges and then take a cab.

Matinee opens on Wednesday (despite what the above link says) and is sure to have a packed summer again...fancy going? Let me know if they've changed anything for this year.

If you're coming to party in Barcelona, you might want to check out the possibility of apartments for rent in Barcelona - an option which can save you some money in groups. Also, to get the party started, check out the top ten food in Barcelona for some great ideas for a meal!