Barcelona Metropolitan Issue 243

APRIL 2017 Nยบ 243

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BARCELONA-METROPOLITAN.COM

HOUSING FIRST A NEW APPROACH TO HOMELESSNESS

BARCELONA'S BOOK BUSINESS 5 GALLERIES

StREEt ARt

HORSE RIDING ESCAPES

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MUSIC

SHOPPING

NEW IN TOWN

STREETLIFE

RESTAURANT REVIEWS

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W

30 YE AR S

Patek Philippe - F.P. Journe - Ulysse Nardin - Girard Perregaux Chronoswiss - Zenith - Bremont - Baume et Mercier - Bell & Ross TagHeuer - Cuervo y Sobrinos - Oris - Vulcain - Junghans - Ball Sevenfriday - Qlocktwo - Suuntoto

e opened on Diagonal, corner of Ganduxer in 1987 and remain as the only store dedicated exclusively to the world of wristwatches. We offer a wide selection of watches, from collector’s limited editions to fashionable up-to-date brands. We dedicate ourselves to our clients, accompanying them in the selection of their timepieces. We also offer an after sales service which includes maintenance and a wide selection of straps and watch winders.

The complications in watchmaking require time, patience and expertise. We are proud to represent many independent brands, large and small, who each have a story to tell.

During the last 30 years we have dedicated time and space to all watch enthusiasts. These years have been very exciting and full of changes in the watch world. Our clients, staff and suppliers have collaborated in this success story, which still has many chapters pending.

Diagonal 626 • 08021 Barcelona • (+34) 93 414 3711 w w w. t h e w a t c h g a l l e r y. e s

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CONTENTS

ISSUE 243 · APRIL 2017

Regulars 06 08 11 12 15 16 19 53 58 64 82

New in town Streetlife Five things A place of my own History Best of Shopping Working life Travel Food & Drink Out & About

What’s on 32 36 40 42

Music Art Misc Calendar

Directories 70 73 77 81

Food & Drink Health & Beauty Business Jobs

Features 20 REPORT: NO PLACE LIKE HOME Barcelona works to provide accommodation for the homeless 26 A NOVEL IDEA The local book business is going strong 44 MAKING THEIR MARK The city’s street artists redefine their work 48 LITERARY WALKS Step into the settings of classic Catalan literature

Duc 6, 08002 Barcelona. Tel. 93 451 4486 editorial@barcelona-metropolitan.com ads@barcelona-metropolitan.com The views expressed in Barcelona Metropolitan are not necessarily those of the publisher.

Reproduction, or use, of advertising or editorial content herein, without express permission, is prohibited. Depósito legal: B35159-96

CATHERINE HOWLEY Born in Galway, Catherine studied history of art and architecture at Trinity College Dublin. She moved to Granada in 2007, and spent a year studying Spanish history and literature, and Islamic art and architecture. In 2011, she moved to Barcelona and completed a postgrad in Museum Studies at the Pompeu Fabra. She is interested in the social history of Spain and works as a guide specialising in the Civil War and pre-Civil War periods.

WILL SHANK Will, his partner and their daughter moved from San Francisco to Barcelona in 2007, so that Stassa’s two dads could get married.

Having trained in Florence as an art historian, and with degrees in art conservation from NYU and Harvard, Will has restored paintings all over the world. He was the curator of ‘A Hidden Picasso’ at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and won the Rome Prize for his work with contemporary murals.

EIMEAR CORRIGAN Dublin native Eimear graduated from Trinity College Dublin with a degree in history in 2010. She then went on to work in the area of education and museums in Lyon, France, before moving to Oxford to work at the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology. Now in her fourth year living in Barcelona, she divides her time between writing, teaching and ping pong. She particularly enjoys writing about current social issues in the city.

METROPOLITAN CONTRIBUTORS

Publisher The Noise Lab S.L. Founder Esther Jones Managing Director Andrea Moreno Editors Rachel Huffman, Carol Moran Art Director Aisling Quigley Sales Director Jalil Alui Sales Guillem Agusti, Guillermo de Mingo Torres, Sander Vanheel Digital Analyst Richard Cardwell Editorial Assistants Sally Hargrave, Priyankaa Joshi, Marta Nicita Design Assistant Annabel Warley Contributors Rosie Bond, Jay Collins, Eimear Corrigan, Catherine Howley, Melissa Leighty, Sam Mednick, Will Shank, Tori Sparks, Tara Stevens, Sam Zucker Photographer Annabel Warley Cover photo Konair Energizer Illustrator Ben Rowdon

BARCELONA-METROPOLITAN.COM

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IN THE CITY

new in town HEALTH KICK

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lo&lo. TravESSEra dE gràcia 126.  FACEBOOK.COM/LOANDLO.CO “The greatest gift you can give your family and the world is a healthy you.” That’s the essence of Lo&Lo, a healthy hotspot in the heart of Gràcia owned by couple Alberto Lozano and Léa Lorenzi. The menu is glutenfree, although not suitable for celiacs, and vegan (with one or two exceptions). Everything is freshly prepared, locally sourced and packed with nutrients. From Friday to Sunday, the stylish space, with exposed brick walls, hanging incandescent light bulbs and a vintage record player, is brimming with hungry brunch-goers enjoying the extensive lineup of nutritious dishes. Think turmeric lattes made with Lo&Lo’s homemade almond milk, acai bowls, superfood smoothies and matcha pancakes. Meanwhile during the week the space is reserved for workshops, talks and events based on the art of healthy living. “We want to share our philosophy with others and create a community for like-minded people to exchange experiences and ideas,” explained Lorenzi. Not your typical cafe, it’s clear that Lo&Lo is a unique addition to the city’s everexpanding health-conscious scene.

PARALLEL WORLDS

A DEVOURING MYSTERY

THE virTual playground. carrEr dEl pi 11.  THEVRPLAYGROUND.COM Barcelona’s first virtual reality arcade has more than 20 state-of-the-art video games guaranteed to engage gamers of all tastes and ages. The increasing popularity of this type of arcade in Hong Kong encouraged Jody Tam, founder and director of The Virtual Playground, to test the waters in Barcelona.

This particular arcade was designed to embody a new type of leisure and recreation space, where players become immersed in an interactive gaming experience like no other. Home to the best and most advanced VR technology, the venue can host up to 16 players at a time and offers both individual and multiplayer games.

From a variety of dance, music, exploration, shooting and climbing games, pick the one you like best and take part in the fun of the future.

Enigma. SEpúlvEda 38-40.  ENIGMACONCEPT.ES “Sometimes a good thing is worth waiting for.” Albert Adrià’s words accurately convey the ethos of his latest venture, Enigma. With the aim of “reinventing the way we go to restaurants”, Adrià proposes a culinary experience that surprises patrons with a secret menu. Dishes take inspiration from all over the world and focus on the seasonality of the product, but you won’t know the specifics until you’re seated. Guests to Enigma should expect a lengthy stay as the tasting menu—a feast, really—includes more than 40 dishes. Here the atmosphere is as unique as the food. From the street you pass through a nondescript door using a code from your booking confirmation, into a peaceful, dream-like space with ‘cloud’ ceilings made of wire mesh that changes colour, and translucent resin walls that resemble waterfalls. While the restaurant can only take 24 diners per night, it occupies an impressive 700 square metres, and is divided into seven rooms where different courses are served.

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PAINT THE TOWN arTE Bar. rogEr dE Flor 135. ďƒœ ARTEBAR.ES Originally from Los Angeles, husband and wife team Bruce Anderson and Alisa Rosseter used to laugh at the idea of painting parties. That is, until they tried one and saw how much fun it was. The pair noticed that while painting party workshops were all the rage in the US, in Barcelona there was nothing similar available. Three months and gallons of paint later, Arte Bar was born. The idea is simple: aspiring artists, groups of friends or colleagues can sign up to attend the workshop of their choice, each one teaching attendees how to recreate a different painting. On the night, sip on a glass of wine or beer while your instructor (who will speak English, Catalan and Castilian) gives you step-by-step instructions for you to create your very own masterpiece. For special occasions, Arte Bar also allows you to organise your own private party.

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IN THE CITY

streetlife

CARRER D’ELISABETS

This chic street in the Raval has managed to keep some of its old charm

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No. 7  Med Winds

“Inspired by the essence of the Mediterranean”, Med Winds opened its first shop in the Raval in 2012. Its carefully designed collections are made in small workshops and factories across Spain and Italy, using local materials. The result? One-of-a-kind outfits for men and women in breezy, bright fabrics, perfect for a seaside soirée. With a small selection of chic homegoods thrown in for good measure, the store is a one-stop shop for those looking for a stylish Spanish aesthetic.

The brand has a philanthropic side too, supporting non-profit organisations that fight to preserve the Mediterranean coast. medwinds.com

No. 13  Camino With three shops across Barcelona, Camino specialises in unique, handcrafted products with a distinctly Mediterranean feel. Its range of brands may be small, but each one fits with Camino’s core values—to promote independent designers, locally sourced materials and traditional manufacturing techniques. From the Barceloneta-based footwear brand Maians to Brava Fabrics, who are redefining the classic printed shirt with their playful patterned designs, Camino will delight any style maven in the city. thecaminostore.com

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No. 9  Dos Palillos

Dos Palillos has been serving its signature tapas-style Asian cuisine for almost a decade. The restaurant’s dual identity is cleverly reflected in everything from the decor to the name. Manager Adrià de Pablo said, “Palillo can be used to mean chopstick and toothpick, so the name plays on both our Asian and our Spanish philosophy.” At lunchtime, the à la carte menu is filled with crowdpleasers like shrimp and pork belly dumplings.

Come dinnertime, two creative tasting menus introduce diners to the best of Dos Palillos. dospalillos.com

WHERE THE BEST CRAFT BEER AND GREAT FOOD COME TOGETHER...

DON’T MISS OUT!

No. 18  Herbolari Llansa

With its 110th anniversary coming up this October, Herbolari Llansa may well be the oldest establishment on Carrer d’Elisabets. The store offers a wide range of natural remedies, guided by the belief that these don’t have the negative side effects of standard pharmaceuticals. Following the same herbal recipes that her grandfather crafted when he opened the business in 1907, Francesca Ubach Llansa, who now runs the family store, produces formulas that treat conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and stress. “The herbs I use hail from places all over the world, from China to the Peruvian Andes, though I also use indigenous ones,” she explained. herbolari-llansa.com

HOURS

Mon-Thurs 12pm-12am Fri, Sat 12pm-2am Closed Sunday

CONTACT

Diputació 223, 08011 Reservations T. 93 408 91 62 NEW Napar BCN_quarter page.indd 1

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No. 20  Go Kids

Go Kids opened its doors five years ago, catering to shoppers in search of children’s clothes that combine the practical with the beautiful. “We want to offer styles that are different, special and fun, all for a reasonable price,” said owner Marta Gimenez Carreras. The bulk of her customers are artists, architects and foreign residents with a penchant for design, and the store has plenty of inspiration to get them renewing their kids’ closets on a regular basis. gokidsbcn.com

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SUMMER ENGLISH PROGRAM Interactive English Classes and engaging activities for children ages 3 to 16

Monday, June 26 - Friday, July 21 Classes and activities in English from Monday to Friday Qualified Native Teachers Sports, swimming, video making, computers, art and more Transportation included in both programs

American School of Barcelona C/Jaume Balmes 7 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat

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• Morning Program: from 9:30 to 14:00 • Extended Program: from 9:30 to 17:00 (Lunch included in the extended program) Informative Sessions: • April 26th from 18:30 to 19:30 • May 22nd from 18:30 to 19:30

More information and registration Email : english@asbarcelona.com Tel. 933714016 https://elc.asbarcelona.com

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FIVE THINGS

DANCE CLASSES

Can you feel the beat? Whether you’re a professional or you like to shake it for fun, Barcelona has plenty of places to bust a move, and maybe even learn a thing or two

1. SWING MANIACS

Founded by Jana Grulichová and Jordi Mundet, two “crazy lovers of swing”, today Swing Maniacs is one of the most influential dance schools on the Barcelona scene. It offers all styles of dance, with each class set to swing music, but it’s still the nights when passionate dancers come together to learn the Lindy hop that retain an air of excitement. swingmaniacs.com

2. SLAM DANCING STUDIO

Kids and adults can take jazz, ballet, hip hop, contemporary and classical classes at this new school in Gràcia. Here the slogan is ‘Més que dansa’ (‘More than dance’) because beyond the discipline, the members of Slam Dancing Studio are like a big family who share a common passion and lifestyle. slamdancingstudio.com

3. LA URBAN DANCE FACTORY

Directed by Irene Pallarés, Sarah Coral and Ruth Molina, La Urban Dance Factory is a studio for those who want to train to become professional dancers or teachers, compete in national competitions, or simply express themselves and get in a great workout. Specialised instructors teach the latest trends in urban dance, helping students improve their technique in styles from hip hop and dancehall, to waacking and krump. laurbandancefactory.com

4. POLE DANCE BCN

Experienced pole dancer Tania Marinho opened Pole Dance BCN in 2012, to support and empower the aerial dance community by providing a safe, creative space for all artists to learn and grow. The 90-minute sessions—Pole Dance/Sport, Aerial Silks and Hoop—help to improve participants’ strength, flexibility and self-confidence. Classes are a good cardiovascular workout but also a memorable affair—Marinho believes the best way to get fit and stay in shape is to have fun doing it. poledancebcn.com

5. MOJITO CLUB

Referred to by some as the home of salsa in Barcelona, this well-known club is the perfect place to learn your first salsa moves, then practise on the dance floor to smooth Latin tunes. Mojito Club’s lessons are held every day of the week—although there is a cover charge at the weekend—led by a friendly instructor who caters to all levels, from absolute beginners to wonders of the salsa world. mojitobcn.com

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IN THE CITY

A PLACE OF MY OWN

CARRIE FRAIS, OWNER OF MUMABROAD.COM AND CREATIVE AGENCY FIG COMMUNICATIONS, HAS CREATED AN IDYLLIC FAMILY HOME IN THE HEART OF THE MARESME

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pace, beach and mountains.

Although just 25 kilometres from Barcelona, the peaceful little town of Cabrils in the Maresme seems a far cry from the buzz of the city. It’s here that British couple Carrie Frais and Tom Maidment have set up home with their children Poppy, 10, and Bertie, 8, and cats Wallace and Maggie.

Carrie and Tom met at a mutual friend’s wedding in London while Carrie was working as a broadcast journalist and

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Tom in sports marketing. “We discovered a common passion for Spain, having both studied Spanish at university,” explained Carrie. Just a year later Carrie and Tom were living together in a small but charming flat in the Born, and within three years they were married. During this time, they were commuting to London every week for work.

Everything changed, however, when Carrie got pregnant in 2007. “It wasn’t feasible to carry on with our jet-setting lifestyle,” she said. Ready for a career change, Carrie launched Mumabroad.com, a resource which offers advice and recommendations for expat parents in English.

Keen to find a bigger place with outside space close to the city, they stumbled on the Maresme, the wine region to the north of Barcelona, boasting 50 kilometres of beautiful coastline. The couple moved to Alella then Masnou where they lived for four years, enjoying the quality of life. “I love that I can be sipping a beer on the beach one weekend and hit the ski slopes of the Pyrenees the next,” said Carrie.

When Carrie and Tom decided to buy their own place, they were set on the Maresme but thought Cabrils seemed too remote and inaccessible. When they stepped foot onto the beautiful grounds of this threestorey property, however, their perception changed. “It was like a whole new world

opened up to us and we instantly fell in love with the place.”

Sitting on a wooded hillside with sweeping views of Parc de la Serralada Litoral, a mature garden and a swimming pool, the Sixties five-bedroom property is an oasis of calm. Inside, the bright and airy space has a certain British charm, with vintage floral wallpaper in the downstairs bathroom and traditional wood fixtures in the kitchen.

“It reminds me of the house I grew up in,” mused Carrie.

“I prefer a lived-in feel with a mishmash of furniture and splashes of colour” Carrie described her design style as eclectic. “I don’t like minimalism. I prefer a lived-in feel with a mishmash of furniture and splashes of colour. Plus if you have children and cats, you can’t be fussy about things being perfect!”

If you have made yourself an interesting home from home, please send an email to editorial@barcelona-metropolitan.com.

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In the dining room, the large, rustic wooden table was made by a friend. An oversized vintage globe sits in the corner and an assortment of pots and decanters fill the duck egg blue dresser. In the living room, family photographs sit proudly on every available surface from the fireplace to a timeless treasure chest, and paintings accumulated from various adventures adorn the pale yellow walls. It’s these small touches which give the place its cosy feel.

From the balcony of the spacious master bedroom, you can see from the mountains to the sea and look down at the lush garden and pool area. It’s clear that the outside of the house is the real star of this show. A hammock hanging next to the pool is the perfect shady spot to relax with a book whilst two deck chairs are strategically placed to soak up the sun. The outdoor space extends around the back of the house, where the family host barbecues on the patio throughout the summer. “Having all this in your daily life is just incredible,” said Carrie.

When asked if she’d ever like to move back to England, she shook her head. Sitting on one of the numerous balconies as sunshine streams into the garden, it’s easy to see why.

Carrie and Tom have a bit of everything at their secluded family home

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

The Spanish electricity market is constantly criticised, with arcane bills and skyrocketing prices leading to confusion and frustration, not only among Spaniards but also the hundreds of thousands of foreigners who have decided to buy a place in the sun. A study conducted by the National Commission of Markets and Competition (Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia – CNMC), showed that nearly 47 percent of electricity subscribers in Spain are unable to interpret their electricity bills correctly.

An oligopoly is still ruling in Spain, where five major companies are responsible for the production, distribution and the supply of electricity. Fortunately, there are several suppliers that offer more convenient and cheaper tariffs, including a Scandinavian company with the unmistakable name Escandinava de Electricidad.

Of Scandinavian origin and established in Spain in 2008, Escandinava de Electricidad is an electricity supplier that would like to offer the 30 million electricity consumers who are in Spain the Nordic concept of energy, based on: transparency, simplicity and ethics. Escandinava de Electricidad is the Spanish subsidary of the Norwegian group Hafslund, founded in 1898, providing deep and broad experience in the electricity sector.

Escandinava de Electricidad offers energy exclusively from renewable sources, with tariffs normally between 10 and 15 percent lower than tariffs of larger companies. It’s easy to switch to Escandinava de Electricidad, you can do it online or by telephone. And the good thing is that everyone in Spain can make the switch. Escandinava de Electricidad provides customer service in English, Spanish, Catalan, and the Nordic languages. On their website, you can calculate your savings by comparing your recent electricity invoice. The company has designed different plans to suit different types of electricity consumption needs.

If you want an electricity supplier that is transparent and offers a personalised customer service that goes beyond the traditional, then make the switch! For more information, visit www.escandinavaelectricidad.es or follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Tariffs for 2.0A

Tariffs for 2.1A

Up to 10 kW

Between 10-15 kW

Power: 0.104229 €/kW/day

Power: 0.121766 €/kW/day

Energy (consumption): 0.128523 €/kWh (P2 = flat rate)

Energy (consumption): 0.149011 €/kWh (P2 = flat rate)

900 373 681 (free)

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HISTORY

PLAÇA DEL MILICIÀ DESCONEGUT LOCATION: PLAÇA DE SANT JOSEP ORIOL By Catherine

Howley

A previously hidden sign on the church of Santa Maria del Pi survived the dictatorship unnoticed until 2004

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n the side of Santa Maria del Pi, meticulously hand-painted letters read ‘Plaça del Milicià Desconegut’ (‘Square of the Unknown Militiamen’).

Prior to 2004, the sign containing the words was concealed underneath a wooden board, the faint mark of which can still be observed around the writing. It wasn’t until the restoration of the church that year that the piece of wood was removed, leading to this unexpected discovery.

The letters were painted in tar with the use of a dry brush sometime at the beginning of 1937, in the midst of the Spanish Civil War. The author, unknown and possibly a member of the militia, renamed the square in honour of the men and women who fought at the frontline against Franco and his Nationalist-Fascist forces. For the majority of the war, Barcelona was an anti-fascist stronghold, even as many of its inhabitants left home to join the war as militiamen.

From 1937 to 1939, the square was registered on maps as Plaça del Milicià Desconegut, rather than its former title, Plaça de Sant Josep Oriol. However, the temporary name was covered up, most likely in 1939, as the Francoist troops began their descent on the city. Miraculously, both the wooden board and the sign beneath it managed to survive the entire dictatorship unnoticed and unscathed, either as a well-kept secret or a forgotten wartime relic.

During the civil war some 70 squares and streets in Barcelona were renamed. Where working class militias had control, the names tended to be

those of anarchist figures and militants—for example, Via Laietana became Via Durruti after Buenaventura Durruti, a self-proclaimed anarchist whose feats of daring made him a hero of the Catalan proletariat. In the case of those areas controlled by the Republican government, the tendency was to name things after Republican figures—Passeig de Gràcia was rebaptised as Avinguda Pi i Margall after Francesc Pi i Margall, the Spanish politician, Catalan federalist and historian who was briefly president of the First Spanish Republic in 1873.

Following Franco’s victory in 1939, all the revolutionary and Republican names were erased and changed to those of prominent fascists and supporters of the regime, the most blatant being Avinguda Diagonal, which became Avenida del Generalísimo Francisco Franco. After Franco’s death and the return of democracy to Spain, a very gradual and discreet removal of fascist names and monuments led to the return of pre-civil war titles to public spaces within the city.

The accidental revealing of this remarkable piece—a visible reminder of a history swept under the rug—spurred the Ajuntament to erect a small silver plaque some metres away in Placeta del Pi, acknowledging ‘all of those who have lost their lives fighting for their ideals’. The modestly painted marker is now a protected monument—one of the few that exist in regard to the memory of the Spanish Civil War along the streets of Barcelona today.

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BEST OF

ART CONNECTION Looking for a cultural fix? Head to one of Barcelona’s best art galleries, where entrance is always free and the artistic spoils are endless

N2 Galería Annually, N2 Galería presents eight shows in Barcelona, mainly solo projects by artists from around the world. Until April 29th, see David Moreno’s ‘Obra Reciente’. In his sculptures, Moreno inspects human relationships: the bonds we establish and the flow of energy, love or power between people. He uses piano strings—flexible, but strong—and steel rods to illustrate the links, affiliations and phobias that unite us with others. To contemplate those thin lines is to get lost in their interconnectedness.

Photo courtesy of N2 Galería

© Roberta Ruiz

Enric GranadOs 61 N2GALERIA.COM

adn galería

More than just a space to hang up pretty pictures, adn galería is committed to building international networks for their artists, backing each of their careers through an active campaign of media coverage, online communication and participation at art fairs. Its current exhibition, ‘Dinner at The Dorchester’, is the third and final act of a project shaped as an opera called Order. Open until May 10th, it is the fifth exhibition by DEMOCRACIA at the gallery. Formed by Pablo España and Iván López, DEMOCRACIA explores the relationship between society and politics, focusing on power structures and their mechanisms: modes of production, repression devices and control technologies, among others.

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Fundació Suñol

The Fundació Suñol is a private, non-profit organisation that gives the public an opportunity to view Josep Suñol’s contemporary art collection. Comprised of more than 1,200 works of art, visitors will be able to explore pieces by Warhol, Picasso, Miró, Dalí, Tàpies, Man Ray, Plensa, Valdés, García-Alix and many other avant-garde artists. Sections of the space exhibit these works in different formats, from chronological sequences to dialogues and interactions between various paintings and sculptures.

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Senda

Founded in 1991, Senda collaborates with both young and established artists, valuing their talent, risk-taking and singularity.

It's passionate about its national and international artists’ creative processes and try to avoid narrow lines of thought. Besides concentrating on creation inside the gallery, Senda also works with projects such as LOOP Barcelona, a platform dedicated to the study and endorsement of the moving image, and Talking Galleries, an initiative that promotes debate and discussions towards the development of the art industry.

TrafalGar 32 GALERIASENDA.COM

Photo courtesy of 3 Punts Galeria

3 Punts Galeria

Since 1994, 3 Punts Galeria has strived to market and distribute contemporary art in all its disciplines. It believes contemporary art galleries such as this are a dynamic and essential element of the cultural scene not only in Barcelona but globally, and they create and participate in initiatives that encourage the pursuit of fine arts excellence the world over. Artists and collectors are simultaneously supported to generate the necessary synergy for the evolution and penetration of artistic work in today’s social network. From April 12th to May 13th, the gallery will be showing JAS ‘Portrait Generation’.

Enric GranadOs 21 3PUNTS.COM

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SHOPPING

A DIFFERENT WAY to garden

POT €14 NAUME STUDIO naume.es

STUFFED CACTUS €29.50 KUSKA La Nostra Ciutat, Pi 11

HANGING TERRARIUM €12 BROMELIA BCN bromeliabcn.com

MACRAMÉ PLANT HANGER €14 SPRUCE BARCELONA etsy.com/shop/SpruceBarcelona

BREATHE LIFE INTO YOUR HOME WITH SOME NATURE-INSPIRED DECOR

RUG €622 NANIMARQUINA Rosselló 256

ORNAMENT €59 BORNISIMO Sant Pere Més Baix 98

VASE €15 LA VARIÉTÉ Pintor Fortuny 30

FERN PRINT €15 MÍMESISHOME La Nostra Ciutat, Pi 11

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REPORT

HOUSING THE HOMELESS

HOMELESSNESS CONTINUES TO BE AN ENIGMA TO GOVERNMENTS WORLDWIDE, BUT BARCELONA IS EMBRACING NEW INITIATIVES WITH PROMISING RESULTS

By Eimear Corrigan

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ear in, year out, organisations and volunteers in Barcelona work tirelessly to come up with solutions to the age-old issue of homelessness.

As they battle to reduce figures, which currently stand at an estimated 3,000, evictions and rising rent prices continue to add fuel to the fire. For the newly homeless, temporary accommodation and government housing are viable options, often preventing them from being swallowed up by the shelter system. But what about those who have slipped through the cracks, ending up on the street or in a hostel? Why, despite government policies and the will to escape life on the street, do the chronically homeless keep finding themselves back at square one? Organisations from across Europe are now taking the reins in an attempt to answer these questions and Barcelona is doing its bit.

Of the homeless in Barcelona, around 940 are living on the streets, with a further 900 in shelters or hostels. Little change has been noted in these figures since 2011. Under the current system—often referred to as the staircase model—those looking to access government housing must first satisfy a number of conditions, with independent living acting as the carrot on the stick. Addictions must be kicked and medication taken before the door to a new home is opened. As these goals are achieved, the steps of the staircase can be climbed; first a hostel, followed by temporary accommodation, and finally independent living.

Fulfilling these prerequisites while living in shelters or on the street is a monstrous task. With little support and surrounded by temptation, a permanent home remains a pipe dream for the majority of people who have fallen victim to chronic homelessness.

In recent years, the incompatibility between public services

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"Life on the street changed me so much.

I used to be soft, but it made me hard"

and those in need has become impossible to ignore. As a result, private organisations and charities Europe-wide have mobilised to tackle the issue and find alternative responses. One of the forerunners in this search for a new solution is Housing First.

This programme rejects traditional methods, making the provision of accommodation the first step. Once the participant is settled in their new home, issues such as substance abuse or mental health are then addressed. The focus is on giving autonomy back to the participant and allowing them to choose when they are ready to take the next step. Housing First services have been incorporated into homelessness strategies in France, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, the Netherlands and Sweden. Pilot programmes have also been set up in a number of other countries, including Spain.

Under the Hábitat project, the RAIS Foundation launched Spain’s first Housing First pilot programmes in Barcelona, Madrid and Málaga in 2014. "The objective is the provision of permanent and stable accommodation, along with all the necessary support needed for the homeless person in order to stay there long-term," explained Begoña Pastor, director of the RAIS Foundation in the Mediterranean area. From the beginning, the programme has had the support of Barcelona city council. However, as the duty to provide services for the homeless falls on regional and local governments, it has not yet been implemented on a national level.

Many of the country’s regional governments want to see results before switching to a new model, so the RAIS Foundation has set about providing them with a tried and tested alternative.

Programme participants, all of whom had to be over 18 and chronically homeless, were chosen by professionals working for municipal homeless networks and services. From those referred, 28 were chosen and handed keys to their new homes. The only conditions were that the new tenants agree to one weekly visit from the Housing First team, pay 30 percent of their income (if any), live harmoniously with the neighbours and attend an evaluation interview every six months. Since its beginning the number of participants has grown to 117 people, 10 of whom are in Barcelona.

One of the biggest obstacles faced by the foundation has been the acquisition of adequate housing. The minimal social housing stock coupled with rising property prices has been a big problem and, according to Pastor, has made the process in Barcelona extremely complex. Surprisingly, it still manages to be cost effective.

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Although it may seem costly to pay high rent on an apartment for someone dealing with combinations of substance abuse and mental illness, the contrary is true. Pastor reported that "the cost of Hábitat is €34 per person per day, similar (or lower) in cost to traditional resources but with more intense support and a more permanent solution: the people stay off the street". When on the streets, people often ricochet off different state services, resulting in high government spending. Under Housing First the use of services is controlled. Safe from the dangers outside, the likelihood of needing emergency services is reduced. The 100 percent staying rate is testimony to the fact that these organisations are doing something right.

Statistics aside, the main purpose of this project is to improve the welfare and lives of those on the street. Maria was one of the first 28 participants in the project. She invited Metropolitan to her home in Gràcia to speak about her experience with Housing First.

Before entering the programme, Maria had been living on the streets and in hostels around Barcelona for more than eight years.

Originally from Romania, she moved to Barcelona after the death of her husband. With few prospects in her native country, she was convinced by some friends that moving to Spain would provide her with opportunities and a future. It wasn’t long before it dawned on Maria that her friends were taking advantage of her and she was forced to cut ties.

"I was alone. I changed apartments as the one I was in was too big and expensive," Maria explained nervously. "But bit by bit the money was running out and I didn’t know what to do next. I was always worrying. I had a bit of money left, but only for things like tobacco, so I went to a hostel."

This marked the beginning of Maria’s journey into the world of homelessness. She began learning Spanish and soon found a waitressing job in Granollers. This was short-lived as she didn’t have her papers in order and soon found herself on the streets again.

Lack of papers is just one of the factors that leaves many like Maria out in the cold. It has been reported by La Xarxa d'Atenció a Persones Sense Llar (XAPSLL) that more than half of the people using support services are foreign nationals. 10.9 percent are EU citizens, whilst non-EU nationals make up 47.5 percent. Of the latter, 19.6 percent are in an irregular situation, making it difficult to find work, use health services and access government aid, leading many into situations of social exclusion and chronic homelessness.

Maria’s experiences of homelessness have affected her emotionally: "The street is so difficult. For men it’s hard, but for women it’s harder. Life on the street changed me so much. Now I’m getting better, but I’m not the woman I was before. I used to be soft, but it made me hard." She swallows her tears—reflecting on this period of her life is clearly difficult. "I had to learn to survive.

I’m proud of myself because in doing that I didn’t get in any trouble with anyone. I didn’t touch drugs or any of that nonsense."

Fear for her life, threats of rape and a constant sense of danger surrounded Maria on a daily basis. The temptation of substance abuse, the very thing that will block access to state services, is ever-present. Showing up to appointments drunk or late reduces the chance of accessing housing and climbing the steep staircase to independent living. Many give up and continue on the streets.

Maria’s life took a turn for the better in September 2014, when she was approached by a social worker and told that she had been chosen to participate in the Housing First programme. Two years and five months later, Maria is still happily living in her bedsit in Gràcia.

LENDING A HELPING HAND EIMEAR CORRIGAN WRITES: "Sometimes I think we would starve to death if it wasn’t for you all", were the unsettling words of a homeless man to a fellow compatriot and volunteer from Poland on a weekly Esperança food run. As the debate on how to help the homeless rages on, Esperança and the other organisations that distribute food around the city are keeping people alive.

I don't think I'm alone in finding the idea of volunteering daunting. The fear of the unknown and having to confront the reality of homelessness caused me to put volunteering on the long finger. But I finally decided to learn more about the work Esperança does firsthand and draw some of my own conclusions on the issue of homelessness.

The first step was to put my name down for the Ciutadella Park food run (there is also a Raval route). The following Sunday I met with the other volunteers at the base apartment in the Born. When we arrived, soup was cooking on the stove and deliveries were trickling in. The veterans were on hand to give us advice and put us at ease as we sorted through the clothes and picked out things that certain people on the route might appreciate.

Books were put aside for an avid reader and a quirky woollen hat packed for a woman who is known for her eclectic style. The volunteers have grown to know and care about the people they meet along the way.

Many different people volunteer for Esperança. Some have been living in Barcelona for years, while others have just arrived or are only in the city for a couple of weeks.

The various stories and backgrounds made for fascinating conversation during the two-hour walk.

Out on the street, there's even more diversity. The range of nationalities of the homeless was astonishing—Polish, Moroccan, Chinese—often striking up conversations in a multitude of languages. The food is important, but everyone loves a good chat too. There was no sense of charity; the volunteers are simply the middleman, aiding distribution.

I must admit, this wasn't the easiest thing I’ve ever done, and I was left with a lingering sense of sadness. One encounter with a young boy, not much older than 18, has stayed with me. He cycled up to the group at Estació Nord and made his way over to me. Staring at the ground, he quietly asked me for some shampoo and a T-shirt. He took what I had and quickly cycled off. It was a stark reminder that poverty knows no boundaries.

Food runs may not be a solution to homelessness, but they do provide dignity and humanity to those on the streets, breaking down barriers that lead to stigmatisation and social exclusion.

This is not something I plan on doing every weekend— it’s sad and the reality is harsh. But as long as each volunteer does their bit, Esperança will continue to make a difference. So if like me you’re humming and hawing, remember that the food and social interaction that make up this initiative are invaluable. If you feel nervous about going out on the street, you can also help by donating items, preparing food, or by being a pick-up or drop-off point (if you live near the routes).

All you need to do to get involved is sign up on their Facebook page: facebook.com/groups/esperancabcn

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THE ROAD TO HOMELESSNESS

© Salvador Vergara

"When I started living in my paradise—that's what I call it here— everything changed so radically because I didn’t need anything anymore. I finally had the security most people never live without.

Now I feel calm. I feel clean. I feel thankful for these girls [the social workers] who are angels from God for treating me so well. I’m so thankful for everything." Maria continued, "Being here in this house has allowed me to put my life in order, to live like a normal person and say, now the suffering stops. From the moment I got here the suffering stopped. They saved my life. Sometimes I think I would have died on the streets. In the street there’s no future. Well actually, there is if you fight for it. Otherwise you won't achieve anything."

Memories of homelessness still haunt Maria. She speaks about how she sometimes wakes up and remembers the fear and the danger that surrounded her, but she is quick to remind herself how far she has come. She now sits in a small, well-kept apartment.

Vases of flowers and small keepsakes decorate her home, and it is clear how proud she is. She’d like to buy more for the place and has ideas of things she’d like to change but is aware that this will take time as she is currently living on the funds given to her by the foundation (€25-€30 per week).

"I think the worst is over. And I thank the foundation every time I go to sleep and every time I wake up. I cross my fingers that the programme continues, for those of us who need it." The Hábitat project has provided Maria with a present and a future.

The future of the foundation itself is bright. It has already surpassed this year’s target of housing 100 people. Housing First also featured as one of the main points on Barcelona city council’s ‘Plan for the fight against homelessness’ presented in 2016. In addition to the private Housing First apartments provided by the Arrels Foundation and the RAIS Foundation, the Ajuntament has pledged to triple the 50 apartments that are currently in use and provide 100 more over the next two years. Judging from the success of the pilot projects, changes in the policy look like they are on the horizon.

ARTE AL MARGEN Arte al Margen is a Toulouse Business School student initiative led by 23-year-old Yanis Lamari. Members of the project provided disposable cameras to people living on the streets of Barcelona to document the world from their perspective.

For four months, those who often feel invisible in our society snapped pictures of their counterparts, living conditions and other things that inspired them. Arte al Margen and the Arrels Foundation then collaborated to organise an exhibition of more than 40 of their images.

The homeless were the artists, they were the ones who chose the best photos and put poetic titles on each to describe the beautiful and/or disturbing situations of their daily lives. Through Arte al Margen's project, they were able to express themselves and show that they too have things to contribute.

Inadequate housing

Living in non-conventional structure: *434

Insecure tenancy—not paying rent: 424

Homeless

© Josep Sauvà

Insecure housing

Living in a hostel or accommodation for the homeless: 992 Living in a women's shelter: 4

Roofless

*Number of people, according to 2015 Ajuntament data.

© Josep Sauvà

Living rough: 693 Sleeping in night shelters: 252

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EASTER TREAT

A

s Setmana Santa (Easter week) approaches, the city’s pastisseríes fill up with monas de Pasqua, marking a delicious end to the abstinence of the last 40 days and symbolising the start of spring. Dating back to the 15th century, this traditional cake originally took the form of a large doughnut-shaped brioche topped with hard-boiled eggs—those saved until the end of Lent when Christians could again consume meat and eggs. Nowadays, the hard-boiled eggs have been replaced by the chocolate variety, and monas come in all shapes and sizes, extravagantly decorated with chocolate glaze, almonds, colourful feathers, popular cartoon characters and Barça players.

Although the simple sponge cake has evolved into an intricate chocolate sculpture, there are aspects of the annual ritual which haven’t changed. As custom dictates, godparents still give monas to their godchildren on Easter Sunday, to be eaten on Easter Monday, or el Día de la Mona, as it is referred to locally. The number of eggs displayed on the cake depends on the age of the child, though a mona will never have fewer than two or more than 12. Each year, bakeries compete to create the most elaborate cakes. Whether you want to marvel at the window displays or get your hands on an exquisite chocolate creation, here’s our top pick of places to indulge.

FOIX DE SARRIÀ

ESCRIBÀ

TAKASHI OCHIAI

One of Barcelona’s oldest pastisseríes, Foix de Sarrià artfully fuses tradition with innovation. Here you’ll find everything from the classic cake to the more inventive chocolate sculpture. Personalised monas are also available upon request.

Major de Sarrià 57. foixdesarria.com

Started by pastry chef Christian Escribà, renowned for his extravagant sweet treats, this pastissería is famous for its Willy Wonka-esque window displays around Easter time, featuring life-size figurines, exploding cakes and more.

Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 546. escriba.es

Offering a unique twist on traditional confection, this Japanese bakery sells a variety of monas with elegant Japanese flavours.

Comte d’Urgell 110. ochiaipastisseria.com

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MET PEOPLE

Where is your favourite place to read in Barcelona?

FRAN Age 39 From London Profession Editor Under the pine trees in Parc del Guinardó in spring. The birds and wind provide a beautiful soundtrack.

RICHARD Age 49 From London Profession Sailor Altaïr travel bookstore, just off Gran Via. It’s peaceful and has a lovely atmosphere, which is impressive since it’s so close to the bustle of one of the busiest streets in Barcelona.

DIANA Age 34 From Catalunya Profession Receptionist In Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia. The square gets lots of sun and is very peaceful.

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SURVIVING OR THRIVING? LOCAL BOOK PUBLISHERS AND SELLERS THROW IN THEIR TWO CENTS ABOUT THE STATE OF BARCELONA’S LITERARY SCENE

By Tori Sparks

B

arcelona’s strong literary tradition is struggling to adapt to the modern market. Every day we see independent shops close their doors because they can’t afford the old town rent anymore (the historic Canuda, Negra y Criminal, La Formiga d’Or and Catalonia, among others). The picture looks grim, yet at the same time, new books are being published by local companies and more agencies are opening their doors. Small bookstores and secondhand bookshops can still be found in many neighbourhoods, in spite of the massification of the publishing industry and the rise of e-books, selfpublishing and the internet. And of course, every April the entire city transforms itself into a massive book (and rose) fair on La Diada de Sant Jordi.

So which is it? Are the people working with literature in Barcelona just scraping by, or is the book business thriving? And more specifically, how is the English-language book sector faring?

Jessica Craig is an American independent literary agent based in Barcelona. Her work in the publishing industry started right out of college and took her from New York to Edinburgh to London, and then to Barcelona in 2014. Having specialised in foreign and international translation rights for mostly British authors, she was uniquely qualified to start representing international authors from diverse backgrounds. Craig was hired by Barcelona-based agency Pontas to expand their base of authors who write mainly in English, and in October of last year launched her own agency, Craig Literary.

Her clients include Chinese-American Jack Cheng and Nigerian writer Chigozie Obioma, whose debut novel The Fishermen was a Man Booker Prize Finalist in 2015.

Craig notes that the Spanish market contracted after the economic crisis of 2008, but it has improved more here than in some other parts of Europe. In her experience the publishing scene in Barcelona is solid: “One of the best features of the publishing world in Barcelona is the number of thriving independent publishers. My focus is on fiction, but every genre of book is published in Barcelona, creating a healthy environment in which to be an agent.

“It’s not enough to sell books these days. You have to find a way to offer a cultural experience to your clients” There are editors here whose interests encompass as wide a range of books as are published in London or New York.

And, in the past five years, they have seen books from non-Anglo countries enjoying increased success,” said Craig. Many of the Spanish and some of the Catalan publishers in Barcelona actively acquire and translate English-language works.

Craig says that because Barcelona is smaller than the well-known centres of the publishing world (New York, London, Paris, Munich), book publishing is more personal

and accessible here. “Editors and agents know each other and there is usually a feeling of congeniality, of being part of the same ecosystem. Offices are mostly in the Eixample and Gràcia, and it is easy to move around the city to have meetings and attend events. At the same time, Barcelona is more internationally and culturally vibrant than other cities of a similar size. Most Spanish publishers have their headquarters in the Catalan capital, many Spanish, Catalan and even some Latin American writers live in Barcelona, and interesting Anglo writers come here for lectures or readings.”

One of the first stores in the city to sell books in English and other languages was Herder, founded by German immigrants.

Though the shop later changed its name to Alibri, the business remained in the family.

The founder’s son hired computer engineer and consultant Alejandro Lopez initially to help run the technological and e-commerce side of the business and modernise the store’s software, but Lopez was eventually asked to run everything in 2003, after instituting changes that significantly helped expand the business.

Lopez says their customers for Englishlanguage books are pretty evenly split between foreign residents and native Barceloneses, and that in spite of changes in the local economic climate and the global trend of spending more time and money online, their client base continues to grow.

“It’s not enough to sell books these days,” he says. “You have to find a way to offer a cultural experience to your clients. This is why we go to international book fairs and work with a lot of different currencies.

We feel that we should know not only the new Spanish/Catalan books in the market, but also which books are being published around the world.” Alibri also requires its employees to be multilingual in order to better serve any and all readers.

Both Craig and Lopez say the idea that e-books are killing the print industry is a myth, that advancements in technology have brought more benefits than difficulties to traditional publishers. Craig continued: “Due to social media and other new technologies, there are more ways for publishers, agents, authors and the public to connect and communicate now. These changes are exciting and have created opportunities for publishers to implement different marketing initiatives for new releases.”

Lopez says that the challenge comes more in the form of how to attract consumers’ attention in an ever diversifying world of

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entertainment. “We have to work hard to find and maintain our space in people’s lives, to survive the fragmentation of their free time between video games, YouTube, Netflix, etc.” In addition, many historic stores with 99-year leases have suddenly found themselves unable to pay increased rent prices when their contract renews, as was the case of legendary local bookstore Canuda in 2013. One way to combat rising expenses as well as attract potential buyers is to be more than just a bookstore, such as opening a cafe, a cultural space, a wine bar or a small gallery to add value to the space.

Another way to create a foothold in an ever-changing literary business is to specialise in a particular niche, as does the independent publisher 66 rpm. May Gonzalez and Alfred Crespo started the company five years ago to give a voice to unheard aspiring authors, mostly those with ties to the music world. Their focus on this niche market has made them the go-to publisher for poets, journalists, biographers and fiction writers who have potential outside the realm of mainstream culture.

Having come from the world of rock music, Gonzalez and Crespo are experts in the aforementioned strategy of combining various cultural offerings, and often mix a book presentation with a concert, poetry reading or photography exhibition. “There’s a deep connection between the cultural disciplines of literature, music and poetry in Barcelona. Because these worlds overlap all the time, it’s no surprise that many writers also put out an album, or that musicians write books,” said Gonzalez.

Crespo admits that it’s difficult to compete with the resources of big editorial groups, but that small companies like theirs have certain advantages as well. “We can’t invest as much in a big advertising campaign, but we can make decisions quickly, adapt rapidly to take advantage of opportunities or overcome problems, and our public appreciates that we are always publishing risky projects,” he said.

“The general market feeds off of occasional buyers of bestsellers, but if you can speak the language of a specific group of loyal readers, that’s how independent publishers survive and grow.”

Gonzalez is proud that their publishing company has seen success in backing female authors (Alicia Rodríguez, Sonia Barba, Núria Torreblanca) and books related to women in music and culture (Mujeres y Música by Toni Castarnado, for example). This, as well as publishing books by previously unknown writers and musicians, is what Gonzalez calls “following your heart and your head”. By following their instincts with regards to what they themselves feel passionately about, 66 rpm is also giving their readership what they want. Good business all around.

Alejandro Lopez’s store, Alibri, carries books published by 66 rpm, as well as by some of the authors represented by Jessica Craig.

Like May Gonzalez and Alfred Crespo, they have attended the same conferences, concerts and book presentations in the past year. The Barcelona book world is a small but mighty microcosm that relies on personal relationships in order to grow in the face of changing market interests. “Face-to-face contact and personal trust will always be essential,” said Craig. Fostering these relationships and thinking outside the bestseller box seems to be the keys that keep the city’s book business in good health.

Alejandro Lopez from Alibri

66 rpm specialises in books related to the music industry

BOOKS BY NUMBERS DATA FROM 2016

81,391

30,000

9.8%

33.4% 28.9%

16% 22.8%

Medicine

Fiction

Children’s books

PUBLISHED IN CATALUNYA

PUBLISHED IN MADRID

Number of people employed,

directly or indirectly, in the publishing industry in Spain

23,061

ANNUAL NET WORTH OF THE PUBLISHING INDUSTRY

No. of digital editions

NO. OF TITLES SOLD IN SPAIN

3 billion

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main pages MAR 2017.indd 17

3/21/17 5:28 PM

Turo Park Medical Center is a modern clinic in the Zona Alta area of Barcelona that offers expats, locals and travellers access to an expert team of Englishspeaking doctors, with specialists in nearly every discipline.

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TURO PARK MEDICAL CENTER INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL HEALTHCARE TEL. 93 252 9729 WWW.TUROPARKMEDICAL.COM

main pages MAR 2017.indd 20

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WHAT’S ON THE BEST OF THE MONTH AHEAD

THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS (22ND)

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music STILL TRYING

MACY GRAY. RAZZMATAZZ. PAMPLONA 88.

APRIL 1ST. A mere mention of her name and that quintessential track ‘I Try’ manages to worm its way back into your head. Played nonstop on the airwaves at the turn of the century, it looked like Macy Gray was here to stay. But the music industry can be cruel, shoving talented artists aside in favour of a more sellable product. This never discouraged Gray, however, and she has decided to give it another whack from a different angle. She is now working with Chesky Records, a not-for-popstars label whose focus is on sound, not sales. Her old influences remain—glimmers of Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra can be noted in the mix of jazz and blues running through her new release Stripped (2016)—combined with unexpected material including covers of Metallica’s ‘Nothing Else Matters’ and Bob Marley’s ‘Redemption Song’. Gray may no longer be playing stadium-sized venues, but it looks as though she’s finally found her niche. salarazzmatazz.com

ALONE AT SEA

LISA HANNIGAN. SALA APOLO. NOU DE LA RAMBLA 113.

APRIL 18TH. The shackles of ‘featured artist’ have been thrown aside, as Lisa Hannigan takes her hard-earned place in the spotlight. Well-known for her collaborations with Damien Rice, Hannigan is determined to show the world what she is really made of. The Irish singer-songwriter’s latest album At Swim (2016) could very well be her best yet. Its uncluttered production gives it the intimate tenderness that has come to define Hannigan’s style. Together with Aaron Dessner, guitarist from Ohio-based indie rock band The National, she has produced an album of pure beauty, filled with tales of death and darkness. Each song laments love, loss and times gone by. ‘Prayers For The Dying’, for example, is a tribute to the life and marriage of a family friend suffering from a terminal illness, while ‘Anahorish’, originally written by Irish poet Seamus Heaney, sees the artist look to the past to make sense of the present. Hannigan’s a cappella rendition of this wistful poem is one of the finest pieces on the album. Her new direction and enrapturing performances have earned her standing ovations and rave reviews. sala-apolo.com

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24 KARAT NIGHT

BRUNO MARS. PALAU SANT JORDI. PASSEIG OLÍMPIC 5-7. APRIL 7TH. When a few sketches and some stylised dance moves are all you need to create a viral music video, you know you’ve truly made it.

Jack of all music trades, Bruno Mars recently unveiled his new liveaction animated video, creating an internet frenzy. If you thought ‘Uptown Funk’ was the epitome of slick, wait till you see the smooth choreography for his latest track ‘That’s What I Like’. With each new song, Mars showcases his chameleon-like ability to adapt to any musical style you throw at him—from the funk of James Brown to the sleek R&B that defined the Nineties. Proof of this came at the Grammys this year, when Mars wowed the crowd with his spectacular tribute to Prince. Performing alongside The Time, he took audiences back to the heyday of funk and soul. With multiple platinum albums and four Grammys under his belt, it’s safe to say Bruno Mars has reached superstardom. And there is no venue more fitting for the modern day king of pop than Palau Sant Jordi. palausantjordi.cat

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music STOIC SCOTS

THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN. RAZZMATAZZ. PAMPLONA 88. APRIL 29TH. Avalanches of feedback and fuzzy black hair can only mean one thing—The Jesus and Mary Chain are back in town. In line with their usual unconventional style, the Glaswegian brothers have waited 18 years to release their sixth studio album Damage and Joy (2017). Characterised by its mix of dark, sinister vocals and white noise juxtaposed with a bit of psychedelic pop, time has not diminished their sound. Last year saw the Reid brothers celebrate three decades in the limelight, performing at festivals worldwide. Reports of diva-like antics at some recent shows did not get in the way of unforgettable performances. Razzmatazz will host the band, providing the perfect shadowy, low-key setting for the masters of melancholy. With an impressive 36 tour dates across Europe, the US and Canada, it looks as though their swan song is a long way off. salarazzmatazz.com

DIVIDE AND CONQUER ED SHEERAN. PALAU SANT JORDI. PASSEIG OLÍMPIC 5-7. APRIL 9TH. Showing a strong musical vocation as a youngster, Ed Sheeran was writing his own songs by age 11. In his early teens, the artist from Framlingham moved to London to pursue his music and it wasn’t long until his work was noticed. Sheeran released an independent EP in 2011, which hit No. 2 on the iTunes Music Chart without the help of any promotion, and in the same month, signed a deal with Atlantic Records. The rest is history. After a year-long break from the music scene, Sheeran is back with his third album ÷ (Divide), which follows in the mathematical footsteps of his prior albums + (2011) and x (2014). Recently he revealed that this latest album “holds a very special place in [his] heart” and he considers it his best work to date. Within a week of its release on March 3rd, Divide broke chart records around the world with singles such as ‘Shape of You’ and ‘Castle in the Hill’. Among his newest tracks, one is dedicated to Barcelona out of the singer’s love for the Catalan capital. palausantjordi.cat

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IN CONCERT

1st. Macy Gray Razzmatazz. Pamplona 88.

2nd. Lluís Claret Palau de la Música. Palau de la Música 4-6.

4th. Huntertones Jamboree. Plaça Reial 17.

5th. Orfeó Català and Simon Halsey Palau de la Música. Palau de la Música 4-6.

6th. Woods Sala Apolo. Nou de la Rambla 113.

7th. Bruno Mars Palau Sant Jordi. Passeig Olímpic 5-7.

8th. Joanne Shaw Taylor Razzmatazz. Pamplona 88.

9th. Ed Sheeran Palau Sant Jordi. Passeig Olímpic 5-7.

10th. Lukas Graham Razzmatazz. Pamplona 88.

13th. Las Cinco Razzmatazz. Pamplona 88.

14th. Vaga-lume Sala Slow. París 186.

18th. Lisa Hannigan Sala Apolo. Nou de la Rambla 113.

20th. Joe Crepúsculo Sala Apolo. Nou de la Rambla 113.

21st. Sonic Boom Upload. Poble Espanyol.

Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia 13.

22nd. The Chemical Brothers Razzmatazz. Pamplona 88.

26th. Charlie Cunningham El Molino. Vila i Vilà 99.

26th. Andrés Cepeda BARTS. Paral·lel 62.

27th. Placebo Razzmatazz. Pamplona 88.

27th. Bigott Sala Bikini. Diagonal 547.

28th. Jenny Hval CaixaForum. Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia 6-8.

29th. The Jesus and Mary Chain Razzmatazz. Pamplona 88.

30th. Simple Minds L’Auditori. Lepant 150.

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PHOTOJOURNALISM’S FINEST

WORLD PRESS PHOTO 17. CCCB. MONTALEGRE 5.

APRIL 29TH-JUNE 5TH. Every year since 2005, the touring World Press Photo exhibition has come to the CCCB. The exhibition is the product of an annual international competition that works to foster a better understanding of the world through high-quality press photos. Selected from 80,408 images taken by 5,034 photographers, the images of this collection show moments captured in 125 different countries. In its 60th edition this year, it is still regarded as the most prestigious photojournalism exhibition in the world. cccb.org

THE ARAB WORLD FROM BEHIND THE LENS

AGAINST PHOTOGRAPHY. AKRAM ZAATARI. MACBA. PLAÇA DELS ÀNGELS 1.

APRIL 7TH-SEPTEMBER 24TH. As a founding member of the Arab Image Foundation (AIF) based in Beirut, Lebanon, Akram Zaatari has played a key role in the development of the institution.

Dedicated to the understanding of photography and the practice of collecting and sharing images, the AIF possesses a large collection of photographs from the Arab world. ‘Against Photography’ is a reflection on AIF’s 20-year history through Zaatari’s eyes, exploring the multiple roles of the photograph as descriptive document, object, material value and memory. The exhibition also addresses the dual status of the AIF as both a photographic archive and an artist-led initiative. macba.cat

© Akram Zaatari, Van Leo’s Footnotes, 2017

© Hossein Fatemi, Panos Pictures

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REVIEW

A THOUSAND WORDS WILL SHANK VISITS THE CCCB’S NEWLYOPENED ‘PHOTOBOOK PHENOMENON’, HELD AT LOCATIONS AROUND THE CITY UNTIL AUGUST 27TH.

© Javier Buen

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e take photography books for granted.

They grace our coffee tables and we flip through them like the expensive cousins of glossy monthly magazines.

I must admit that I had never heard the term ‘photobook’, nor had I considered photography books as a dedicated genre. So it was initially hard for me to wrap my head around the concept of The Photobook as a subject worthy of a museum exhibition. At the CCCB, however, no fewer than seven curators have tackled the subject from widely varying angles. One must pace oneself in this complex exposé of the subject, which is addressed in seven sections (one of them at the Fundació Foto Colectania on Passeig de Picasso).

The exhibition begins with some rare examples of early 20th-century photobooks, and there is a danger of engaging so deeply in the propaganda (pro-status quo) and protest (anti-status quo) books from the Fascist era that one could run out of energy in the first few rooms. This section, like several others, is copiously illustrated by works from the collection of Martin Parr—himself a wellregarded photographer.

Much of our admiration for books of any kind comes from our personal interaction with them.

Because we are held back from touching most of the photobooks presented for consideration, the curators have the leaden task of explaining their importance to us. A large irony here lies in the fact that the installation is extremely text-heavy. There is also very little, I daresay no, humour present, quite a shame since Martin Parr, for instance, can be very funny.

My favourite moment in ‘Photobook Phenomenon’ comes when a photographer is allowed to speak for himself. In one of the contemporary galleries, Californian Doug Rickard talks to you through headphones about his fascinating visual exploration of appropriated Google Street View images of remote parts of the US, which he turned into a book of low-resolution photographs of haunting complexity called ANAP (A New American Picture).

At several in-between gallery spaces, visitors are invited to sit down and flip through stacks of photography books of their choice. These moments come as a welcome relief from the overwhelming verbiage. Perhaps the most positive take-away from the show is the reassurance that the physical book is as popular as ever in spite of the competition of Kindles and other e-books. The smell of fresh ink on real paper is as intoxicating as ever to those of us who love books. cccb.org

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BUILDING TRUTH

FORENSIC ARCHITECTURE. MACBA. PLAÇA DELS ÀNGELS 1.

APRIL 28TH-OCTOBER 15TH. This exhibition examines how public truth is produced technologically, architecturally and aesthetically, and how it can be used to resist state propaganda, honing in on the operations of research group Forensic Architecture. This group has adopted innovative research methods to investigate human rights abuses and provided crucial evidence in international courts. They are also known for using architecture as a methodological tool for investigating armed conflicts and environmental destruction, and to reference other evidence sources such as media and witness testimony. The show’s aim is to provide insight into this novel practice through its origins and history. macba.cat

© Forensic Architecture, 2015

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PERE TORNÉ ESQUIUS. MNAC. PALAU NACIONAL, PARC DE MONTJUÏC. APRIL 7TH-JULY 9TH. The singular works of Barcelona-born painter, illustrator and cartoonist Pere Torné Esquius distinguish him from other artists of his time, who were caught up in the established movements of Modernisme and Noucentisme. Human figures rarely appear in Esquius’s work, which mainly captures interior or secluded spaces characterised by their humble nature.

The naive primitivism of the artist’s paintings—a simplicity that bears French influences—is combined with pictorial and atmospheric elements.

Esquius’s illustrations, featured in this exhibition alongside his paintings, focus on three main motifs: children’s literature, the illustration of literary texts and collaborations with satirical magazines and publications. museunacional.cat

© Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya Barcelona

BLAZING A PATH OF HIS OWN

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EXHIBITIONS

ANTONIO SEGURA IMMIGRATION EXPERTS

OPENINGS MUSEU PICASSO Other Artists in the 1970 Picasso Donation This show displays works that were collected over the course of three generations by Picasso’s family members in their Barcelona residences.

Opening April 6th. Montcada 15-23.

LAST CHANCE ARXIU FOTOGRÀFIC Les Mirades de la Guerra This exhibition showcases 53 photos taken between 1995 and 2005, by Humberto Rivas when he travelled through Spain searching for locations and people linked to the Civil War. Until April 8th. Pl. Pons i Clerch 2.

MACBA Miralda Made in USA A comprehensive exhibition of the 14 projects artist Antoni Miralda completed during his time in the United States from the mid-Seventies to the late Nineties.

Until April 9th. Plaça dels Àngels 1.

ANTONIO SEGURA ABOGADOS & GESTORES is a well known law firm specialising in immigration law. The firm has been practicing for over 20 years, and is regarded as one of the best immigration law offices in Barcelona.

We provide different legal services including obtaining NIE numbers, student cards, work permits, and residency in Spain.

Antonio Seguras.indd 1

Rambla Catalunya 43, ppal. 1, Barcelona 08007 T. +34 93 215 8077 abogados@antoniosegura.es www.segura-abogados.com

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ARTS SANTA MÒNICA Decoding: Zoom in Design This project by ELISAVA, the Barcelona School of Design and Engineering, seeks to display, experiment with and reflect on design research.

Until April 16th. La Rambla 7.

PALAU ROBERT De la Terra a la Lluna Celebrating the 30th anniversary of El Celler de Can Roca, which was recognised as best restaurant in the world in 2013, this exhibition explains the creative process behind the Roca brothers’ brainchild.

Until April 23rd. Pg. de Gràcia 107.

MUSEU D’ARQUEOLOGIA DE CATALUNYA La Fortalesa dels Vilars d’Arbeca A way to explore a unique fortress through materials recovered from over 30 years of archaeological excavation.

Until April 30th. Santa Madrona 39-41.

PALAU ROBERT Cendrós: A Businessman of Action A retrospective on the life, work, patronage and activism of Joan Baptista Cendrós in his efforts to support Catalan culture.

Until April 30th. Pg. de Gràcia 107.

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misc A NIGHT IN ANCIENT CHINA

©2017 Shen Yun Performing Arts

SHEN YUN. GRAN TEATRE DEL LICEU. RAMBLA 51-59. APRIL 15TH-16TH. For thousands of years the people of China believed their culture was a gift from the heavens and regarded their country as the Land of the Divine.

Created by an elite group of Chinese artists in New York in 2006, Shen Yun aims to revive this lost Chinese culture and share it with the world. The group pushes the boundaries of performing arts by blending together ancient legends, technological innovations, historically authentic costumes and magnificently animated backdrops on one stage.

Through classical Chinese dance, accompanied by an orchestra, the artists bring to life the ethnic and folk traditions of this mystical region. shenyunperformingarts.org

© 2017 Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell

BOOKS N’ ROSES

DIADA DE SANT JORDI. BARCELONA CITY CENTRE. APRIL 23RD. A festive atmosphere takes over the city on the Feast of Sant Jordi, Catalunya’s patron saint. La Rambla, Rambla de Catalunya and Passeig de Gràcia fill with stalls selling books of all genres and tables with buckets of red roses. The giving of roses is thought to have originated in the 15th century when Barcelona held a Sant Jordi rose fair. In the early 20th century, books were added to the celebration as Spain established April 23rd as Book Day in honour of Cervantes and Shakespeare, who both died on that day. Join the locals for a casual stroll through the city, picking up flowers and a good read for loved ones. lameva.barcelona.cat

TENNIS MADNESS

BARCELONA OPEN BANC SABADELL. REAL CLUB DE TENIS BARCELONA. BOSCH I GIMPERA 5. APRIL 22ND-30TH. Also known as the Trofeig Conde Godó, the Barcelona Open is the city’s very own tennis tournament. The oldest tennis tournament in Spain, it celebrates its 65th edition this year, and will host some of the world’s best tennis talent. Forty-eight players will participate in the singles competition, along with 24 doubles teams throughout the course of the event. The winner of each event will take home the trophy that was designed by jewellers Soler Cabot in 1953, and weighs 13 kilos. More than a major sporting fixture, the Barcelona Open is also an important social event—there will be an interactive entertainment area, offering various tennis-related activities for all visitors. barcelonaopenbancsabadell.com

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A TASTE OF ANDALUCÍA

FERIA DE ABRIL. PARC DEL FÒRUM. CARRER DE LA PAU 12. APRIL 28TH-MAY 7TH. Though smaller than its original counterpart, Barcelona’s version of the famous Feria de Abril in Sevilla is equally enjoyable and suitable for the whole family. The fair first took place in the Catalan capital following huge migration of people from Andalucía during the Sixties and Seventies. Spanning 10 days, the event will feature rows of casetas (marquees) playing sevillanas and other traditional music from Andalucía, classic dishes, women dressed in flamenco costumes and men wearing jackets typical of the region. The people of Sevilla have never been afraid of a good party. Let’s all follow suit. fecac.com

EVERYTHING DIY

HANDMADE FESTIVAL BARCELONA. FIRA MONTJUÏC. AV. DE LA REINA MARIA CRISTINA. APRIL 28TH-30TH. Crafts enthusiasts are in for a special treat this month. The world of DIY, craftsmanship and handmade products are brought to the fore for the fourth edition of Barcelona’s Handmade Festival. More than 150 exhibitors will participate in this three-day fair divided into four different categories: paper goods, yarn and thread, brico & deco & garden, and handmade weddings. For those wanting to delve in deeper, exhibitions, workshops and masterclasses will be on offer. Food will also be in the spotlight, with chocolate, bread and beer being the three star products, plus everyone’s favourite food trucks scattered throughout the place. handmadefestivalbcn.com

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BLUES JAM SESSION An evening of blues at Harlem Jazz Club’s weekly jam session.

10.30pm. Harlem Jazz Club.

COMPLETE WORKS: TABLE TOP SHAKESPEARE A unique spin on Shakespeare, using household objects as characters. Teatre Lliure.

Until April 9th.

HUELLAS Humberto Rivas’ 53 photographs explore the impact of the Spanish Civil War. Pl. Pons i Clerch 2.

Until April 8th.

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RIGOLETTO Verdi’s masterpiece premiered in 1851, and is considered one of the Italian composer’s greatest operas.

8pm. Gran Teatre del Liceu.

TUESDA Y

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ORFEÓ CATALÀ & SIMON HALSEY The Catalan choir joins forces with the English conductor to perform Maurice Duruflé’s ‘Requiem, Op. 9’.

8.30pm. Palau de la Música.

MIRALDA MADEINUSA The MACBA pays tribute to Catalan artist Antoni Miralda and his quirky, large-scale installations. MACBA. Until April 9th.

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WOODS The American band perform their psychedelic pop-folk sound.

8pm. Sala Apolo.

ALOMA LAFONTANA The Barcelona-based artist’s exhibition of wearable sculptures opens with a performance from the visual artist and poet Gisela Arimany. 7.30pm. Oslo Graphic.

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BRUNO MARS Grammy-winning, pop sensation Bruno Mars performs for one night only. 9pm. Palau Sant Jordi.

Pg. Olímpic 5-7.

GUIRINESS Winner of the British Comedy Award for Best Stand-up, the Scottish comedian Phil Kay will be in town. 8.30pm. The Shamrock.

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FRIDAY

9 BRUNCH IN THE CITY Michael Mayer and Patrice Bäumel take to the stage as the city’s biggest daytime party returns.

12pm. Poble Espanyol.

ED SHEERAN The British sensation is back in town.

9pm. Palau Sant Jordi.

8 OPEN CAMP Embrace your inner Olympian at Open Camp, the ultimate sports experience. Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. Various dates.

SOUNDEAT! Combining street-food and live music, SoundEat! returns with music from the likes of Detroit Swindle. 12pm. Parc del Fòrum.

PALO ALTO Gourmet food trucks, live music and boutiques selling their wares, this market makes for the perfect Sunday. 11am. Pellaires 30.

FLEADONIA Raval transforms into a bargainhunters paradise at this monthly flea market. 11am. Filmoteca de Catalunya.

MACY GRAY The Grammy award-winning singer returns to her jazz roots, with songs from her ninth album Stripped (2016). 9pm. Razzmatazz.

2 HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER’S STONE This screening of the first film in the acclaimed series is accompanied by a live orchestra.

7pm. Palau Sant Jordi.

SUN DAY

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PERE TORNÉ ESQUIUS Explore the works of the Catalan painter, known for his singular style. MNAC. Until July 9th.

OTHER ARTISTS IN THE 1970 PICASSO DONATION Discover 22 works by artists such as Hortensi Güell, collected by the Picasso family over three generations. Museu Picasso.

Until July 2nd.

LUKAS GRAHAM The Danish band behind hits such as ‘7 Years’ perform as part of their first world tour. 9pm. Razzmatazz.

AGAINST PHOTOGRAPHY This exhibition explores 20 years of the Arab Image Foundation (AIF) through the medium of photography.

MACBA. Until Sept 25th.

VISIONES Y DESCONCIERTOS Barcelona native Alberto GarcíaÁlvarez’s abstract works draw on his international lifestyle. Espai Volart i Volart 2. Until May 28th.

TORI SPARKS The American singer-songwriter performs songs from her latest album. 7pm. Centre Cívic Fort Pienc.

SWAN LAKE Vladimir Fedoseyev conducts the Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra in a performance of the classic ballet. 8.30pm. Palau de la Música.

BELVEDERE + MELTING FAST 20 years after they first formed, the Canadian skate punk band are joined on the stage by Melting Fast. 8pm. Razzmatazz.

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10.30pm. Harlem Jazz Club.

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Until April 8th.

JOAN COLOMO The Catalan musician and singer performs as part of the Guitar BCN series. 9.30pm. Sala Barts.

LEANDRO MAIA The Brazilian singer-songwriter draws on such diverse musical genres as Latin-American sounds, samba and jazz. 10.30pm. Harlem Jazz Club.

CHARLIE CUNNINGHAM Combining flamenco and folk, hear Cunningham’s intimate acoustic sound live. 10pm. El Molino.

20 YEARS OF PLACEBO The alternative rock duo made up of Brian Molko and Stefan Olsdal bring their 20th anniversary tour to Barcelona. 9pm. Razzmatazz.

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ALBOROSIE & SHENGEN BAND Winner of the MOBO Award for Best Reggae Act, Alborosie brings the sounds of Jamaica to Barcelona. 9.30pm. Sala Apolo.

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HANDMADE FESTIVAL The Handmade Festival features exhibitions and master classes for any craft enthusiast. Fira Montjuïc.

Until April 30th.

LA FERIA DE ABRIL The Feria de Abril de Sevilla comes to Barcelona, filled with typical casetas (marquees) and attractions. Parc del Fòrum.

Until May 7th.

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SONIC BOOM The experimental English musician joins forces with VetViolet for an evening of psychedelic sound.

9pm. Sala Upload.

TABU: A STORY OF THE SOUTH SEAS Visual Phonic puts a unique spin on classic silent movies, pairing them with live DJ sets.

10pm. Filmoteca de Catalunya.

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Pg. Olímpic 5-7.

BRUNSWICK SQUARE Project B presents its first-ever full-length play, telling the story of five women and their relationships.

Tinta Roja. Various dates.

WORLD PRESS PHOTO 2017 Considered the most important photojournalism exhibition in the world, World Press Photo returns to Barcelona. CCCB. Until June 5th.

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TROFEO CONDE DE GODÓ This classic tournament attracts world-famous tennis players such as Rafael Nadal. Real Club de Tenis Barcelona. Until April 30th.

THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS The Chemical Brothers have had six number one albums in the UK. Witness their awe-inspiring live DJ set. Midnight. Razzmatazz.

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LA FIRA PER LA TIERRA Mark Earth Day 2017 with a visit to this eco-fair held against under the Arc de Triomf.

10am. Parc de la Ciutadella.

PASSEJADA AMB BARRET Translated as ‘Stroll With a Hat’, this quirky Catalan tradition welcomes in spring with a sunny stroll down the street.

12pm. Rambla de Catalunya.

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MUDDY ANGEL RUN This five-kilometre fun run for women of all ages and fitness levels raises money to combat breast cancer. 9am. Oller del Mas. Carretera d’Igualada.

DIADA DE SANT JORDI The city fills with roses and books to celebrate Sant Jordi.

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EASTER SUNDAY To mark Easter Sunday, godparents across Spain give their godchildren elaborate monas de Pasqua.

GRANDES ÉXITOS DE LA MÚSICA DE CINE Enjoy some live film soundtracks as the first film music orchestra in Spain return to the city. 5pm.

Palau de la Música.

SHEN YUN Shen Yun tells the story of ancient China through classical Chinese dance and music. 8pm.

Gran Teatre del Liceu.

BARSWINGONA Barcelona’s swing festival is back with a ‘Swing Gangs’-themed costume party. 7pm. Casino l’Aliança del Poblenou.

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Swindle. 12pm. Parc del Fòrum.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR WEBSITE BARCELONA-METROPOLITAN.COM

LARRY SMITH AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS The blues-rock band blend powerful guitar solos with expressive vocals.

8.30pm. BlackLab Brewhouse & Kitchen. Palau del Mar.

PAU VALLVÉ The Barcelones singer is joined by one of the city’s rising stars, Daniel Lumbreras.

8pm. Sala Apolo.

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JOE CREPÚSCULO Performing tracks from his eighth album Disco Duro (2017), the Spanish singer takes the stage at Sala Apolo. 8.30pm. Sala Apolo.

a Barts. Av. del Paral·lel 62.

PALO ALTO MARKET (7TH)

8pm. Sala Apolo.

10 ANIVERSARIO RUMBA CLUB Celebrate 10 years of the Rumba Club with sets from DJ Txarly Brown and live music by Arrels de Gràcia. 10pm. Sala Apolo.

AMERSOC HAPPY HOUR Network with the city’s Englishspeaking community at the American Society of Barcelona’s monthly drinks event.

8pm. CocoVail Beer Hall.

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8.30pm. Palau de la Música.

WORD ON THE STREET FACING OPPOSITION, BARCELONA STREET ARTISTS HAVE FOUND A WAY TO PERSEVERE

By Sally Hargrave

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alking through the maze-like alleyways of the Ciutat Vella, it is almost impossible to miss the endless scrawl of graffiti across every available shutter and door. However, in a city where street art proliferates, the aesthetic and cultural value of this art form is sadly often overlooked. But despite strict regulations imposed by the Ajuntament to combat the spread of graffiti, Barcelona’s cool vibe and balmy climate have enticed street artists from all over the world to come and leave their mark, quite literally, on the city.

Given the fleeting nature of the majority of graffiti, pinning down the roots of this artistic movement is not a simple task. Luckily, the specialist tour company Barcelona Street Style Tour were on hand to clear things up. Chloé Lanier, who has worked for the company since November 2016, explained how modern graffiti likely began in the late Fifties in the US, after a teenager known as Cornbread fell in love with a girl named Cynthia.

He began writing ‘Cornbread loves Cynthia’ all over Philadelphia to get her attention, and before long ‘tagging’ caught on, with people competing to find the most outrageous places to leave their signatures. From Philadelphia the movement spread rapidly to New York as intrepid artists began tagging trains that linked the two cities.

Art is Trash gets creative with the city’s rubbish

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While graffiti in the form of hastily scribbled names and signatures was sometimes found in Barcelona prior to Franco’s death, it wasn’t until much later that street art erupted onto the scene. Street art’s more complex, conceptual nature meant that it was simply too risky to create during the dictatorship, when creativity and freedom of speech were restricted.

Almost immediately after Franco died in 1975, however, Barcelona experienced a cultural explosion of sorts. Both street art and graffiti flourished as Spain transitioned to democracy, and the city quickly developed its own, mostly colourful and freeform, style. To this day, artists such as El Pez and Konair continue this vibrant aesthetic with their instantly recognisable tags of cheerful and purposefully childish images.

Argentinian-born street artist Zosen Bandido moved to Barcelona as a young boy in 1990, where his obsession with street skating brought him into direct contact with the city’s growing urban art culture. Bandido explained that Barcelona experienced a ‘Golden Age of graffiti’ in the late Nineties and early 2000s. “Artists from all over the world migrated to Barcelona because of its reputation as a centre for street art. You could essentially paint anywhere you wanted, and so the growth of street art was really natural.”

One vital factor in this growth came in 1994, with the launch of the specialist graffiti brand Montana Colours. Cofounder Jordi Rubio was working at a local paint shop when he discovered that there was a significant gap in the market for street art supplies.

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Graffiti on any form of ‘public’ space was declared illegal, in an attempt by the government to assert greater control over the city

Gusanos’s bombs are commonplace in Barcelona

His idea to incorporate a line of these products was rejected by his employer, but Rubio and his colleague Miguel Galea decided to follow their instincts, and thus, Montana Colours was born.

Selling spray paint in 60 different colours, Montana quickly became indispensable for graffiti artists all over the world.

Yet Montana did far more than simply provide the artistic tools for street artists. In 2004, the brand’s first shop opened in the Born, and it soon became a meeting point for the growing community of urban artists in the city. The space encompasses a shop, a cafe and a gallery, showcasing work from up-and-coming as well as already established street artists from around the world. “Graffiti as an art form would exist without Montana, but Montana wouldn’t exist without graffiti,” explained shop manager Dario Chemello. Although Bandido attests: “The relationship between Montana and street artists in Barcelona is entirely mutual. Without us as clients their business couldn’t have expanded

like it has, but they have always given back to the community by supporting both local and international artists.”

Barcelona’s street art scene faced a significant setback in 2006, when the Ajuntament voted in a new ordinance cracking down on civil disturbances.

Graffiti on any form of ‘public’ space was declared illegal in an attempt by the government to assert greater control over the city. This served to create a very visible dichotomy between legal and illegal street art, with the walls of buildings declared illegal ‘public’ space while doors, shutters and electricity boxes of private businesses were left unaffected by the new legislation, explained Lanier. Fortunately the law did not completely halt the city’s urban art scene, however it did mark a turning point in graffiti culture in Barcelona.

Barcelona-based street artist Francisco de Pajaro and his alter ego ‘Art is Trash’ stumbled across an inventive solution to the anti-graffiti law of 2006. “It all started because I was angry.

A mural by Bandido and El Pez in Sant Adrià de Besòs

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I was trying and failing to break into the art scene here so I went out onto the street and began to paint on trash,” he said. By painting on rubbish and using tape to create lifelike arms and legs for his quirky trash characters, Francisco was largely able to avoid being fined by the city council. Robert Burt, owner of the urban art gallery Base Elements, soon took note of the mysterious ghost artist leaving his playful trash compilations outside the gallery. Today Art is Trash is one of the most popular artists on display at Burt’s gallery. A number of other street artists have also taken the step towards studio work in order to make some money from their talents and increasing popularity, but others have chosen to remain anonymous to avoid trouble from local authorities.

So where does this leave the future of street art in Barcelona? Bandido expressed concern over the city’s lack of respect for street art as an art form.

“Many of the museums here disregard street artists and fail to recognise the value of having living artists creating urban art right here in our neighbourhoods.” While this much may be true, it seems there is hope. In 2011, the first Open Walls Conference took place in Barcelona. This annual urban art festival includes a number of conferences revolving around the topic of street art and provides a space for both locally and internationally renowned street artists to create murals. Another innovation in the city’s street art scene is Wallspot, an app designed to bring together those engaged in urban art. Artists can use the app to book a wall (all of which are legal) to paint on, and photographers interested in street art can then sign up to take photos of the ever-changing images. The popularity of these projects stands as a testament to the resilience of the street art community in Barcelona.

DIGITAL PORTFOLIOS

The 21st-century version of an artist’s portfolio, Instagram is a vital tool in the street art community, helping artists showcase their latest works to people from all over the world without compromising their anonymity.

RODRIGO ROCO

Instagram: @rockaxson Followers: 1,222 Self-proclaimed street art hunter, Rodrigo Roco’s Instagram account is perfect for any street art aficionados in Barcelona, providing an up-to-date look at the city’s ever-changing graffiti.

BL2A

Instagram: @bl2a_ Followers: 1,293 Convinced that the street is the “most democratic gallery that exists”, BL2A’s installations are at once inventive and thought-provoking.

BRONIK

Instagram: @bronikart Followers: 1,267 Originally from Peru, Bronik’s four-eyed, bluetoned figures reference her birth country with touches such as traditional Andean skirts and Incan symbology.

EL PEZ

Instagram: @pezbarcelona Followers: 40,100 A veteran on the Barcelona street art scene, El Pez’s infectiously smiling fish have been splashed across streets from New York to London, and everywhere in between, since he began graffitiing in 1999.

ME LATA

Instagram:@me_lata Followers: 1,804 This husband-wife duo give a new lease of life to aluminium cans, turning them from rubbish into aesthetic installations with their penchant for positive quotes.

EL XUPET NEGRE

Instagram: @elxupetnegre Followers: 12,300 One of the first street artists in the world to tag using a logo, El Xupet Negre’s Instagram provides a peek at his psychedelic, yet naive style and signature black dummy.

KONAIR

Instagram: @konair Followers: 9,403 Konair’s playful popsicle tag has become one of Barcelona’s most recognisable, adorning surfaces all over the city. His lighthearted account is sure to brighten up your Instagram feed.

OS GEMEOS

Instagram: @osgemeos Followers: 945,000 Brazilian twins Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo’s unmistakable yellow-toned characters have earned them international renown. Their Instagram account combines quirky sketches with a glimpse of their street art projects.

Me Lata brightens city streets with his tin can messages

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STEPPING INTO HISTORY

FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF GREAT LITERARY CHARACTERS THROUGH THE HISTORIC STREETS OF BARCELONA

By Melissa Leighty

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arcelona’s literary prominence is an indelible part of its identity. Not only has it been a renowned literary capital since the 19th century, but in 2015, it also became the 17th UNESCO City of Literature, the only Spanish city represented in the list aside from Granada. Moreover, its role as the setting of some of Spanish literature’s most beloved books gives it special prominence in the hearts and minds of locals and visitors alike.

This rich literary history is also an easily accessible one. The city’s tourism boom has resulted in a number of walking tours catering to bibliophiles, which take intrigued bookworms through some of Barcelona’s most charming neighbourhoods, quaint squares and its narrow, medieval streets, while revealing the inspirations for some of Spain’s top sellers.

SHADOW OF THE WIND Carlos Ruiz Zafón is a name synonymous with Barcelona, the stage for his wildly popular novel Shadow of the Wind (La Sombra del Viento), which continues to top bestseller lists year after year.

Set against the atmospheric backdrop of the city’s Gothic Quarter, the story springs to life for guests of the Get Your Guide tour about the book. The tour follows the footsteps of Daniel Sempere, Julian Carax and Fermín Romero de Torres from tourist spots including Plaça Reial to the hidden corners of the city such as the house and bookshop of ‘Sempere and Sons’, the Forgotten Books cemetery, Santa Lucia Asylum and the Arc del Teatre. The tour also introduces a few classic restaurants and bars along the way, and gives a solid taste of the city’s history while keeping the mystery of the past alive.

Get Your Guide tour Duration: 3 hours Price: from €14 getyourguide.com

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CATHEDRAL OF THE SEA Cathedral of the Sea (La Catedral del Mar) won the 2006 Silver Euskadi Prize for best Spanish-language novel and has remained in scholarly hearts ever since. The Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar, known fondly as the Catedral del Mar by locals and fans, is the starting point for Viator’s introduction to the world of Ildefonso Falcones’ thrilling novel. This beautiful Gothic cathedral after which the book is named, is a centrepiece of the city, a crown jewel of sorts for literary gurus and the perfect place to start this tour. Explore the main character’s insights and ambitions against the historical context of the thriving medieval city, while winding through the setting of the novel. The tour focuses on the shadowed streets of its most central neighbourhoods, the Born and Gothic Quarter, as well as on the Jewish quarter, located between the cathedral, known as La Seu, and Plaça Sant Jaume.

Viator tour Duration: 2.5 hours Price: €15 viator.com

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TIME OF THE DOVES Mercè Rodoreda’s novel La Plaça del Diamant (freely translated to English as Time of the Doves) is not well-known outside Catalunya, but it provides a critical look into Catalan history for those interested in seeing it through a literary scope. Tracing the story of its protagonist, Natalia, and her family’s life during and after the Spanish Civil War, Rodoreda offers stark insights into the female experience in this deeply psychological work. For those who want to learn more about this author, Itinera Plus takes participants on a walking tour of Gràcia, where the story takes place. Stops on the tour are drawn from the text and the role they played in developing the book’s characters and overarching themes, as well as statues memorialising the author’s work. In addition, the tour delves into the historical contexts of the novel with a visit to the bunkers hidden below the neighbourhood’s squares that were used throughout the war. A site dedicated to the author (mercerodoreda.cat) provides self-guided tour information (in Catalan) and links to tours of the Jardí Mercè Rodoreda in Gràcia.

Itinera Plus tour Duration: 2.5 hours Price: €13 itineraplus.com

CATALUNYA NATIONAL LIBRARY TOUR Some say cities are defined by their libraries. Barcelona might not have the largest nor the grandest libraries, but the fascinating history of Catalunya National Library, formerly Hospital de la Santa Creu satisfies resident readers. It’s a great place to begin learning about Barcelona’s long and storied relationship with the book. In addition to seeing the oldest book written in Catalan, visitors will find one of the largest collections of Miguel de Cervantes’ work, as well as photos of the hospital as it was when Antoni Gaudí spent a short convalescence there after his fateful run-in with a tram. Guided tours of the library are possible by scheduling a visit on the website. Alternatively, on the day of Sant Jordi the library is open to the public. Visitors are welcome to take a free guided tour or explore the library on their own with a downloadable English guide also available on their website.

Duration: 1.5 hours Price: €25 for groups up to 25 people Free on April 23rd bnc.cat

CAFE CULTURE Enjoy a shot of inspiration with your coffee at these literary hangouts

CAFE SALAMBÓ (GRÀCIA)

Perhaps the godfather of literary cafes, this Gràcia haunt lacks the charm of artistic hangouts such as Els Quatre Gats, but its literary past, illustrated in photographs on the walls of the famous writers it’s hosted, is near and dear to locals.

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BAUMA (EIXAMPLE)

Since its opening in the Forties, Bauma has served as a meeting place for the literati in Barcelona, particularly toward the end of the dictatorship when intellectual conversation flowed more freely. Once the local hub of writers including Catalan poet Joan Brossa and Enrique Vilamatas, these days it’s an unpretentious place to grab a coffee and imagine its storied past.

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CAFE DEL CENTRE (EIXAMPLE)

Run by the same family since 1873, Cafè del Centre remains more or less unchanged. Its Modernista interior inspires the imagination as it once did for the artists who spent time there. Years ago it was the place to find stirring cultural debates and a celebrated poetry series. Today, it’s a good place for a home-cooked Catalan meal and a drink.

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L’HORIGINAL (RAVAL)

L’Horiginal (today known as Restaurante Horiginal) is a well-known stop for poets who perform in its back room theatre. Grab a meal, or a drink at the bar, and peruse the shelves of books for sale in English, Catalan and Castilian.

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WORKING LIFE

STARTUP OF THE MONTH

JULIEN PALIER

Co-founder of daysk, franCe, 36

Palier (right) with co-founder Benoit Gilloz

We launched Daysk in October 2016, with the aim of connecting individuals and professionals with a space to work whenever and wherever they need it. For small teams, freelancers, digital nomads, sales reps and so on, it’s often wasteful to have permanent offices. Rent is expensive and half the time there’s no one there. We offer a quality alternative. With Daysk you can choose the best workspace for your day ahead.

I had been working for two years as a freelance consultant, moving from one client to another on a daily basis. I didn’t have an office, so I usually wound up in Starbucks, which is a good place to be if you want a Frappuccino, but not the best environment for getting work done. After growing tired of noisy cafes and bad internet connections, I started to think, ‘Wouldn’t it be nice to have a resource handy to tell me all the places nearby with available work spaces and be able to book the perfect spot at a moment’s notice?’ Think about how commonplace it is to book a taxi on demand.

Daysk gives you the freedom to do that with offices.

Part of the challenge of building this platform is balancing the supply and demand.

First we scout out an area for any places our users might want to work—from empty desks in bigger corporate offices and comfortable coworking spaces, to cafes and bars. The more people rely on Daysk and the more bookings we get, the more quality spaces we have to provide.

Currently we have more than 150 spaces indexed, and we’re moving quickly to

activate them. Each one will have photos and a description of its features—whether or not it has a terrace, free coffee, etc.—to give our clients a glimpse of the atmosphere and community there, so they know ahead of time if it’s a good match for their objectives that day. In the future there will be a more social layer, where users can check in and then rate a place after their work day finishes.

Our team works in the spirit of Daysk, from home offices to different coworking spaces around the city. Originally this digital nomad existence was a logistical problem, but we solved that! And more than finding and booking the perfect workspace, we want to facilitate connections between the creative and digital nomad community in Barcelona. We want to be a catalyst for experiences that can further our clients’ careers.

My advice to anyone with an idea for a startup is to get out and talk about it as much as you can. Build your network and launch as soon as possible. Don’t bother spending months or years perfecting every last detail. Send out an email or create a landing page—this is the only way to gain real insight into how the public will react to what you’re proposing. Once you understand what your audience truly needs and wants, then you’ll be able to fine-tune the product, hopefully guaranteeing its success.

Any work before that is futile because you’re only working off assumptions.

More information about the app at daysk.com

GET INSPIRED...

ZUMOB

STARTUP GRIND 3RD ANNIVERSARY

TEDXBARCELONA LIVE

Makers of Barcelona’s latest series of events is all about ‘squeezing the freshest ideas’ out of the local entrepreneurial community.

The evening gives attendees the opportunity to network with innovative and motivated individuals in a relaxed environment.

Mob&Pau. Ronda de Sant Pau 47.

April 4th. 7.30pm.

Startup Grind Barcelona celebrates its third anniversary with special guest Scott Arpajian.

The CEO of Softonic, the world’s leading software download and app discovery portal, will share his professional expertise in a short talk, followed by time for networking.

Antiga Fàbrica Estrella Damm. Rosselló 515.

April 20th. 6pm.

Join the city’s most curious minds as TedxBarcelona screens 13 talks from this year’s Ted conference in Vancouver. For the 2017 edition, Ted will feature international icons such as serial entrepreneur Elon Musk and President of the World Bank Group Jim Yong Kim. Mobile World Centre. Fontanella 2.

April 28th. 4.30pm & 7pm.

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WORKING LIFE

ARE YOU DIGITALLY SAVVY? No one can afford to slack on their tech skills these days. Luckily, Barcelona is just the place to get yours up to date

T

he digital economy is expanding rapidly and transforming businesses and organisations across the board. No longer the reserve of the IT specialist, everyone is now expected to keep up with trends as companies and recruiters employ new working tools and techniques. Yet as technology quickly outstrips our educational and training systems, a digital skills shortage is taking its toll on the global economy. Research by US tech specialists IDC suggests that inadequate digital skills could be reducing overall productivity by a fifth. And in the UK, according to government data, the skills shortage is costing the economy £63 billion a year.

Companies need employees who are digitally proficient and adaptable to change. Brushing up on your digital skills will make you more attractive to prospective employers and increase your chances of furthering your career.

Business owners can’t afford to be behind the game either. From sales generation and marketing, to production and distribution, you need to be able to manage all the tools that your company has at its disposal to keep competitive.

Fortunately, we’re in Barcelona, a renowned Smart City, home to countless startups and packed with digitally savvy folk who are happy to share their skills with you, sometimes at a price and sometimes for free.

Of course, you won’t need everything. Your first step is to understand what you do need to reach your own personal and business goals and get ahead of the rest of the field, whether they are competing businesses or prospective candidates. Know what tools are used in your industry and focus on getting those up to scratch.

Read on to find the resources that best suit you.

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FREE

SHORT COURSES

PRO COURSES

MEETUPS Barcelona has several Meetup groups that meet regularly to discuss specific digital themes, such as Wordpress, SEO and coding. You’re likely to meet professionals as well as people just entering the field. For interesting events try Flylancers, CODINO, Wordpress & Marketing Barcelona, and Barcelona WordPress English. meetup.com

Barcelona Code School offers a number of short courses on setting up WordPress websites. For €79 you can join the four-hour ‘Create a website from zero’, which gives you the knowledge to build your own WordPress site. barcelonacodeschool.com

From retraining as a community manager to becoming a big data specialist, growth hacker or SEO expert, Barcelona is home to a number of excellent business schools that offer Masters and Postgraduate courses in aspects of the digital economy.

Learn everything you need about social media marketing, Adwords and Google Analytics on Seeway’s monographic courses. Seeway also holds an online course for people looking to improve their LinkedIn profile and online reputation.

Longer professional courses are also available. seeway.net

Barcelona Technology School barcelonatechnologyschool.com ESADE esade.edu IESE iese.edu European University euruni.edu Universitat Pompeu Fabra barcelonaschoolofmanagement.upf.edu Geneva Business School gbsge.com

COWORKINGS There are numerous coworking spaces in the city, many of which hold regular free seminars and get-togethers for people interested in improving their digital skills. Two of the best for regular activities are Cloud Coworking (Sardenya 229, coworkinginthecloud.com) and Valkiria (Pujades 126, valkiriahubspace.com).

BARCELONA ACTIVA CIBERNÀRIUM The Cibernàrium is part of Barcelona Activa, the city council’s scheme for the promotion of business skills and entrepreneurship. Housed in the stateof-the-art Media-TIC building in Poblenou, it offers programmes for IT skills acquisition at all levels.

The courses are short and practical, focusing on a specific topic and lasting between three and four hours. Courses may be from one to three sessions long and cover numerous themes, from using tools for project management to SEO, coding with CSS, and social media for marketing. w144.bcn.cat

Espai offers four-hour workshops on Google Adwords, LinkedIn, SEO and Google Analytics.

All are suitable for people with no previous experience. Longer courses are also available. espai.es You can get up to speed on all aspects of social media at one of these intensive morning courses courtesy of The Social Media Company. Courses include LinkedIn branding, YouTube marketing, Google Analytics and creation of WordPress sites. community.es

CODING BOOTCAMPS

If you fancy yourself as a coder, why not try out a coding bootcamp? These full-immersion courses last around 10 weeks and will set you up for getting a foothold in the tech industry. There’s a reason they’re called bootcamps, so expect long hours and total dedication. The following schools offer bootcamps and shorter courses.

Skylab Coders Academy skylabcoders.com Codeworks codeworks.me Ironhack ironhack.com

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WORKING LIFE

A DAY IN THE LIFE CaroLIne CourTIer, 56, duTCH, HuMan resourCes dIreCTor

saM says...

GET THE BALL ROLLING BEFORE YOU MOVE Dear Sam, I’m an architect, and when Barcelona’s crisis hit in 2008, I had to leave the city as business was terrible. Since then I’ve built up a wonderful company in London and things are going well. That being said, I can’t shake this burning desire to return to my old life in Barcelona. I know the ‘worst’ of it is over and the ‘world of architects’ has started to pick up again, but the longer I stay in London the more comfortable I feel and the more daunting it seems to pack my bags. I don’t want to start from scratch, and I don’t want to leave a good thing behind, but I’d much rather be living by the Mediterranean. How can I convince myself that it’ll be OK, that I should just take the plunge?

Thanks for your time!

Scared to go home

Hi Scared to go home,

6aM If it’s my turn to take our son to school, we leave at 6.25am to beat the traffic. Otherwise I get up around 7.30am and start the day with a coffee, fresh orange juice and porridge. I work from home because my team is spread out all over the world, but like anybody who works in an office, my first task is to catch up on emails. I start with Asia because it’s midday there and I need to catch them during their standard working hours.

9aM See what projects need attention. Typically this means sorting out an issue with employee benefits in a certain country, or helping a business manager who needs to assess the salaries for his multi-country department against the market.

10.30aM-1PM Meetings with my Asia and Europe direct reports. They understand the local challenges of dealing with managers who want to ensure their employees are remunerated fairly and receive the correct employee benefits. This may result in new projects to improve salary levels, bonus plans or benefits offered. Sometimes it is only a matter of educating people on our compensation and benefits packages in each individual country.

1PM Run on the beach. This is the time to clear my head before my US colleagues wake up.

2-7PM A quick sandwich and then calls with my US colleagues. I am their go-to person when it comes to ensuring that global policies are compliant across the board. I also depend on them to keep me updated on the different directions the company is taking. This could result in new initiatives on the international side. These calls go on until approximately 7pm, depending on what issues occur. In between I often prepare reports or presentations for these calls.

7PM Time for a glass of wine while my husband prepares food. He takes care of the household and my youngest son. (The older one is at university in the UK.) We eat as a family at 7.30pm. After dinner we like to watch UK’s Channel 4 news, which I must say seems like a soap opera these days.

Working with countries around the world means I learn new things every day—there’s never a dull moment!

Other than that, there are PWN events in Barcelona during the week.

Attending these gives me enormous energy and pleasure. Networking with other professional women, who are given a voice through our network, is very satisfying.

Caroline works at Conduent (a recent spin-off from Xerox) as an HR director, looking after compensation & benefits for their international offices. She is also on the board of the PWN (Professional Women’s Network Barcelona).

It must have been extremely challenging for you when the crisis hit. I know architects and builders were some of the most affected industries. I applaud you for making it work in London and can imagine it wasn’t an easy shift. I also give you a lot of credit for being so in tune with yourself, that as wonderful as things are there, you recognise your desire to live by the sea. That’s a hard feeling to ignore, especially since this is a hard place to stay away from.

I think the first question to address is: Which part of moving back are you so afraid of? Which part do you think will NOT be OK? It’s easier to convince yourself that everything will work out if you can narrow down what’s worrying you. More often than not we create ‘monsters’ in our heads and when looking at situations with a bit more perspective, we realise these can be self-limiting beliefs. Things that we convince ourselves to be true but in fact hold no weight.

Once you’ve dissected your concerns and are sure that you want to make the shift, here are a few other ideas to help you get over the hump: 1: Write down and articulate why you want to move back. Things can sometimes be easier to dismiss when we just feel them in our gut. Write down your WHY for moving on a piece of paper and say it out loud to your friends and family. By doing this you’re making the prospect of changing cities real and it’ll be a lot harder to ignore.

2: reach out to people ‘on the other side’. Get in touch with your network in Barcelona, set up meetings and start looking for work/life opportunities BEFORE you arrive. This will allow you to hit the ground running once you get here.

3: Give yourself peace of mind. Ask the question: What do I personally need in order to make relocating a simple, safe and relaxed process? Some people want a financial cushion, others need to feel like they’ve tied up all loose ends or know they have a comfortable place to stay when they get there. Find out what exactly would make you feel better and rest assured that you’re making the right decision, and do your best to put those pieces of the puzzle into place. The more at peace you are, the more confident you’ll feel and the more motivated you’ll be.

Sam Mednick is a professional life and executive coach based in Barcelona (blueprintcoaching.ca). A Canadian native, she’s been living in the city for eight years, working with companies as well as individuals, focusing on transitions, communication, leadership training, time management and productivity as well as emotional intelligence development. For more coaching tips, tune into her podcast: blueprintcoaching.podomatic.com

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www.thenoiselab.es

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TRAVEL

HORSING ABOUT IT’S HEALTHY, FUN AND GOOD FOR THE SOUL. AND THERE’S NO SHORTAGE OF BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO RIDE IN CATALUNYA

By Jay Collins

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I

t’s easy to get caught up in urban life and forget just how nurturing and restorative nature is. A day in the hills is enough to melt away a week’s worth of stress.

And if heading to the countryside provides some muchneeded peace for a city slicker’s psyche, then doing so on horseback is the zenith of relaxation. Horse riding is one of the best ways to take to the hills, breathe in the country air and disconnect without taking a single step yourself. Besides the communion with nature, many people find the connection with the horse to be profoundly therapeutic. Highly intelligent creatures, horses are deeply attuned to body language and emotions. Winston Churchill famously said: “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man”—the psychological benefits of being with horses are well-known. Equine therapy has become a popular way to help people deal with stress and addictions. It’s good for your body too, exercising muscles that are essential for core strength and balance.

Catalunya is rich in possibilities for some horse play, from gentle treks with the kids to week-long excursions that will leave you saddle sore but exhilarated. And the landscapes you can explore are many and varied. Wind your way through the nearby Collserola hills and the lush beauty of the Montseny natural park, or travel further afield and trek through the Pyrenees or along the Mediterranean coastline. Spring is a wonderful time to get in the saddle. Crisp, sunny days and the rich abundance of flora and fauna will make for a spectacular and thoroughly relaxing city break. Don’t worry if you have no prior experience or find the thought of horses unnerving, as there are many good riding schools that offer adventures for all levels, from beginner to pro.

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THE BEST PLACES TO ...get stARTED Hípica Can Taió in Santa Perpètua de Mogoda is located just 18 kilometres outside Barcelona and easily accessible by public transportation. Founded in 2009 and located in the grounds of a medieval castle, Can Taió offers a wide variety of activities. Its treks are suitable for riders with no experience and take participants through a beautiful part of rural Catalunya, where they can enjoy views of the peaks of Montserrat, Montseny and Sant Llorenç de Munt. The team’s experience with equine therapy and coaching horses makes them an ideal choice for nervous first-time riders. gsishipica.org Children can enjoy their first riding experience at Poni Club Catalunya in Sant Just Desvern, which offers short tours on ponies through the Parque Natural de Collserola. Likewise, adults with no riding background can build their confidence in the club’s beginner classes. The school is 10 minutes from the city centre by car, but it’s also possible to get there by bike or public transport. poniclubcatalunya.com

...TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT Natural Hipic was founded in 2001, by local equestrian Juan Araquistain. Besides trails in the Montserrat natural park, the centre offers Western-style riding. The focus here is on communication with the horse and helping riders position themselves as the ‘leader’. Once you have your Western style down pat, you can perfect your cowboy skills, herding cattle and learning how to lasso a calf. naturalhipic.com

...CONNECT Set among fragrant pine trees in the hills behind the Maresme city of Mataró, in the Parc Natural del Montnegre i el Corredor, is Horseway riding school. Horseway specialises in equine therapies and teaching the benefits of Connected Riding. This method was created by US horsewoman Peggy Cummings and is based on promoting freedom of movement and an ‘in sync’ connection between horse and rider.

The course focuses first on exercises to improve body consciousness. Once the rider is more aware of their own body’s movement, they go on to ‘riding from within’, fluidly and harmoniously. The awareness and greater connection transforms the riding experience, eliminating any tension or resistance between the horse and rider.

Classes are for individuals or for groups of between three and six participants.

Families can also work on their own dynamics through immersion in nature and interaction with the horses. Family sessions take place on the fourth Saturday of the month from 10am to 1pm and cost €60 per family. horseway.es

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...HAVE AN ADVENTURE Bolder explorers can join equestrian club Catalonia Trails on one of its spectacular journeys through Catalunya. Based in Sant Fruitós de Bages, the club takes experienced riders on trails that last from four to eight days, covering up to 180 kilometres. Four to six hours are spent in the saddle each day, but you’ll be well rewarded with a hearty dinner and a comfy bed in hotels and guest houses en route. The different trails include the ‘Mountain to Sea’ trek from the foothills of the Pyrenees through the Empordá and ending at the bay of Roses. Or try the ‘Smuggler’s Trail’, which explores Romanic Catalunya and climbs to an altitude of 2,000 metres into the Massif of Bassegoda. catalonia-horse-trails.com Panorama Trails in Terradelles is a 21-yearold riding establishment that offers many trail options on well-trained, reliable horses.

Multi-day excursions lead to the Pyrenees, along the coastline, and to Andorra. And, while you’re not riding, there’s plenty of time to indulge, particularly if you choose one of the tours with a special focus, such as wine tasting or local gastronomy.

The true adventurers can opt for one of Panorama Trails’ self-guided tours. You’ll be packed off with a map, itinerary, GPS and information about your lodgings. The rest is up to you. panorama-trails.com

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restaurant review

RESTAURANT REVIEW

LA TAVERNA DEL CLÍNIC LA TAVERNA GROWS UP

By Sam Zucker

B

ack in 2006, when La Taverna del Clínic debuted, it was a taverna in the true sense of the word—a small space with a narrow bar where diners enjoyed excellent tapas and dishes between turns at the video gambling machine tucked into the corner. Since the beginning, the brothers and founders of La Taverna del Clínic—maître d’ and sommelier Manuel ‘Manu’ Simôes and chef Toni Simôes—have made pristine ingredients their top priority, above even cost. Sourcing the absolute best seafood, meat and produce is what first gained them fame and allowed them, in 2014, to expand La Taverna from 95 square metres to 220 square metres and build out a gorgeous professional kitchen worthy of Toni’s extensive experience and classical French leanings.

When entering the new dining room one passes an impressive, floorto-ceiling wine refrigerator, a testament to Manu’s passion. The spot won ‘Best Wine List in Barcelona’ in 2015 from the Cartaví awards, and boasts more than 600 bottles (and 80 different champagnes, for which Manu is apparently a fanatic).

The open kitchen here is a sight to behold, with a young team of chefs working with intense focus, all the while seeming to truly enjoy their demanding jobs. The centrepiece of this polished steel workspace

is a Charvet, ‘French piano-style’ cooking suite that must have cost a fortune. The chefs moved gracefully around this hub of ovens, flat tops, and burners, plating one dish after the next in our memorable 10-course extended tasting menu.

The first plate to arrive was a trio of small bites: a wobbly, briny sphere of Gordal olive oil, a single navaja (razor clam) steamed and chopped, served in the shell with a light ponzu dressing and picual olive oil ‘caviar’, and a wispy cracker of wild rice, plankton and seaweed, topped with mild strips of smoked eel.

Next came a light and tart gazpacho of cherries with bronte pistachio pesto, red prawns, green apple brunoise and a kick of garlic. Each spoonful was refreshing yet subtle. The garlic was quite strong but worked in harmony with the pesto and fruit. Again, a display of restraint and technique, which paid off in yielding a memorable and faultless dish.

The third course ended up being my favourite of the evening. A small plate of raw, just above-room temperature fatty tuna belly (known as ventresca in Spain and otoro in Japan) fished in nearby Tarragona, garnished with raw sea urchin roe, tomato concasse, sturgeon caviar from Russia, dots of an earthy black garlic sauce and herbaceous celery ice cream. The combination of flavours here was explosive, and the tuna,

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MORE INFO

Rosselló 155 latavernadelclinic.com T. 93 410 4221 Mon-Sat 1pm-4pm, 8.30-11.30pm Prices: Tasting menus for €58, €75 or €100 per person. À la carte also available. ✪✪✪✪✪

Photos courtesy of La Taverna del Clínic

✪ NOT WORTH THE TRIP ✪✪ COULD IMPROVE ✪✪✪ GOOD ✪✪✪✪ VERY GOOD ✪✪✪✪✪ NOT TO BE MISSED

while unctuous and rich, still had texture and a bit of chew, which I actually enjoyed. I could taste all the components of this dish distinctly and also loved the combination of the almost-warm tuna with the chilled ice cream.

The dishes paraded onward, with foie gras micuit in truffle gelée, baby spring peas with cod tripe, sea cucumber and fried rooster’s comb, and seared scallops with rabbit and crustacean-stuffed rigatoni, each making a fabulous arrival to our table. One of the most standout dishes of the evening, beside the tuna, was the tataki of 60-day, dry-aged Rubia Gallega beef, marinated in fugu (Japanese pufferfish) broth, topped with garlic chips, baby mushrooms and mustard sauce. This meat was so intensely flavoured and tender that I actually preferred it without the spicy mustard, so I could really taste this exquisite product. Paired with the IMÔ 2005 Priorat red, made by Manu himself (also an enologist), I was nearing euphoria.

My other favourite was the suckling lamb roulade that was sous vide, lightly smoked, then stuffed with lamb sweetbreads, and bathed in a delicate and deeply-aromatic sauce of lamb jus and cardamon. Piled in a tiny heap beside the lamb were an assortment of baby vegetables and morel mushrooms, cooked in the classic French style of brief blanching and mounting with butter. This may have been the first time in my life I have actually tasted the flavour of morels completely unadulterated, and it was an indelible experience.

After a light palate cleanse of vegetable and citrus sorbet, and a decadent final dessert of butter-bathed torrija de brioche, we were offered glasses of Taittinger champagne, one of Manu’s personal favourites. Remarkably, La Taverna del Clínic, while a famous name in Barcelona for more than a decade, far surpassed my expectations. The passion and quality of the work here is beyond compare, and I would recommend this dining experience to anyone looking for a taste of something truly special. You eat here as if you’re in the owners’ homes, and I would have stayed the night if they would have let me.

The open kitchen here is a sight to behold, with a young team of chefs working with intense focus

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QUICK BITES

LA DAMA A CLASSIC LADY REBORN MORE INFO

Av. Diagonal 423 la-dama.com T 93 209 6328 Mon-Sat 1.30pm-5pm and 8.30pm-3am Closed Sunday Price €55/person Menu del día €28

Photo courtesy of La Dama

By Sam Zucker

With the recent addition of Parisian chef Edouard Deplus, the menu of La Dama is full of nods to the realm of modern French dining

L

a Dama has been a name associated with elegance in the world of Barcelona fine dining since 1986, when iconic Barcelona chef Josep Bullich opened a gastronomic space in the dazzling Casa Sayrach, a Modernista home from 1918 on the corner of Av. Diagonal and Enric Granados. For decades, until its closing in 2015, La Dama was a bastion of classic haute cuisine. Not long after these famous doors were shuttered, they were re-opened under the same name with an entirely new concept and appearance. The new La Dama might be one of the most beautiful and refined restaurants (without being overly formal) in which I have ever eaten. The building is incredible and the decoration deeply authentic. I could have stayed for hours, enjoying this intimate and stylish environment, decorated with mirrors, vintage posters and eclectic artwork. The food lives up to the impressive space. With the recent addition of Parisian chef Edouard Deplus, the menu of La Dama is full of nods to the realm of modern French dining, while winking slyly at the food traditions of Spain, Scandinavia and beyond.

The execution of each dish was spot on. The squid carbonara (strips of squid resembling tagliatelle with a creamy egg yolk parmesan sauce) was velvety and delicious, and the jumbo seared scallop with sunchoke purée and jamón chip was cooked perfectly, with lovely layered textures. I’m a sucker for veal sweetbreads, and the ones at La Dama, plump and crispy, and served with Morel mushrooms on an indulgent potato purée (laden with butter like only the French know how) were perhaps the best sautéed sweetbreads I have ever had. The braised aged beef rib was garnished with pickled onion—an ideal foil to the rich and concentrated flavour of the braised meat, which tasted mildly of American barbecue.

Places like La Dama are few and far between. In the same restaurant, you find a homage to the city’s golden era of Modernisme, a dynamic and varied menu full of finesse, and an interior decor and ambiance that could render any date a near guaranteed success. With an average à la carte price of around €55 per person, I think La Dama deserves all of its recent accolades, and more.

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event

BEATS AND TREATS SOUNDEAT!

Pl. leonardo da Vinci. aPril 8th.

To kick off its new season with a bang, SoundEat 2017 will host some of the most influential artists on the contemporary electronic music scene. Unlike previous editions that highlighted local indie and pop bands, the fifth edition of SoundEat! will have internationally-established DJs such as Detroit Swindle, Foals DJ Set and Max Graef lighting up the stage. To enhance the experience, this event pairs good music with good food. The gastronomic lineup includes a variety of local food trucks that will keep you energised all day. Grab a slice of Anticy’s traditional pizzas, indulge in spicy Mexican specialities at Corazón de Agave, or stay healthy with Vegetalia’s mouthwatering recipes made from ecological products. To keep the youngest participants entertained, SoundEat! will dedicate a space to kids where they can have some fun too.

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RECIPE

CARDAMOM SPIKED CRISPY FISH BALLS (serves 6)

T

his new take on the tapas bar classic buñuelos de bacalao was inspired by a recent trip to Laos, where I was researching indigenous foods among the jungle tribes of the north. When examining food cultures with a long, strong heritage, you often come across similarities from place to place. A love of hot, salty, fried things for example. You’ll see various versions of the salt cod fritter all over the Spanish-speaking world, as well as in parts of Africa and Asia. This version is quite simple, but elevates the humble buñuelo into something extraordinary. Trust me, your friends will go nuts for them! Serve with buckets of ice-cold beer, tartar sauce or aioli, and maybe a simple side of the season's fine radishes for added crunch and freshness.

IN SEASON

APRIL: STRAWBERRIES, PUMPKIN, COURGETTES, LEEKS, RADISHES

INGREDIENTS

150g salt cod, or any other white fish fillet 100ml coconut milk (or normal milk, if preferred) 2 eggs 1 tsp ground cardamom Breadcrumbs or panko for coating Salt + pepper

METHOD 1. Mince the fish by hand, in a food processor or if you want to be truly authentic, in a pestle and mortar.

2. Whisk one of the eggs together with the coconut milk and slowly add to the fish, stirring constantly until it forms a thick paste.

3. Add the cardamom, season

well with salt and pepper, and chill for at least half an hour.

4. Roll the fish into walnutsized balls, coat in egg and then roll in breadcrumbs.

5. Add the fish balls one at a time to medium-hot oil and fry until golden.

6. Serve with tartar sauce or aioli.

Tara Stevens is a food writer and cook who splits her time between Barcelona and her little cooking school in the Fez Medina. Passionate about Spanish and Moroccan cuisine, she takes traditional recipes and gives them a modern makeover using local and seasonal ingredients.

Follow Tara on Instagram @courtyardkitchenfez and Twitter @taralstevens.

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3/21/17 1:11 PM

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NEFW &D

FOOD DRINK

& IN

Bar D9 BAR4 POBLENOU Whether you are an Erasmus student, a football fanatic or a music lover, D9 Bar has at least one night a week for you. Equipped with a terrace, D9 offers a wide range of tapas, beers, cocktails and shots for every night of the week.

With American Day on Wednesdays, Erasmus parties on Thursdays and music-themed parties on Fridays and Saturdays, there is always something for everyone.

DISCOUNT FOR METROPOLITAN READERS

under 20 | 20-30 | 30-40 | over 40  food&drink visit our online directory www.barcelona-metropolitan.com/eating-and-drinking

Pallars 122, 08016 Tel. 93 309 9202 I www.denou.bar Sun-Thurs 6pm-2.30am Fri-Sat 6pm-3am

To advertise in this section call: 93 451 4486 or email: ads@barcelona-metropolitan.com MALPASO4EIXAMPLE

MENEGHINA4BORN

This recently opened restaurant offers traditional Mexican cuisine. For starters, don’t miss the excellent house nachos, served with cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole and sour cream, or Vuelve la Vida, a seafood ceviche with avocado, tomato and lime. Other dishes include the Arrachera, a grilled US prime hanger steak served with baked vegetables, as well as the Atún Moctezuma, a pan-seared tuna battered in Mexican spices, served with pico de gallo, avocado and mint sauce.

Mexican brunch is also available at the weekend.

Located on a quaint side street close to the convent of Sant Agusti in El Born, Meneghina offers an exciting and innovative combination of Italian and Catalan flavours, tempting desserts and an extensive selection of wines in a relaxed atmosphere. The menu features fresh seasonal produce which changes on a daily basis.

Girona 59, 08009 Tel. 93 461 3060 Mon-Thurs 8am-12am Fri-Sat 8am-3pm, Sun 9.30am-12am

Tiradors 2 I T. 93 119 2221 hola@meneghina.es I www.meneghina.es www.facebook.com/meneghinas Tues-Sun 1pm-3.30pm, Tues-Sat 8.30pm-11.30pm

BAR CENTRO4 EIXAMPLE The recently opened Bar Centro offers a unique experience when you indulge in one of their burgers. 40-day aged beef of Galician ‘Vaca Vieja’ cooked on the grill is a must-try. 8 Craft Beer taps go hand in hand with their gastronomic proposal. Don’t miss all four versions of their pulled pork, the homemade nachos, the chilli or the bravas! Everything is handcrafted.

NEFW &D IN

C/ Casp 55. 08010 Metro Tetuan/ Urquinaona Tel. 93 192 5255 www.barcentrobcn.com barcentrobcn@gmail.com Mon- Wed: 1pm-11pm Thurs-Fri: 1pm- 11.30pm Sat 8pm- 12am

BAR DOS BILLARES4 RAVAL This well-kept secret is located in the basement of Casa Camper Hotel, where jazz, culture and billiard lovers can relax and enjoy an exclusive cocktail. This club offers a programme of cultural and music events for the most creative public. It is the ideal space for escaping the crowds or hosting business clients.

Elisabets 11 | Metro Liceu Tel. 93 342 6280 Tues-Thurs 4pm-12am Fri-Sat 4pm-2am www.club.casacamper.com

Food & drink APR 2017.indd 44

BLACKLAB BREWERY4 BARCELONETA The recently opened BlackLab Brewery offers customers a new experience in Barcelona––a place to enjoy a unique pint of craft beer, made just two metres away from where you’re sitting.

BlackLab’s food is a culinary journey from China all the way to New York. You’ll find dumplings and bahn mi, mussels fresh from the fish market, ramen, cheesecake, portobello mushrooms, and more. New 1 hour beer tour every Sunday at 5pm. Tastings of 4 beers for €12. Quote ‘Metropolitan’ to receive a free BlackLab bag.

Palau de Mar, Plaça Pau Vila 1, 08039 Tel. 93 22 18 360 hola@blacklab.es www.blacklab.es

3/22/17 12:52 PM

FONDA ESPAÑA4 BARRI GÒTIC

MANNÀ GELATS4 BARRI GÒTIC

Located in the emblematic Hotel España, the Modernist dining room, designed and decorated by Domènech i Montaner, houses Fonda España.

Rich in patrimonial interest, the historic elements in this beautiful room inspire and enhance the new elements. Here, Gastronomic Director Martín Berasategui’s aim is to offer his well-known culinary concept to diners looking for simple, balanced and delicious dishes that are a tribute to the renowned chef’s origins.

Mannà Gelats offers homemade ice creams, waffles and crêpes in the heart of the Barrio Gótico. Their ice creams are inspired by family recipes, using the finest products. The fresh fruit sorbets are made with market-bought products, and boast a range of exotic varieties. Their passion is to please their customers with personalised attention.

Banys Nous 22 | Metro Liceu Tel. 93 342 7312 Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm Fri-Sat 11am-11pm www.mannagelats.wordpress.com

Sant Pau 9-11 I Metro Liceu Tel. 93 550 0000 Mon-Sat 1pm-4pm and 8pm-11pm Sun 1pm-4pm

Indian / Tandoori CAFÉ MENSSANA4 CIUTAT VELLA

NICE SPICE4POBLENOU Specialists in Tandoori. Typical halaal with high quality dishes. See the chefs prepare and cook your food which is all made with fresh ingredients. Boasting a Bollywood musical ambience, Nice Spice is an excellent choice for traditional indian food in Barcelona.

At Menssana, a creative and healthy cuisine is combined with gracious and knowledgeable service. There is something for everyone, with vegan and vegetarian options created using flavours from across the globe. They also offer a carefully selected range of local wines and beers, as well as smoothies and fresh juices. Their aim is to nourish your body and mind with delicious meals, served in a vibrant and friendly atmosphere.

Sardenya 48, 08005 Tel. 93 624 3505 Mon-Sat 9am-12am Sun 9am-6pm www.facebook.com/menssanabarcelona

Pujades 207 | Metro Poblenou Tel. 93 308 9548 www.restaurantnicespice.com Open everday 12pm-4pm, 8pm-12pm

BRITTA’S NORDIC DELI4GRÀCIA

SÚPER COFFEE & FOOD STORE4POBLENOU Take Away Shop Healthy food cooked by us for you to take away. Our food begins with ingredients which have been sourced for their freshness and quality. We support local ecological providers. Our dishes are a representation of the seasons and we strive to provide fresh dishes prepared on a daily basis. Check the website for the current menu.

Britta’s Nordic Deli is the first and only Scandinavian deli in Barcelona.

Here you’ll find the most delicious sandwiches and smørrebrød in town.

Moreover, they offer all kinds of specialities to take away from a wide charcuterie, including smoked and marinated wild salmon, hot smoked salmon, marinated herring, homemade salads, smoked deer, organic cheeses, Danish seaweed caviar and a lot more.

Bonavista 29 | Tel. 93 461 7362 | Mon 5-9pm, Tues-Fri 11.30am-3.30pm and 5pm-9pm, Sat 11.30am-3.30pm, Sun closed | www.brittas.es

Delivery FOODIES BARCELONA4POBLENOU

Business Catering Súper is specialised in catering for business events and meetings of any size.

Contact info@superbcn.es for a detailed overview.

Foodies Barcelona is an online restaurant that prepares wholesome and fresh meals, delivering to your office, business or party. Whether you want a healthy lunch for a meeting or daily catering, they’ve got you covered. Order online or contact them for a menu.

Roc Boronat 102, 08018 | Tel: 933 099 838 Mon - Fri: 8am - 6pm | www.superbcn.es | @ superbcnes

Sant Joan de Malta 131 | Tel. 93 266 4271 Mon-Fri 8am-11am | www.foodiesbarcelona.es

Vegetarian/Vegan BE MY BAGEL4GRÀCIA

GOVINDA (VEGETARIAN)4BARRI GÒTIC

Do you dream of great bagels? Then Be My Bagel is the right place for you. They sell authentic bagels from Barcelona, just how you like them. Offering an extensive range of bagels and cakes—from the more classic choices such as poppy and multigrain to delicious and innovative chocolate, almond and coconut bagels—you won’t come away disappointed.

Founded 25 years ago, Govinda continues to thrive on a blend of experience and fresh innovation with its vegetarian Indian cuisine. The international menu features thalis, a salad bar, natural juices, lassis, pizzas and crêpes. Govinda offers a vegan-friendly, non-alcoholic and authentically-decorated environment with lunch and weekend menus.

Planeta 37 (Pl. del Sol) | Metro Fontana or Gràcia Tel. 93 518 7151 I bemybagel@gmail.com Mon-Fri 9.30am-2pm and 5pm-8.30pm Sat 10am-2.30pm and 6pm-10pm Sun 10.30am-2pm www.bemybagel.es

Food & drink APR 2017.indd 45

Plaça Vila de Madrid 4-5 | Metro Catalunya | Tel. 93 318 7729 Tues-Sat 1pm-4pm and 8pm-11.30pm, Sun-Mon 1pm-4pm | www.govinda.es

AMALTEA4EIXAMPLE A warm and welcoming environment allows you to fully enjoy a tasty and healthier alternative to your everyday meal.

Dishes include cereals, pulses and vegetables with homemade puddings. The cuisine is creatively international with care taken to ensure that each meal is well-balanced and made with the freshest ingredients. Their menu of the day costs 10.70, while their night and weekend menus cost 15.50.

Diputació 164 | Metro Urgell | Tel. 93 454 8613 Mon-Sat 1pm-4pm and 8pm-11pm, Sun closed | www.restauranteamaltea.com

3/22/17 12:52 PM

LOIDI RESTAURANT4 EIXAMPLE

TAP DE SURO4EIXAMPLE

Loidi is a contemporary bistro, in which Martin Berasategui makes his cuisine accessible to everybody. Prepared with the finest seasonal ingredients, his cuisine is presented with an imagination that recalls and pays homage to the celebrated Basque chef’s traditional roots and origins. The menu features various dining options with dishes that change on a weekly basis.

The restaurant is a very contemporary, warm and comfortable space frequented by a local and professional clientele. Head chef: Jordi Asensio. Maître d’: Oscar Fernández.

Tap de Suro is an intimate place dedicated entirely to the world of wine. Here you can experience delicious Mediterranean meals accompanied with an authentic wine collection.

They offer a diverse menu of Catalan wines and cavas, ranging from local Spanish grapes to the best international wines. They also provide a sales service in which they can advise you in finding the perfect flavour for every occasion.

Mallorca 248-250, 08008 Tel. 93 492 9292 Mon-Sat 1pm-3.30pm and 8pm-11pm, Sun 1pm-3.30pm

Mallorca 202, 08008 Tel. 93 461 4853 info@tapdesuro.com Mon-Sat 12pm-5pm and 7pm-11.30pm

CHICKEN SHOP & DIRTY BURGER4 BARRI GÒTIC Roast chicken and burgers – is there anything more appealing? This recently opened restaurant serves both! Their chicken from the Empordà region is marinated and cooked over coals by Chef Iñaki Moreno. They have some amazing Burgers on the Menu, with vegan and gluten free options too. Don’t forget to try their craft beers and cocktails! DJ sessions every Friday and Saturday from 8pm onwards.

Duc de Medinacelli 2, 08002 Tel. 93 220 47009 christian@chickenshop.com Mon-Fri 1pm-12am and Sat 12pm-12am Sun 12pm-11am www.chickenshop.com www.eatdirtyburger.com

Food & drink APR 2017.indd 46

FOR THE BEST BARS, CAFES, AND RESTAURANTS IN BARCELONA, SEE OUR ONLINE A-Z DIRECTORY

3/22/17 12:52 PM

HEALTH &BEAUTY

Mary D. McCarthy - DOCTOR

Doctor for Adults

DISCOUNT FOR METROPOLITAN READERS

Feel confident with Dr. Mary McCarthy, an American-trained doctor for adults.

A native English speaker with over 20 years’ experience in Barcelona, Dr. McCarthy offers professional, private health care. She is a member of the American College of Physicians and is also certified as a Specialist by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

She is also a member of IAMAT.

To advertise in this section call: 93 451 4486 or email: ads@barcelona-metropolitan.com See our online directory at

www.barcelona-metropolitan.com Dr. J. E Batista - UROLOGIST Dr. Jose E Batista is a specialist in Urology who trained in the UK and the USA. Together with his team (Uroclinica Barcelona), he covers all the fields of Urology, with special interest in prostatic diseases, laser surgery, bed wetting (enuresis) and urinary incontinence. The team has worked at Centro Médico Teknon since 1996 and also offers specialists in pediatric urology, as well as English speaking physiotherapists for pelvic floor disorders.

Vilana 12, Office 24, Consult. Marquesa, C M Teknon T. 93 390 6940 Valencia 247, Barcelona Central Office T. 93 390 671 info.urologia@gmail.com www.teknon.es/web/batista

Mary D. McCarthy, M.D. Fellow American College of Physicians

Aribau 215 Pral. 1a T. 93 200 2924 M. 607 220 040 Metro Diagonal or FGC Gràcia

Dr Bassas - DERMATOLOGY The Javier Bassas Dermatology Centre is a well-renowned dermatology and surgical centre equipped with the latest technology. The medical team, led by Dr. Javier Bassas Bresca, consists of Surgical Dermatology and Venereology specialists with vast clinical and surgical experience. Their goal is to provide specialised, rigorous, efficient and accessible care in Surgical Dermatology and Venereology, with the highest quality and ethical standards.

Diagnosing and treating skin diseases is their priority, as well as offering the latest advances in dermoaesthetics.

Consulta Balmes 24 1º1 T. 93 412 6602.

Teknon, Marquesa de Vilallonga nº 12. Consulta nº 34 1ª 08017 T. 93 290 6434 www.drbassas.com

Dr. Steven Joseph - DOCTOR An English doctor in Barcelona, Dr Steven Joseph is a member of The Royal College of General Practitioners and The Royal College of Psychiatrists. He offers a wide range of medical care, including family medicine, sexual health, mental health and access to all specialists and tests. Physiotherapy and chiropractic services are also available. Googol Medical Center provides comprehensive healthcare in a relaxed, friendly and discreet environment. Dr Joseph is happy to take your enquiries directly.

Gran Via Carles III 37-39, 08028 M. 662 291 191 www.englishdoctorbarcelona.com

ServiDigest - HEALTH ServiDigest have more than 40 years’ experience working for your health and are pioneers in colorectal cancer prevention. Nowadays, colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers and prevention is the best treatment. The cure for colorectal cancer depends on preventative measures and its early diagnosis. Detecting symptoms at earlier stages is the key to a good outcome. However, if it is discovered at an advanced stage, it has a five-year survival rate. They have two important digestive screening programmes: the Colorectal Prevention Programme and the Digestive Cancer Prevention Programme.

Narayn Yadave AYURVEDIC DOCTOR Dr. Narayn is an expert in digestion disorders, diet and nutrition at Ayurveda Barcelona, an Ayurvedic Health Centre located in the “Les Corts” district behind L’Illa Diagonal.

The centre provides Ayurvedic consultancy, Ayurvedic treatments and massages, detox programmes and ongoing training in Ayurveda.

ServiDigest. Thinking of people. Fostering prevention.

Medical and Surgical Center ServiDigest

Balmes 334, 08006 T. 93 415 3464/93 545 0990 Mon-Fri 9am-2pm and 4pm-9pm Sat 9am-2pm, Sun closed uad@servidigest.com www.servidigest.com

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Carrer de L’Aviacio 11, 08029 T. 93 494 29 28 / M. 639 325 756 ayurvedabarcelona.net@gmail.com www.ayurvedabarcelona.net.

Open Mon-Sat 10am-8.30pm

3/24/17 8:46 AM

Orthoestetic - DENTIST

Dr. Boj - DENTIST

The Orthoestetic Clinic is located in the heart of Barcelona near the Sagrada Familia. They have modern clinical facilities and equipment, which together with their dentists experience allows them to offer an integral quality dentistry, designed to seek the satisfaction of the patients. Dr. Holguin is a specialist in orthopedics and orthodontics for children and adults, and dental aesthetics. She is certified by the Invisalign system.

Dr. Boj and his team offer specialised, comprehensive dental and orthodontic treatment for children and teens. Laser dentistry and invisible orthodontics are provided. Dr. Boj lectures on dentistry related to these age groups. He studied at the School of Medicine and Dentistry of the University of Rochester, NY, USA. This is a fast and friendly service in an English-speaking, international environment.

Prats de Mollo 10, bajos B 08021 T. 93 209 3994 www.drboj.org

FREE CONSULTATION

Platinum Provider

Hestía - PSYCHOTHERAPY

Diagonal 341, loc 1. 08037 T. 93 512 4749 M. 638 545 555 Metro: Verdaguer (L4 ,L5) www.orthoestetic.es www.ortoesteticbcn.es info@orthoestetic.es

Goldie Uttamchandani ICF CERTIFIED LIFE, BUSINESS AND YOUTH COACH

Hestía International Psychotherapy Centre has become a reference in the city, due to its high quality multidisciplinary and multilingual profile. Their professional team works with individuals, couples and families through a variety of services and approaches to therapy and personal development. They speak English, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, German, Portuguese, Greek, Polish, Swedish, Russian and Catalan.

The first consultation is free.

Goldie is a bilingual ICF Certified Youth & Family Coach. It is her belief that in your teen years you can truly unlock your highest potential as a human being. She is focused on accompanying this age group on navigating through this challenging and exciting journey to help them attain their goals. Try a complimentary first session and begin your journey on connecting with your true greatness.

M. 669 788 508 Skype: goldieuttam goldieuttam@gmail.com www.goldieuttam.com

Diagonal 343, 2º 3ª Metro: Verdaguer (L5) T. 93 459 2802 info@hestia.es www.hestia.es

NEST - NETWORK OF ENGLISH SPEAKING THERAPISTS

NETWORK OF ENGLISH SPEAKING THERAPISTS

The Barcelona Network of English Speaking Therapists (NEST) is a multidisciplinary group of qualified and practising psychologists, psychiatrists and psychotherapists who live and work in and around Barcelona. NEST members work in the English language and have their roots in training bodies and professional associations based elsewhere. A number of NEST members also work in Catalan, Spanish, Bulgarian, Dutch, German, Italian and Greek. For detailed information, please visit their website. www.barcelonaNEST.com

Eugenia Espinosa - ENGLISH

Dra. Susana Campi - DENTIST

SPEAKING PSYCHOLOGIST Eugenia is a licensed psycologist (col.

18602) and therapist for individuals, couples and families, who specialises in issues related to migration. Trained in Mexico, New York and Barcelona, she has a wealth of experience in treating individuals dealing with the complexities and stress of building a new life in a foreign country. She also offers comprehensive treatment for people going through depression, divorce or any other life-altering event.

New premises, new services and new state of the art equipment! For all your dental needs, a team consisting of their first-class professionals can offer you excellent treatment. They have more than 35 years of experience and are pleased to offer you their services in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish and Catalan.

NEW ADDRESS Josep Tarradellas 97 local, 08029 Metro: L-5 Salida Rocafort/Rosselló Bus: 15,27,32,43,54,59,66,78 T. 93 321 4005 susanacampi1980@gmail.com www.clinicadentalcampi.com

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50% DISCOUNT ON 1ST VISIT

Santa Perpetua M. 677 090 479 genaespinosa@yahoo.com

3/24/17 8:46 AM

Creative Resilience -

YogaconGracia - YOGA An enchanting neighbourhood studio and community space with two locations in the heart of Gràcia.

Founded in 2004, you will find a friendly, international vibe in the gorgeous loft-style studios. YcG has something for everyone, from Hatha, Sivananda, Kundalini, Jivamukti (a fast-paced vinyasa) to English, pre-natal and Mum and Baby yoga classes.

THERAPY AND COACHING The oldest way of thinking about life and a different kind of therapy.

Learn how to keep building your resilience. Therapy and coaching for individuals, couples, parents and organisations. Sessions in my office in Gracia, around Barcelona or on Skype. Access to courses & literature related to your therapy, learning how to keep building your own resilience.

www.yogacongracia.com

Bikram Yoga - HOT YOGA

READER OFFER

Bikram Yoga have two centres in Barcelona with over 50 classes a week and options for children. Providing the ideal solution for back pain, stress, weight loss and other problems, they offer international staff and more than 18 years’ experience. Reader offer: €25 for 10 days of unlimited yoga.

Pau Claris 97, Pral, 08009, T. 93 302 5130 Caravel•la la Niña 18, 08017, T. 93 205 0281 www.bikramyoga.es

READER OFFER

Stefan Becker - CHIROPRACTOR English-speaking, Australian-trained Chiropractor working in Barcelona, with 23 years of experience, who specialises in gentle, comfortable techniques. He has years of experience with back pain, neck pain, headaches, disc protrusions, and sciatica, but also with health and wellbeing. Emergencies on weekends.

30% OFF FIRST VISIT

Caponata 3, 08034. M. 646 684 402 Info@sarriaquiropractica.com http://sarriaquiropractica.es/

READER OFFER

T. 698 370 552 jowilkie@creative-resilience.com READER OFFER www.creative-resilience.com

Janeth Solá - MASSAGE Janeth Solá Ayurveda Massage Therapies Centre offers treatment for back and joint pain, stress, fatigue, insomnia and Vata related disorders. This centre located in the Sants district is the ideal place for those looking to improve their physical health and state of mind, practise relaxation and receive nutritional advice and dietary coaching from an Ayurveda viewpoint.

Galileo 82. Sants. M. 655 560 162 janethsola@gmail.com www.janethsola.com

Canvis - PSYCHOLOGIST

Tatiane Canário

Canvis offers an international environment, where you can be assisted in English, German, Dutch, Italian, French, Spanish & Catalan. They provide psychological assessment and treatment to families, adults, adolescents and children. Their committed team can help you through difficult periods and guide you to emotional well-being. Free introduction session.

M. 616 099 328 / 654 389 074 / T. 93 487 46 66 psicologia@canvis.net www.canvis.net

Pilates and muscle activation in a beautiful, fully equipped studio in Gracia, run by Pilates professionals with more than 15 years of experience. Classes available for individuals and pairs, first class is free.

Bring this ad and receive a 10% discount when you sign up for the first 3 months.

- PILATES

T. 93 217 3025 info@tatianecanario.com

Benedicte Taillard - HYPNOSIS, COACHING, REFLEXOLOGY, MASSAGE Benedicte provides you with the tools for, and helps you make the changes you need to enjoy a healthy, purposeful and fulfilling life on a daily basis. She guides you through accomplishing your aspirations, and becoming your best self-help.

M. 654 538 506 benedictetaillard@gmail.com www.reflexologybarcelona.com www.barcelonahipnoterapia.com

Jonathan Hooker - PSYCHOTHERAPIST Jonathan specialises in helping people to deal with change. This may be aspects of their life they would like to change or unexpected changes that they are dealing with. An English-speaking psychotherapist, counsellor, coach and guide, he helps people to improve their relationships and make sense of their lives.

M. 639 579 646 jonathan.hooker@yahoo.com www.jonathanhooker.com

READER OFFER

Emma Axelsson - THERAPY & COACHING

Symmetry Pilates - PILATES

FOR SELF-ESTEEM & ANXIETY Emma is a certified therapist who helps you handle life’s ups and downs, specialising in self-esteem and anxiety-related issues. The first introductory session is free of charge. She also provides group therapy for self-esteem. Visit her website for more information

Premium Pilates - NOT ‘get in, get knackered, get out!’

Most of the day we are sitting down at our computers, or in our cars. But, have you ever asked yourself whether you are sitting properly? Most back pain starts from the way we sit and from sitting for too long. Learn to sit correctly and your quality of life will improve. Unlike other forms of exercise, Pilates is targeted at those parts of the body where either correction – too long huddled over a computer for example – or strength is needed, as well as building up a strong core.

People who do Pilates know it’s all about quality not quantity, so the benefit is felt after only a few sessions. So, sign up at this swanky new city-centre studio (yoga & physio also available) and enjoy a complimentary massage.

Enric Granados 111 (entlo 2º) T. 93 531 3620 M. 637 693 073 info@symmetry.cat www.symmetry.cat

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READER OFFER

República Argentina 19, 08023 M. 685 837 223 em@owning-it.com www.owning-it.com

Pharmacy Serra Mandri - CHEMIST The pharmacy is open 365 days a year and offers a home delivery service. The staff can help and advise each client to ensure they get exactly what they need.

They also stock a great range of products, including homeopathy, natural medicine, aromatherapy and organic cosmetics.

Av. Diagonal 478 T. 93 416 1270 9am-10pm www.farmaciaserra.com

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Oliver Dawson -

FREE REJUVENATING ROSEHIP MASK

Georgina Weinstein -

CHIROPRACTOR

VOICE COACH

Oliver Dawson is a chiropractor who focuses on the direct relationship between spinal structures and health.

Through specific spinal realignment and structural correction, better neurological connections are established throughout the nervous system. The result is less pain, more vitality and better health. Every Thursday from 8-9pm Oliver offers free health activation workshops about the benefits of chiropractic and the key principles.To attend the workshop, please confirm by email and quote ‘Metropolitan’.

Sombrerers 27, Principal T. 93 268 3070 M. 622 772 623 oliver@bornquiro.com www.bornquiro.com

Georgina offers “Tone of Voice Coaching” to speakers, teachers, executives, singers, coaches, and anyone who wants to improve their abilities to communicate clearly.This includes techniques to achieve more volume, pitch, stage presence and confidence while practicing texts, songs and/or subjects that interest the student. Her combination of skills and experience help clients boost their confidence while preparing a repertoire, a presentation, or improving their diction. Classes are available in Spanish and English.

M. 626 255 792 info@georginaweinstein.com www.georginaweinstein.com

The Vital Touch - MASSAGE

Tàctum - HAIR SALON

What is Japanese Facelifting Massage? Japanese Facelifting Massage uses a sequence of massage techniques which act as a natural face lift with no need for surgery, helping make you look and feel younger. This combination of techniques helps improve the complexion, remove toxins from the face, prevent and remove facial wrinkles, reduce and release any muscle tension in the face and jaw.

Facelift Massage is to help prolong natural, true health and beauty, and to prevent disease. It makes you feel fantastic. Special discounted packs!

M. 659 995 657 nunu@thevitaltouch.es www.tvtbarcelona.com

Located in Gràcia, this friendly and welcoming salon has everything you need to feel special. We work together with our clients to create a look that reflects their individual style and personality. We are experts in curly hair, hair colouring and above all the use of progressive vegetable hair dye, which harnesses the purity of water.

We will advise you on the cut that best suits you.

10% DISCOUNT FOR METROPOLITAN READERS

Torrent de L’Olla 85 (Metro Joanic) T. 93 217 9316 www.tactum.es tactum@tacum.cat Tues-Thurs 10.30am-8.30pm Fri-Sat 9.30am-8.30pm

Heaven - MASSAGE • Ready to feel fantastic for spring?

• Time to say ‘Adiós’ to muscular tension and stress?

• Interested in organic, 100% fresh, products based on Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and European herbal ‘pharmacy’?

Let American-trained massage therapist Carrie Lewis draw on 15 years of experience and training to soothe you with deep therapeutic massage in conveniently located studios or in your home!

FREE REFLEXOLOGY TREATMENT WITH ORGANIC PRODUCTS

M. 639 533 523 carrielewisbcn@gmail.com facebook.com/heavenbarcelona www.HeavenlyEco-Boutique.com

Lovecycle CYCLING REINVENTED LOVECYCLE is a 45 minute highintensity, high-energy, cardio dance workout for the entire body (with signature core exercises and hand weights). Inspiring instructors, customised playlists and choreographed routines with a candlelit atmosphere will guide you through an invigorating fitness experience. It’s something you must try if you love music, dance and working out. See you on your bike!

READER OFFER

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FOR THE BEST ENGLISH-SPEAKING HEALTH & BEAUTY PROFESSIONALS IN BARCELONA, SEE OUR ONLINE DIRECTORY Doctors - Dentists - Psychologists Chiropractors - Therapists Yoga - Pilates Reflexology - Massage Fitness - Hair salons

Via Augusta 10 (Diagonal) T. 93 541 3149 hello@love-cycle.com www.love-cycle.com

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BUSINESS SERVICES

BCN Seguros - INSURANCE Local Barcelona Insurance Agency providing complete personal and business insurance services. (home, car, health, commercial, public liability, life, motor, yacht, travel, etc.) We offer a 30% cost-saving guarantee by keeping insurance coverage identical!

Advice given in Spanish, English and German.

DISCOUNT FOR METROPOLITAN READERS

To advertise in this section call: 93 451 4486 or email: ads@barcelona-metropolitan.com See our online directory at

www.barcelona-metropolitan.com

M. 636 465 010 rainerhobrack@gmail.com www.bcnseguros.es

Spain Accounting-

Barcelona Women’s Network - NONPROFIT

TAX & BUSINESS SERVICES Qualified UK accountant with 30 years experience in Spain offers: • tax services for freelance “autónomos” and small SLs • income tax returns for employees and non-residents • practical advice on setting up a business in Spain • registration of “autónomos” and company incorporation (SL) • personalised advice on your tax obligations in Spain • fast, reliable email service

• Barcelona’s premier network for international women.

• Approx. 200 members from 20+ countries.

• As a social club that supports local organizations, activities include social gatherings, cultural outings, volunteer opportunities, and networking & promotional opportunities. We help women thrive in Barcelona.

Supported charities 2016 - 2018

Contact David Cook on M.678 702 369 info@spainaccounting.com www.spainaccounting.com

membership@bcnwomensnetwork.com

president@bcnwomensnetwork.com www.bcnwomensnetwork.com

READER OFFER Klev & Vera - LAW FIRM

Sánchez Molina LEGAL PRACTICE

This firm specialises in attending to the legal needs of international clients in Spain. It understands that starting a business in a foreign country can be daunting, especially in Spain, where the system is complicated and taxes can be a hindrance.

This is where their experience in advising international clients how to set up businesses in Spain can help you make smarter decisions, saving you thousands of euros in the long term.

They have multilingual team of lawyers with international backgrounds, specialising in different areas of legal practice including: Real Estate, Business Set Up, Spanish Residence, Family Law, Litigation, Tax Planning.

Valencia 281, 2-2 T. 93 176 0190 info@klevvera.com www.klevvera.com

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The lawyers at Sánchez Molina speak English, Spanish, Italian and French. They can help with your business licensing services, legal defence and representation, registration under any form of ownership, accounting services and work and residency permits.

Gran Via Carles III, 84, 5 Metro: Maria Cristina (L3) T. 93 490 9669 javiergarcia@sanchezmolina.com www.sanchezmolina.com

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CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

Step Up With V -

Corsa International -

CAREER COACHING

DRIVING SCHOOL

Coaching services for global-minded professionals who want to take their career (and life!) to the next level.

Find clarity, purpose and focus, and create your ideal work-life balance.

Develop confidence, leverage your strengths and unique value proposition, communicate effectively and increase your opportunities! First consultation free of charge.

Corsa driving school in Barcelona offers both theoretical classes and practical driving lessons in English. Their friendly and experienced instructors will give you the confidence to drive comfortably in the city and help you learn about Spanish road systems. They have both manual and automatic practice vehicles.

Call now and ask about special Metropolitan reader offers!

Beethoven 16, Bajos, 08021 T. 93 200 3324

M. 619 022 676 stepupwithv@gmail.com www.stepupwithv.com

international@autoescuelacorsa.com

www.autoescuelacorsa.com www.facebook.com/CorsaInternational/

Coral - SPANISH TEACHER

PWN Barcelona - NON PROFIT

Reach a Spanish level that best fits your interests and needs! Coral is a native, experienced and highly-qualified teacher. Try her personalised courses, which use effective methods to make learning easy. All levels; private or small groups. For a private, 60-min class €25; 90-min class €35.

PWN Barcelona is part of a global movement working towards gender balanced leadership through professional development and a range of networking options: in-person, online, cross-industry, and international. They offer Mentoring programmes and an EU Business School certified virtual programme for entrepreneurs. Regular events include 2nd Tuesday Networking Drinks and professional development workshops. “Let’s advance how men and women work together”. www.pwnbarcelona.net members@pwnbarcelona.net www.facebook.com/pwnbarcelona/

M. 676 249 744 coral@coralprada.com

Home Orden Frustrated with the mess in your home? Have no time?

Don’t know where to start? Moving soon? Just moved in? My goal is to help you get your place in order and implement strategies to stay organised. We can work side by side or I can work alone, for a one off project or over a longer period according to your needs.

FIRST CONSULATAION FREE

M. 625 204 328 stephanie@homeorden.com

Coccinelle - HOME SERVICES

NIE Barcelona

Do you need a nanny, housekeeper or chauffeur? Coccinelle specialises in providing highly-skilled, experienced domestic staff in Barcelona and the surrounding areas. Due to their expertise and rigorous selection methods, they are able to provide seasoned professionals for both permanent or temporary positions to suit your needs. You can arrange everything now from the comfort of your own home! Call them today and quote Metropolitan free consultation.

NIE Barcelona is a service that helps foreigners resolve all the paperwork needed for living and working in Barcelona. Their main focus is on helping to secure the NIE for EU and NON-EU citizens in a fast and efficient way. They can also help with other administrative procedures, such as social security numbers, empadronamiento, autónomo set up, and change of driving license or car registration.

T. 93 125 8626 info@coccinelle.es www.coccinelle.es

M. 603 209 403 info@niebarcelona.com www.niebarcelona.com

- BUSINESS

Yacht Point Barcelona

Handyman - HOME SERVICES

- Online navigation theory courses & Sailing tuition.

- Obtain your Competent Crew, Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster with us!

- Courses for beginners to advanced sailors.

- Day Charter trips for private groups.

Mark offers honest, transparent, efficient, English/Spanish/Swedish speaking handyman services. He can help you hang a mirror, paint a room, install reverse osmosis, hang blinds or curtains, do home repairs, assemble Ikea furniture and he can even fix up your place so you can get your “fianza” back from your landlord.

Hourly rates. Real time updates.

We want to share our passion with you, we are more than a Sailing School!

info@yachtpointbcn.com 0034 93 0045707 http://yachtpointbcn.com/en/ryatraining-centre/

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M. 645 691 475 mark@handymanbarcelona.com www.handymanbarcelona.com Facebook handymanbarcelona74

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Mac in Barcelona -

Garment Printing - BUSINESS

COMPUTERS Stéphane Clément is an Apple technician and consultant with over fifteen years of experience.

Anna Piqué, a native from Barcelona, assists Stéphane with her business and communication background.

Their focus is on providing good service and installations with clear communicative skills and personal advice. The aim is to solve your computer troubles and teach you how to improve your daily use of your Mac and its various accessories, giving you an opportunity for a more pleasant and safer computer experience.

MOB / Bailen 11, Bajos, 08010 M. 608 994 599 info@macinbarcelona.com www.macinbarcelona.com

Garment Printing is a printing company based in Barcelona and the UK. They offer printed clothing with personalised logos for fashion brands, staff uniforms and promotional clothing. Printed promotional products, such as flyers, business cards, printed pens, and banners are also available—anything you could want customised with a logo! Whether you’re a business or an individual, we can help you fulfil your branding and printing needs. Contact them today.

Garment Printing

Roger De Flor 289 T. 93 393 8194 www.garmentprinting.es

Fábrica de Flyers - BUSINESS

Geo Mac - COMPUTERS

Fábrica de Flyers brings the successful concept of high class printing and design to Barcelona at competitive prices and provides a quality service to match. Eight years of experience on the German market made them one of the leading printing agencies, with clients all over Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Fábrica de Flyers is not an advertisment agency, but the best partner to create your publicity!

George Cowdery is a freelance Mac technician who has been providing valuable support to the Mac community in Barcelona for over 15 years. Among the services he offers, George can help clients with maintenance and upgrades, hard drive replacement and ADSL setup.

He can also provide consulting and tutorials according to his clients’ needs.

Pujades 74-80, 3º 7ª, 08005 T. 93 485 6422 info@fabricadeflyers.com www.fabricadeflyers.com

M. 606 308 932 machelp@geomac.es www.geomacbcn.com

10%

OFF

Mrs.Q Design Studio - GRAPHIC DESIGN Act Habitat - ARCHITECTS We can help…

Create your perfect living or work space. Get the most out of your investment.

Acheive a healthy and sustainable environment. Deal with paperwork and permits.

Manage the building works and costs. Choose the best firm for the job. Coordinate with the neighbours. Get in touch, we’d love to hear from you!

Avinyó 6, 1º 2ª, 08002 T. 93 318 7121 info@act-habitat.com www.act-habitat.com

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Mrs.Q Design Studio offers a range of specialised design services. Their small business package includes branding, stationery design and advertising for print and web. They also design promotional material such as flyers, posters and brochures.

Mrs. Q designs bespoke invitations for weddings and special occasions. Their designs are inspired by watercolour paintings merged with contemporary design.

If you would like a custom painting, designed especially for you, they can create a design that you’re sure to love. Visit her Etsy shop to view her work www.etsy. com/shop/MrsQdesignstudio.

M. 699 260 938 mrsqdesignstudio@gmail.com www.mrsqdesignstudio.com

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Oak House - SCHOOL

BCN L.I.P. - LANGUAGE SCHOOL

Founded in 1968, pupils at Oak House are taught according to the UK national curriculum in early years and primary education. Secondary pupils follow a multilingual programme, with a firm emphasis on English. Oak House offers IGCSE qualifications to help prepare students for university courses in English.

The school also offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in English, as well as the National Bachillerato programme. The school’s modern installations are conducive to an active learning style. Their motto is ‘building futures’.

BCN LIP language school is a small school located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter offering a wide variety of dynamic classes for those wishing to learn Spanish, Catalan, English, French, German, Portuguese, Russian, Italian, Japanese, Chinese and Hebrew. The courses are intensive and extensive, varying from 4 - 30 hours a week, Monday to Saturday.

The teachers are qualified native speakers, with several years of experience.

They also offer specialised summer programmes, excursions and cultural activities for the students. They can also help you with your student visa and finding a place to live.

Sant Pere Claver 12-18, 08017 T. 93 252 40 20 www.oakhouseschool.com

Avinyó 50, 08002 T. 93 318 6591 info@bcnlip.com www.bcnlip.com

CIBERVIRREINA - COMPUTER SERVICE Open until 11pm every day of the week, they can repair your computer in 24/48 hours using well-tested procedures. Repairing software and hardware failures, saving your personal files and returning your computer fully operative. In addition to having internet access they do printing, copying and binding jobs.

D'Astúries 78 (Plaça de la Virreina, Gràcia).

Metro L3 (Fontana) or L4 (Joanic) T. 93 368 5770 serviciocliente@cibervirreina.com

BritSat - SATELLITE TV Missing out on British TV? Not to worry. With our latest equipment, extensive experience and fantastic after-sales service, we provide all UK and European TV via satellite and Internet installations. So don’t miss out on all the summer sporting action, including Wimbledon, Euro ‘16 and the Rio Olympics. Phone or email Britsat for a competitive quote and expert advice.

M. 649 605 917 info@britsatlive.com www.britsatlive.com

Ibex - INSURANCE SERVICES Ibex have been in operation since 2000 and have grown to be one of the largest insurance providers for the expatriate community in Spain, Portugal and Gibraltar, they can insure your car, motorbike, home, pet, health, holiday home, boat, travel, business and provide funeral plans and more.

FOR THE BEST ENGLISH-SPEAKING BUSINESSES IN BARCELONA, SEE OUR ONLINE DIRECTORY Lawyers - Accountants - Language schools Business schools - Computer technicians Real estate - Insurance - Electricians Plumbers - Graphic design Driving schools - Sailing schools Babysitting services - Translators International schools - Printing services

T. 90 010 2527 www.ibexinsure.com

Connecta Languages - TRANSLATORS Professional translation and proofreading services based in Barcelona. Performed by qualified linguists, at affordable rates and with quick turnaround. Contact us today and say goodbye to language barriers.

M. 691 543 312 mlopez@connecta-languages.com Skype: mlopez_connecta www.connecta-languages.com

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JOB

DIRECTORY To advertise in this section call: 93 451 4486 or email: ads@barcelona-metropolitan.com We also have a new job section on our FREE CLASSIFIEDS

www.classifieds.barcelona-metropolitan.com

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