Whether you’ve visited them or not, every self respecting cocktail lover will be au fait with Barcelona and its bars – it’s had two, Paradiso and Sips, taking the top spots recently at the World’s 50 Best bars list after all. Other bars of note include FoCo, Dr Stravinsky, 14 Della Rosa, Mariposa, 1862 and Boadas to name but a few – but they’re all standalone venues. Hotel bars don’t really get a look in.
Back in the day there was Oh La, which we remember fondly and more recently Tayer + Elementary announced the opening of Kayara, in partnership with SLS Barcelona, but considering its pull appeal as a holiday destination, you’d expect Barcelonas hotel bars to be up there with the other major cities in the world.
Hence the reason why Bianca Grisolia has decided it’s time for the city’s hotels to shine, and why she and her team have created Barcelona Hotel Bar Week – not just a first for the city but the first time an event of this kind has been dedicated to hotel bars in the world. “Barcelona has incredible hotel bars, unique spaces, talented bartenders and creative potential yet to be discovered,” she enthuses. “With Barcelona Hotel Bar Week we want to enhance this side of the city’s identity, bring people together and celebrate the growing link between mixology, culture and hospitality. This first edition is just the beginning of something exciting.”
If you’re in the city from tomorrow (Monday 22nd) to 28th September you’re in for a treat. During the seven days more than 20 of its hotels will be shining a light on their bars, showcasing signature cocktails and a host of insightful experiences.
On the agenda
Curated to whet the whistles of trade and consumer guests alike, the week-long festival is obviously centred around drinks. However, the calendar takes in so much more.
The days are taken care of with masterclasses, talks, product launches and recreational activities, including yoga and art exhibitions; while the evenings are all about the hotels and their bars.
Each venue will be offering a special BHBW menu comprising a signature, low ABV or non-alcoholic cocktail available at the fixed reduced price of €12 each. They’ll also be hosting guest shifts and takeovers, featuring local and international bartenders. Another highlight is Mix & Eat where some of the hotel restaurants will create special brunch, tapas and gourmet dinners paired with the signature cocktail.
There’s more too – including cocktail competitions, Shochu Day, exchanges and international collaborations with Cape Town Cocktail Week and Kenya Bartender Week as well as a collaboration with Makeat.
Need to know
Everyone is invited to join Barcelona Hotel Bar Week but to do so, you’ll need to purchase the official pass which gives you access to exclusive special prizes and entry to the closing party.
To buy your pass and for the full calendar of events, visit Barcelona Hotel Bar Week
Participating bars:
- Almanac Barcelona – Azimuth Rooftop Bar
- Cotton House Hotel – Batuar Bar & Restaurant
- Grand Hotel Central – Can Bo
- Grand Hyatt Barcelona – Maymanta
- The Palace Barcelona – The Hall
- The Palace Barcelona – Amar Barcelona
- Hesperia Gothic Quarter – The Circle
- Hotel Kimpton Vividora – GOT BAR
- Hotel Pulitzer Barcelona – La Terraza
- Hotel Pulitzer Barcelona – Lobby Bar
- InterContinental Barcelona – GEBRE
- Le Méridien Barcelona – CentOnze Bar
- Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona – El Bar del Majestic
- Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona – Banker’s Bar
- Miiro Borneta – Volta Bar
- Monument Hotel – Holla Cocktail Bar
- Nobu Hotel Barcelona – Nobu Bar
- Renaissance Barcelona Hotel – Goja Rooftop
- Serra Barcelona – Le Nine
- Sir Victor – MR PORTER
- SLS Barcelona – Kyara
- Sofitel Barcelona Skipper – Tendiez Cocktail Bar
- The Barcelona EDITION – Punch Room
- Yurbban Passage Hotel & Spa – Yurbban Cocktail Bar
- W Barcelona – Noxe
