We propose you a route through old shops -and generations of shopkeepers- that have kept business afloat into a modern economy and yet managed to preserve the distinct character and the original artistic values of the establishment. All of them have made an effort to preserve their original outer appearance and modernist style.
ANTIGA CASA FIGUERAS-PASTISSERIA ESCRIBÀ
La Rambla, 83 - Petxina,1s
From 1902 onwards, this shop manufactured and sold pasta until 1986, when the shop was taken over and restored by the reputed Escribà bakers. Nowadays, it is a shop always full of people from the city and tourists enjoying its delicious sweets.
The façade is a magnificent example of the integration of the different decorative arts, with its diversity of volumes and finishing touches: stone, symbolist sculptural relief, mosaics, leaded windows and wrought-iron.
CAFÈ DE L’ÒPERA
Rambla, 74
Although the current café was started in 1929, it had been previously founded as the Xocolateria La Mallorquina around 1890.
The main door has a wooden frame with carved natural motifs, combined with two marble door jambs. The interior is in pre-Modernista (Vuitcentista) style with use of cast-iron columns, painted cloth panels and mirrors with etched designs representing female figures from several operas.
CAMISERIA BONET
La Rambla, 72
This outfitter’s was founded in 1890 and was managed until late 2002 by three different generations of the Bonet family.
On the façade, a complete wooden cladding rises to the mezzanine, a space originally occupied by the workshop, with a display cabinet framed by two signs made of hammered sheet metal. The wood used throughout the shop is mahogany, with small floral decorations in the corners.
ELS QUATRE GATS
Montsió, 3 bis
It was founded in 1896 as a meeting point of artists and intellectuals, which remained open in this first lapse only until 1903. On 1988, it was opened as a Bar-restaurant now specialized in market cuisine and always full of tourists.
The interior of the establishment reveals the Neo-Gothic style of the building.
CASA ALMIRALL
Joaquín Costa ,33
A quiet cocktail bar in the heart of the Raval with 2 different rooms. It is a place ideal for a relaxed meeting.
It was founded in 1860 as a tavern and bought by the current owners in 1976.
LA CONFITERIA
Sant Pau, 128
It was founded in 1912 as a Pastry. Nowadays, it is a tapas bar with an excellent wine and sausages menu. At night, it is usually full of people enjoying the cocktails while listening to jazz, flamenco or ethnic music.
FARMACIA FERRER ARGELAGUET (Antigua Farmacia Robert)
Roger de Llúria, 74
This Modernist style chemists’ shop was founded in 1906 as “Farmàcia” Robert. In the interior, it still keeps all the wooden display cabinets with rich natural motifs, together with the counter and cash desk. Other outstanding features are the ceiling with a trompe l’oeil representation of a bandstand, and the plaster mouldings decorated with garlands.
EL INGENIO
Rauric, 6
Since 1838, when the sculptor Escaler opened El Ingenio, this shop has specialised in items for parties and festivals. Escaler’s successors, the Homs-Cardona family, have maintained the traditional business and also preserved the decoration of the shop. At the entrance, it has a wood panel featuring gilt wooden mouldings and medallion decorations.
LONDON BAR
Nou de la Rambla ,34
Modernist local with a decadent atmosphere, a meeting point for young people with cultural interests and a good place to visit as a tourist. The concerts start at 00.30h.
It was founded almost 100 years ago, and some of its clients were Miró, Picasso and Dalí. The main door has a wooden frame.