Modernista in Spanish means Art Nouveau on steroids.  The London Bar is rich with Modernista detailing.  Having a glass of Spanish wine here is a great way to be an insider with famous Barcelona architecture. The same family has been mixing drinks from this bar since 1910.

Absorb the energy of the greats as The London Bar was a hangout for Picasso, Miro, Gaudi, and other artists.  Located right off the Rambla, it’s a great drop in spot, as tourists and locals now mingle here.  Wanting to catch up on the news of our week, friends of mine and I met there on Friday night.

The lavish, cream colored woodwork, highlighted with gold, has swirling shamrocks, flowers and leaves. Maroon and cream marble panels form the wainscoting with carved shamrocks on top.  Large old mirrors, typical of the day, are over the bar and on some of the walls.  The floor is representative of many Modernista buildings, ceramic tiles with a stenciled design. A sweeping embellished archway with “London Bar,” separates the front from the back rooms. The back half of the bar, now a music and pool table venue, was used for cultural meetings. Many circus and theatre companies used to have their offices on the same street and circus performers practiced here.  Now I know why my friends and I fit in so well.  You will also.

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By Nancy Todd