Drunch anyone?

Over the last few years, the brunch culture has taken the city’s bars and restaurants by storm. And, true to European form, it has transformed into a much lengthier and boozier social occasion this side of the Atlantic. The term “brunch” actually originates from the British upper-classes, whose staff would take Sunday off, leaving a spread of breakfastlunch items prepared in advance to avoid the family going hungry. Living in Barcelona, the concept of a drunk-lunch may not be so foreign to your weekend plans.

With an abundance of trendy new eateries across the city now offering all-day brunch menus, some boasting bottomless cocktails and various fruit juices laced with cava, “drunch” is the new acceptable face of daytime drinking.

We’ve put together some of our top places where you can indulge in the best and most fashionable drunches in town.

TIMELINE BAR

Timeline pays close attention to detail. From the random wall-mounted artefacts to the antique book-bound menus, this tiny (booking essential) yet worthy contender of a Sunday hotspot offers a brunch menu that ranges from baked bean tapas to all-you-can-drink Bloody Marys and Bucks Fizz. Sundays will never be dull again.

Providencia 3. www.timelinebar.com

MEATPACKING BISTRO

This little piece of New York in Barcelona offers various brunch menus from classic American-style pancakes to their new “Oxford Brunch”. They also serve a killer Bloody Mary which can be enjoyed inside the warm and inviting cafe-restaurant, or out on the terrace. Claudia Schiffer has even been spotted hanging out here.

Trav. de Gràcia 50-52. www.meatpackingbistro.com

MARMALADE

This is a brunch classic in the Raval. Offering a large variety of dishes (no set menu), the portions are generous and indeed very tasty. Their cocktail menu is extensive yet somewhat pricey for the area. The hamburgers are a must-try.

Riera Alta 4-6. www.marmaladebarcelona.com

PICNIC

This charming restaurant in the Born is the ideal setting for a lazy Sunday afternoon. Picnic offers a decent selection of authentic brunch dishes, although the cocktail list is rather limited. Then again, sometimes there’s just no need to overcomplicate things.

Comerç 5. www.cancarbonell.com

DOSTRECE

Dostrece is another Raval classic and booking is recommended over the weekend. Be sure to ask for a table upstairs if you’re not eating outside. With plenty to choose from menu-wise, and more than sufficient alcohol options behind the bar, Sundays don’t stop till the early hours.

Carmen 40. www.dostrece.net

ZINC BAR

If you’re willing to push the boat out for a healthier and more sophisticated Sunday drunch head to Zinc Bar in the Hotel Villa Emilia. They offer a wonderful mix from smoked salmon to eggs cooked to your liking. Their Bloody Marys can also be taken upstairs to their impressive roof terrace.

Calàbria 115. www.hotelvillaemilia.com