Streetlife: Passatge de Simó
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Singular
This stylish restaurant, with exposed brick walls, Nordic-inspired wooden furniture and low-hanging pendant lights, exudes charm from the decor to the food. At Singular, the menu changes with the seasons and all the fruits and vegetables are sourced from the restaurant’s very own vegetable garden in Esparraguera. The menu offers hearty, egg-based breakfasts, delicate tapas and tempting desserts. “Be sure to try the calçots tempura and homemade chicken croquettes!” advised regular customer Julia, 33, from Sweden.
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Centre Jing
Since opening its doors 11 years ago, Centre Jing has been providing mixed martial arts classes for people of all ages and abilities. “Whether you’re looking to pick up basic self-defense techniques or just get in shape, practising martial arts has more benefits than you might expect,” explained director Sebastián González. With a range of classes from Kung Fu to Sanda (Chinese kickboxing), you can learn how to punch, block and kick like a pro.
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Sagrades Tannines
With its wine-clad walls and repurposed tables made from wooden doors and barrels, customers might never know that this wine bar used to be the site of public baths in the Fifties. Sagrades Tannines has a hand-picked selection of Catalunya’s finest wines, as well as a variety of tapas-style snacks to enjoy while you sip. Discerning drinkers can peruse the monthly art exhibitions and participate in blind tastings to prove their vino credentials.
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Vesping
See the city in style with Vesping’s scooter rental service. Customers can rent iconic Italian Vespas or a retro VW van, all of which come fully equipped with GPS, programmed with four different tours of Barcelona. Whether you’d prefer to explore the city’s coastline or see the world-famous architecture of Gaudí, Vesping’s custom-made routes are designed to reveal “the secrets of the city”. Those looking for an even more personalised experience can take a four-hour city tour led by a Vesping guide.
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La Trocadero
Although everything on the menu at this new eatery is 100 percent vegan, the inventive dishes are sure to satisfy even the most devout carnivores. Think hearty falafel burgers with vegan bacon, ‘hot dogs’ with crispy battered onion rings and indulgent sweet treats such as their signature red velvet cake. For those in need of a nutrient boost, you can choose from 15 cold-pressed juices as well, to enjoy in this retro-modern space. Owner Sergio, from Barcelona, said, “We’re all about healthy, vegan fast food.” So no matter how short you are on time, there’s no need to sacrifice diet or flavour at La Trocadero.