Streetlife: Doctor Dou

Amigos Skate Shop. Dr. Dou 16.

From boards to shoes, flat-brimmed hats to custom shirts designed only for Amigos, this shop sells everything a skater needs. Having moved to its current location about a year ago from the Barri Gòtic, they maintained their slogan, ‘From downtown Barcelona to amigos all over the world’. “I come from a long line of businessmen, and I love skateboarding,” said owner Julio, originally from Venezuela. “Amigos Skate Shop combines the two: my legacy and my personal passion.”

Aleluya. Dr. Dou 16.

As a high fashion concept store, Aleluya sells chic, greyscale apparel for men and women. A lot of items in the store—hooded cardigans, long coats, knitted tees, bomber jackets—are unisex wear. If you’re striving for a cool, monochrome closet, this is where you should be shopping. 

Barcelona Reykjavik. Dr. Dou 12.

Established in Barcelona in 2005, this bakery now has four locations around the city. Their popularity has a lot to do with their recipe: 100 percent sourdough, 100 percent long fermentation, 100 percent organic ingredients. So whether you order a snack-sized spelt bread ball or sink your teeth into a fluffy muffin, you won’t be disappointed. Amsterdam native Wendeline chose this bakery over others in the neighbourhood because of how inviting it looks from the street. “Once I was inside, I knew I had made a good choice,” she said. “Up close, all their products look authentic, and the incredible smells coming from the kitchen entice you to try everything.”

Carolina Blue. Dr. Dou 11.

Although this store won’t blow your mind with its creativity, it does offer some nice, earthy home decorations, such as wiry chandeliers, linen pillows, crocheted lampshades, and plant holders in a variety of shapes and styles. There are also a few personal items, including purses, light sweaters and delicate jewellery.

Ebra Natural. Dr. Dou 13.

Ebra Natural specialises in natural products designed for a perfect night’s sleep. Their handmade mattresses are the secret to a healthy rest; choose between 100 percent cotton or wool, and use the plush mattresses as a bed or futon. The bases and frames are made of different types of solid wood, and tatamis—mats used as floor coverings in traditional Japanese-style rooms—are also available to compliment your mattress design.

Laser Barcelona. Dr. Dou 2.

Laser Barcelona has been around for five years. They began selling their fashion goods online and in other stores until their following was big enough to open a flagship store in the Raval less than two years ago. The brand was founded by a local couple; Justo designs everything, including the distinctive patches on their hats and shirts that say ‘DIY Attitude’, and Raquel runs the store, taking care of sales, media, etc. “It’s a lot of work for just the two of us,” said Raquel, “but we don’t mind.” Her striking photographs also decorate the store and portray their clientele modelling Laser gear in iconic Barcelona spots. The couple and their brand fit in perfectly with this trendy area.

Dostrece. Carme 40 (corner of Dr. Dou and Carme).

Come and sit at a simple wooden table to savour DosTrece’s ever-changing menú del día or a standard brunch of pancakes and eggs. They also have a variety of vegan options, from pear oat scones and carrot muffins, to breakfast nachos and French toast. You can keep the fun going all night, too, with their tasty cocktails and impromptu house parties.