Streetlife: Carrer de Badajoz
You know you’re on Carrer de Badajoz because you can see the obelisk for the Nova Icària beach looking towards the sea and Torre Glòries (or as my friends call it, el pepino as in “cucumber” among other things...) looking towards the hill. It’s just four blocks from the Rambla de Poblenou towards the Parc de la Ciutadella and an energetic and creative stretch of the city.
1. Onair Acrobatics. Carrer de Pere IV, 99
Home to the first vertical dance school in Spain, Onair brings together amateur and professional students who go on to perform in various cultural festivals. No experience is required to begin and there are four age groups for kids 4-15 years old, as well as aerial dance classes for adults that include silks, trapeze, hoop and acrobatics. Additionally, Onair offers strength and flexibility classes recommended for training artistic and sports disciplines to improve performance, prevent injuries and strengthen muscles and joints. onairbarcelona.com
2. Espai Joliu. Carrer de Badajoz, 95
It comes as no surprise that Espai Joliu’s hashtag tagline is “#whereplantsmeetcoffee.” In the front space you can find a large variety of small plants and books on apartment living and more, as well as items for sale like incense, enamel coffee cups, macramé pot holders and fresh cut herbs. As in much of Poblenou, Espai Joliu has a very industrial look with concrete floors and walls warmed up by the plants, art and the kitchen in the back, where coffee, tea and all sorts of breads and sweets are served up fresh. instagram.com/espaijoliu
3. Market Cuina Fresca. Carrer de Badajoz, 83
“Don’t waste food!” That’s what Market Cuina Fresca owner, chef and server Tiago Riberio Rocha remembers from growing up on a poor farm in rural Portugal. He has taken that simple lesson and built it into the mission of his restaurant, which is going on six years in Poblenou. Working with the ecological cooperative farm Conreu Sereny in Badalona, Tiago believes that the body needs what the seasons provide — plus, it’s healthier and less expensive in the long run. The lunch menu features daily rotating plates (three first plates and three second plates=, Monday-Friday from 08:00-17:00. facebook.com/MarketCuinaFrecaExLibris
4. La Plataforma. Pujades 99
Claudia Costa opened La Platforma in 2010 as a small contemporary alternative multidisciplinary art gallery dedicated to people who love art, not necessarily collectors. More importantly, in 2012 she helped create the Poblenou Urban District, designated as a cultural district promoting the art galleries, schools, museums, studios and restaurants in the neighborhood, with La Platforma is at the center at its center. The gallery is also an event space with full kitchen and back courtyard. instagram.com/laplataformabcn/
5. Valkiria Hub. Pujades 126
In 2018, Valkeria Hub Space hosted over 200 events and can host groups of 10-200 for meetings, workshops and parties. According to CEO Yolanda Trevino, the goal of Valkeria is “to promote change, innovation and learning for businesses and organizations with particular interest in supporting women entrepreneurs.” With a café open to the public, the space also lends itself to nourishing the mind and body and the cooking and team building activity is available for all size groups. For your 2019 radar: Check out Annual World Work Innovation (WWI) summit this fall. eventos.valkiria.barcelona/quienes-somos
6. Leka. Badajoz 65
Walking into Leka is an experience for the senses — and one that you can walk away from with plenty of inspiration to take back home to your own kitchen. Leka’s fundamental belief is that life is best shared, which is why their recipes, as well as their sleek, wooden furniture designs from Fab Lab and their uniforms too, are all available online for you to peruse. In addition to being an “open source” restaurant, Leka is also proud of their “honest food,” ecological ingredients from their own private farm in Valldaura. When you do pay them a visit, the staff is keen to share their knowledge and help you select plates to meet your needs and desires. restauranteleka.com
7. FX Animation Barcelona 3D & Film School. Carrer d'Àvila, 41
Graduates from this Poblenou special effects school have gone on to contribute to blockbusters like “Game of Thrones,” “Planet of the Apes,” “Jurassic World,” “The Lion King,” “Avatar” and more. Others find work in architecture, advertising, video games and interior and industrial design, both in production and post-production roles. At FX Animation, students prepare for masters degrees in a variety of different fields, with classes taught in English (Spanish tutoring made available) and class size limited to 15 students to ensure a hands-on learning environment. Tours of the facility are available but must be made by appointment by contacting info@fxanimation.es. fxanimation.es/escuela/instalaciones