Streetlife: Carrer del Doctor Ibáñez
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Bodega Iniesta
This is where you can try and buy wines that hail from the vineyards of FC Barcelona skipper Andrés Iniesta. The family-run winery comprises 200 hectares of vineyards in the province of Albacete in Castilla-La Mancha, where Iniesta grew up. The winery was established in the Nineties by Andrés’ father, José Antonio Iniesta, when he bought the first 10 hectares of vineyards. Now selling nationwide and internationally, the vineyard expanded after he joined forces with his son, and the first wines were produced in 2010. In addition to the various wine varieties—including wines named after Andrés’ two children—the shop, which opened in 2015, also sells cheese and olive oils.
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El Maravillas
With country-esque vibes, El Maravillas belongs to Grup Confiteria, which runs popular bars across the city, including Paradiso in the Born, La Confiteria in the Raval, and Rilke, the newest addition to the group, in the Eixample. Originally the brainchild of Lito Baldovinos and Enric Rebordosa, the vibrant wine bar-restaurant lights up Plaça de la Concòrdia. While they offer a delectable selection of modern tapas, it is the wine that takes pride of place on the menu. Since 2015, the cocktails have been similarly sought after, following the success of bartender Miriam Campa at the Concurso Coctelería de Catalunya, where she won first prize for her ‘Fancy Coctel’. Always coming up with new ideas, the team’s latest addition to the menu is a selection of cocktails inspired by sporting greats of the last century.
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La Llibreria Cocktail Bar
La Llibreria has all the magic and mystique of an apothecary, library and speakeasy combined. A world of buckram and old English-style portraits, the curious cocktail bar has more than 1,000 antique books, along with drinks made exactly to your taste. Volumes of science, religion and literature can be spotted in the soft lighting, written in English, Spanish, Catalan and French. Hiding at the rear is a pantry-style restaurant, which serves light bites for hungry bookworms.
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La Sala Kids
A favourite among local families, this bright and friendly concept store prides itself on its select range of children's fashion, stocking only the best quality clothing. Since opening in late 2015, the store has earned a reputation for its originality, with a plentiful collection of toys, puzzles and educational games offering something for every child’s taste.
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Picants Curtidillo
This little hole-in-the-wall owned by neighbouring Fragments Cafe is an ode to all things saucy. Reminiscent of the grocery shops of yore, fresh chillies and dried choricero peppers hang by the entrance. Doubling as a sandwich bar, made-to-order bocadillos and tapas allow customers to taste test sauces from around the world before making a decision. French Dijon mustard, sweet chilli from Ireland, spice from Cantabria—you name it, it’s somewhere on the neat red shelves lining the walls. The mishmash of international influences is also evident behind the counter; the popular ‘Harissa’ sandwich features hints of Italy, with pancetta, rocket, mayonnaise and chilli on ciabatta, and the currywurst tapa mimics popular German street food.