Hidden treasures: Só-Ló

Barcelona may have more cool bars than you can shake a proverbial stick at, but it’s undeniable that the majority of them are basically, well, the same. Coffee machine? Check. Coca-Cola? Check.

Not so in Só-Ló, the baby of Italian-born Cosimo, whose mission is to show people that change doesn’t have to be a bad thing. By his own admission, he has quite a challenge on his hands; for most locals, the step away from their much-loved bar de toda la vida is an almost insurmountable leap. However, those looking for a little bit more may find that Só-Ló is just the place.

Part laid-back café, part music venue, Cosimo proudly claims to have been “debanalising” the Barcelona bar scene since opening in 2007. It’s true that you’ll find no Coca-Cola or café con leche here, but why would you need them? Instead you can sip on alternative Fritz Kola, a fresh fruit juice or something else from their incredible range of drinks from around the world. Rum is the real speciality, with over 80 different varieties on display (see above), and their mojitos have been rated as the best in town. Most intriguing of all is the colourful array of bar-top jars full of fruits and spices merrily steeping in rum to make unusual but delicious liquors. Curl up in an armchair and read by the window, drop in for the monthly exchange market, or gather with friends round one of the big dining-room tables to catch a live show, which could be anything from a singer-songwriter to a French comedian. You never know what you’re going to get, but all shows are free—reason enough to give Só-Ló a try.


Só-Ló Bar
Margarit 18
Metro: Poble Sec (L3) or Paral·lel (L2, L3)
Open from 7.30pm, closed Wednesdays
Tel. 93 329 7618