Every great local food business has a story, that’s what makes them unique. Foodie tour guide Misty Barker explores some of Barcelona’s tastiest hidden gems.
Who doesn’t love a good sweet shop? La Colmena is one of the oldest and most beautiful in Barcelona, with handcrafted treats that will delight the inner child in all of us. Located in Plaça de l’Àngel, the exact date that it was founded is a bit of a local mystery, although it is thought to be the collaboration of two sweet shops dating back to 1849. The current shop was opened by Josep and Francesc Roig Manubens in 1927, and is now run by their grandson, Josep Maria Roig. A plaque lies in the footpath outside the shop that identifies La Colmena as one of Barcelona’s most emblematic establishments. These plaques honour the city’s few remaining historical businesses and, whenever you see one, always signify that you have stumbled upon something special.
The people serving behind the counter have worked there for more than 100 years combined. From rows of freshly made bocadillos, to pastries that make your blood pressure rise just by looking at them, you’ll be truly spoiled for choice. While the cakes and bakes are all delicious, however, it’s the sweets that draw the crowds here.
Following its century-old, original recipe, the bolado is La Colmena’s signature hard-boiled sweet, made to a level of perfection rarely seen these days. Wrapped in paper, they come in curious and well-known flavours: fennel (hinojo), pomegranate (granada), toffee (caramelo), my personal favourite, honey (miel), and more. The flavours are so precise it’s incredible.
Not into hard boiled varieties? Fear not! Displays of hundreds of homemade chocolates, truffles and meringues fill the corners of the store. Behind the counters, tins of artisan biscuits and cookies are crying out to be bought and devoured. And if you’re looking to buy some edible Christmas gifts for friends and family, this is the place to go. After all, the holidays just aren’t the same without a good old-fashioned sugar rush.
Patisseria la Colmena. Plaça de l'Angel 12. Mon-Sun 9am-9pm.