Why Lorraine Pascale takes elasticated trousers to Barcelona
Why Barcelona?
I love the fact that it’s by the sea, and it has sentimental significance. It was the first place I visited in Spain, on the recommendation of my father, a retired Spanish teacher. He was always telling me about the wonderful food. Barcelona is also famous for its art and architecture.
Antoni Gaudí’s fantastical modernist landmarks are all over the city: don’t miss his Roman Catholic basilica, the Sagrada Família (sagradafamilia.org), under construction since 1892; the Parc Güell (parkguell.cat) with its colourful ceramic tiles; and Casa Batlló (casabatllo.es/en), famed for its skull-and-bones balconies.
The art museums are world-class: Museu Picasso (0034 932 563000; museupicasso.bcn.cat) and Fundació Joan Miró (0034 934 439470; fmirobcn.org/en) feature wonderful art by their namesakes. My favourite areas are the bustling, tree-lined central promenade, the Ramblas, lined with cafés, and the Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter), the centre of the old city.
Anything special I should pack?
Elasticated trousers. The food is delicious but it contains a lot of oil and is very fattening.
What do you miss most when you’re away from this city?
The little tapas bars dotted all over the place; it’s a foodie’s paradise. There’s nothing like tucking into a bowl of garlic prawns with a good glass of cava.
What’s the first thing you do on arrival?
Head for Barceloneta beach. Located in the city’s traditional fishing district, it has nearly a mile of golden sands.
Where’s the best place to stay?
W Barcelona (0034 932 952800; w-barcelona.com), a striking sail-like hotel a minute’s walk from Barceloneta Beach. It features a spa, an infinity pool and a rooftop bar. Make sure you reserve a room high up, facing the sea. It also has two gourmet restaurants: Bravo24, run by Michelin-starred chef Carles Abellán, and Wave, which serves up Spanish and Mediterranean flavours.
Where would you meet for a drink?
The Dry Martini (0034 932 175072; drymartiniorg.com), led by renowned mixologist Javier de las Muelas, has remained at the pinnacle of Barcelona’s cocktail scene since its launch in 1978. Its signature drink is a classic martini, made with gin not vodka.
The best place for lunch?
Bubó Barcelona (0034 932 687224; bubo.es), the brainchild of pastry chef Carles Mampel, is a mouthwatering patisserie with a new-wave tapas bar, deep in the El Born neighbourhood.
And for dinner?
Tapas 24 (0034 934 880977; carlesabellan.com/mis-restaurantes/tapas-24), which is featured in the Michelin Guide, is a fun tapas restaurant with a long bar where you can watch the kitchen team at work.
Where would you take a first-time visitor?
Tibidabo Amusement Park (0034 932 117942; tibidabo.cat), which is Spain’s oldest amusement park and one of the first ever built in the world. Many of the rides date back to 1901 when the park first opened and are still in use.
What should I avoid?
Queuing for the Sagrada Família. It draws in three million visitors each year, and there are often two-hour long queues. It pays to buy your tickets online.
What should I bring home?
Ibérico ham, a delicious air-cured ham, which is a speciality of Spain. Ibérico pigs are fed on acorns to give them their delicate and sweet flavour. You’ll find it in gourmet shops all around Barcelona, and in the city’s famous old food markets.
Would you recommend public transport or taxi?
Neither. The Mediterranean climate and the compact size of Barcelona make walking around the city a pleasure. The old neighbourhoods such as the Gothic Quarter, El Ribera, El Raval and Barceloneta invite you to wander their narrow streets.
Manbag or money belt?
Money belt. The Ramblas is renowned for pickpockets and a friend of mine had her watch taken. If you conceal your valuables, you’re less likely to be targeted.
Anywhere that isn’t your kind of town?
Hanoi. Vietnam is a breathtakingly beautiful country with a unique heritage, but my daughter and I were practically eaten alive by mosquitoes. I wouldn’t go back.
Interview by Angela Wintle
