Of all the barrios of Barcelona, Poble Sec has always been my favourite place to hit the town. Not as trendy as El Borne or as packed with tourists as El Barrio Gotico, its eclectic mix of bars and vibrant streets is where you'll find the city's more bohemian and artistic crowd heading out; along with an interesting mix of local characters such as Pepe the gypsy artist whose knowledge of English consists of porn dialog, and Steve, a transplanted quick-witted Liverpudlian with an encyclopaedic knowledge of beer.
On a cautionary note, while Poble Sec is safer than El Raval and El Barrio Gotic, it's still best to be mindful of your wallets and not get blinding drunk.
Most of the action takes place between the Poble Sec and Parallel metro stations. On the south side of the Avenue is Barcelona's theatre district, and behind it - the start of Calle Blai. A terrific little street filled with terraces and bars that serve food, it's the perfect place to grab a drink and a snack if you're out during the late afternoon or early evening when most of Barcelona's other places are closed.
Two of my particular favourites are Bar Zodiac on the corner of Calle Margarit and Bar Ramon a little further down. Both offer a limited menu of non-typical Spanish dishes with the latter specialising in tapas from the Canary Islands, and a selection of draft beers that aren't Estrella or San Miguel.
Barcelona: Bar Ramon
If you're there at night around ten, walk up Margarit a few blocks to number 43 and the Jazz Bar for a selection of German and local brews to wash down some of the best sandwiches and burgers in town, or head to Bar Rouge on Poeta Cabanas for a comfy seat on a plush sofa and take in some memorable tunes or an impromptu show, while sipping on a potent cocktail. However, if you are on a tight budget, it’s probably not the best way to spend the night. It's also now the place where a Spanish and English poets group meets, if that's your thing. And, if those aren't enough: there's always La Tinta Roja!
But that's just the Montjuic side of Poble Sec. Cross Parallel to Ronda Pau and you'll literally find one cool bar right after the other, starting with La Confiteria - a renovated bakery from the end of the 19th century - and ending with Ultramarinos where you're likely to watch a fish documentary while a DJ spins anything from soul to house.
And, if at three in the morning, you're still standing with energy to burn, cross back over to the Apollo night club or Discoteca Plataforma on Nou de la Rambla, 145 if you feel like booging to a mix of cheesy rock tunes.
English or Irish pubs
In a city as rich as Barcelona, you're doing yourself a real disservice if you spend all your days and nights hidden away in the numerous English or Irish pubs found throughout the city. But if you are one of those who find foreign bars more lively and hospitable than the Spanish ones, here are some of my favourite places, and others you're better off avoiding.
The George and Dragon (corner of Passeig de Gracia)
This English pub off Passeig de Gracia is one my favourites. With the biggest screen in Barcelona, its beer selection of draught German Pilsners and English Ales is what separates it from the other theme bars. That, and owner Simon, a friendly Brit, whose knowledge of Barcelona is second to none and offers great advice on places to eat or visit.
The George Payne (Plaza Urquinaona)
Six years ago it was a porn theatre, now it's the largest Irish bar in Barcelona. Run by a young and international staff, it has quickly become popular with students and locals alike, thanks to the weekday drink and event specials - the most famous of which are Sunday karaoke and Monday open-mic night. A full menu with a kitchen open until 23:00, it has a large smoke-free area that's perfect to escape the more cloudy bars of the city while checking out football, rugby, or the NFL on one of the many TV screens.
The Shamrock (El Raval)
A friend once told me this place reminded him of the bar from Star Wars because of the interesting characters it attracts. Owned by a Madrileño who speaks English with a slight Gordie accent, the bar is popular with expats and Catalan locals. It’s also a good place to rest after strolling the music shops of Carrer Tallers or to catch a match.
The Black Horse (El Borne)
One of the few English pubs with a terrace, you can sit outside and watch the entertaining street life unfold before your eyes along a lively street that's often dotted with small stands or busy with community performances. Inside, the many rooms have televisions, and the Sunday pub quiz is a hit with the locals. There's no food served at this pub, but plenty of pizza joints nearby if you need to take a break from drinking to eat.
Sugar (El Gotico)
Not a theme bar in the traditional sense as you can't watch sports or drink Guinness; it's still a cool little spot off Plaza Real with an English-speaking staff and a great place to grab a drink before hitting the clubs. It's small and crowds quickly so get there early if you want to see Aragorn take a break from saving Middle Earth to make a mojito.
Along Calle Ferran, there are Molly's and the Temple Bar which are famous for their stag and hen parties, and overpriced drink prices that make the other themed bars seem reasonable. Personally, I've never been to either and avoid them, but if meat markets are your thing - they're your spots.
Finally, remember that by going to a themed pub, you're paying more than you would at a Spanish bar, so don't complain, and think of it as the price of going out and being able to speak English.
Jeremy Holland / Expatica
Written by an American expat, From Barcelona is a blog dedicated to the city, the life and the people of the capital of Catalunya (Catalonia).
Photo credit: MrGluSniffer
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Blogger Jeremy Holland lists his favourite drinking holes in town and recommends some English-speaking pubs to help you starve off the homesick blues.
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