After last week’s post regarding the sad closure of historic shops in Barcelona’s city centre, I thought it high time to celebrate the little pockets of the city where creative retail is having a renaissance. There are dozens of streets away from Barcelona’s Ciutat Vella where intriguing owner-run boutiques are clustering. Here is the first in what I hope will be a regular series.
Carrer Parlament is located in what was, until recently, considered a naff part of the Eixample. Now dubbed San Antoni and perhaps better known as a place where hipsters head for brunch in cafes like this and this, cute little start up shops and galleries are adding interest beyond the morning latte.
Cottage
This enchanting florist reminds me of that famous scene in Vertigo, when Kim Novak steps from a black and white San Francisco street into a glorious Technicolor world via a flower shop. All sorts of blooms, indoor plants and pots of fresh herbs for every occasion. C/Parlament 10. Tel. 93 129 5595
Carrer Parlament is located in what was, until recently, considered a naff part of the Eixample. Now dubbed San Antoni and perhaps better known as a place where hipsters head for brunch in cafes like this and this, cute little start up shops and galleries are adding interest beyond the morning latte.
Cottage
This enchanting florist reminds me of that famous scene in Vertigo, when Kim Novak steps from a black and white San Francisco street into a glorious Technicolor world via a flower shop. All sorts of blooms, indoor plants and pots of fresh herbs for every occasion. C/Parlament 10. Tel. 93 129 5595
Unik
I had a touch of the déjà vu when I walked into Unik. After poking around for a few minutes, I realised that Clara, the creator of these fantastic upcycled lamps, mirrors, coat racks and other items, was responsible for one of my favourite pieces of jewellery – a pendant made from an old enamel pill box. Each piece here is totally unique and has either been transformed entirely (a metal sieve to a lampshade) or tastefully repurposed (a window frame to a mirror). I want the army of small robots made from old cutlery and other bits and bobs to be my new best friends. C/ Parlament 13. Tel. 93 251 48967
I had a touch of the déjà vu when I walked into Unik. After poking around for a few minutes, I realised that Clara, the creator of these fantastic upcycled lamps, mirrors, coat racks and other items, was responsible for one of my favourite pieces of jewellery – a pendant made from an old enamel pill box. Each piece here is totally unique and has either been transformed entirely (a metal sieve to a lampshade) or tastefully repurposed (a window frame to a mirror). I want the army of small robots made from old cutlery and other bits and bobs to be my new best friends. C/ Parlament 13. Tel. 93 251 48967
Llibreria Calders
It’s not easy to make a bookshop work these days – which is why they deserve all our support. Tucked away at end of the Bar Calders cul de sac, Llibreria Calders, with its pine tables and rough stonewalls has a bit of a crate and barrel air it. The tomes are arranged into themes (philosophy, narrative, art etc) and not by author or language, which makes browsing here an education in itself. Passatge Pere Calders 9
It’s not easy to make a bookshop work these days – which is why they deserve all our support. Tucked away at end of the Bar Calders cul de sac, Llibreria Calders, with its pine tables and rough stonewalls has a bit of a crate and barrel air it. The tomes are arranged into themes (philosophy, narrative, art etc) and not by author or language, which makes browsing here an education in itself. Passatge Pere Calders 9
Valnot
Of the all the retro and mid century furniture shops that have appeared in Barcelona of late, this must be my favourite. Not only because the prices are affordable, but because the owner obviously likes a good dose of shabby with his chic. You’ll find lots of bobbly German-made ‘lava’ vases, swoopy Italian glassware, furniture from kitchen dressers to glass top dining tables and all manner of lamps. Much of the restoration is done on the tiny mezzanine, and classes are also given. C/ Viladomat, 30, Tel. 93 531 4179
Of the all the retro and mid century furniture shops that have appeared in Barcelona of late, this must be my favourite. Not only because the prices are affordable, but because the owner obviously likes a good dose of shabby with his chic. You’ll find lots of bobbly German-made ‘lava’ vases, swoopy Italian glassware, furniture from kitchen dressers to glass top dining tables and all manner of lamps. Much of the restoration is done on the tiny mezzanine, and classes are also given. C/ Viladomat, 30, Tel. 93 531 4179
[‘galeri ]
The fledgling [‘galeri] is a tiny space that sells a neat selection of ‘Made in Barcelona’ items. Everything here had a quality, handmade feel to it, but particularly lovely were vases made by Atuell that are as fine as folded paper and Loope leather tote bags. Co-owner Luis tells me that he plans to hold regularly shows of photography and prints, and going by the small range of both already in stock, this is one to keep an eye on. C/ Viladomat 27.
The fledgling [‘galeri] is a tiny space that sells a neat selection of ‘Made in Barcelona’ items. Everything here had a quality, handmade feel to it, but particularly lovely were vases made by Atuell that are as fine as folded paper and Loope leather tote bags. Co-owner Luis tells me that he plans to hold regularly shows of photography and prints, and going by the small range of both already in stock, this is one to keep an eye on. C/ Viladomat 27.
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