Barcelona’s La Plata bar (Google Maps) celebrates 80 years of continuous operation this month with a special free tasting event for the public.
Your browser does not support the video tag.
Located at Mercè Street 28 in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, this historic establishment will mark its anniversary on November 1st with complimentary fried fish and drinks for visitors.
Barcelona’s La Plata Bar Maintains Eight Decades of Tradition
The bar originally opened in 1945 under founders Josep Marjanet and Joaquima Planas, known affectionately as Pepito and Quimeta. Their daughter Anna Marjanet now runs the business after spending 33 years in the kitchen. Meanwhile, the establishment has preserved nearly all its original character throughout the decades.
Roger Pascual, Anna’s son and a journalist, explains the family philosophy: “My grandfather used to say: ‘the more I give, the more I have.'” Consequently, this generous approach continues with the upcoming anniversary celebration, mirroring a similar free bar event they organised for their 70th anniversary.
Remarkably little has changed at La Plata since its opening. The bar serves only four traditional dishes: tomato, onion and olive salad; anchovy and sausage sandwiches; and their famous fried fish. Additionally, they maintain strict serving traditions for their vermouth and wine, insisting these be enjoyed without ice or fruit to preserve their unique flavours.
The Heartbeat of Barcelona’s Historic Bar Scene
Pepe Gómez represents what the bar describes as “the soul of La Plata.” He recently celebrated 53 years working at the establishment, having started in 1972. The bar’s Instagram profile highlights how Gómez continues to embody the same passion and warmth that has characterised the venue for generations.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Food Mood | Jason Vaughan (@foodmood)
The Guardian newspaper previously recognised La Plata as both the best bar in Europe and the top place in Barcelona for fried fish. Furthermore, the establishment attracts both local regulars and international visitors, including celebrities like the duo Estopa, actor Daniel Brühl, and chef Ferran Adrià, who simply describes the place as “magical.”
This anniversary comes as Barcelona celebrates numerous autumn traditions that highlight the city’s rich cultural heritage. The bar’s enduring success demonstrates how traditional establishments continue to thrive alongside modern developments in the city.
According to the original report from Tot Barcelona, the free tasting event represents more than just an anniversary celebration. It embodies the family’s commitment to community and preserving Barcelona’s culinary traditions for future generations to enjoy.
Join our WhatsApp broadcast channel for instant news updates!
Source: Read original article
