Bar Alegria

Carrer Robador is narrow, dark and full of life. Pedestrians from all around the globe roam this way and that, as they pass a nice Moroccan restaurant, a Pakistani-owned grocery, a hidden bike shop and heaps of bars. It’s a street from another time, from when those working in the world's oldest profession could do as they pleased without being hassled. With the remodelling of La Rambla del Raval, as well as the Barceló Hotel being built smack on it and the Filmoteca relocating into the neighbourhood, that old network of bordellos and crazy brothels saw its end.

At C/ Robador 29, Bar Alegría is like a living photo from 25 or 30 years ago: a tiny locale where two colours dominate: red behind the bar and white on the curved walls that seem to camouflage you if you lean against them. When you walk in, look to the sofa on your left where the owner, Flora, tends to sit with her eye on the door – a habit left over from a barrio that ceased to exist three years ago.

Step up to the bar with the other thirsty patrons and order a small bottle of beer for €1.50 or a rum and coke for €5. Next to the long bar sits a jukebox with a sensational selection of rancheras, salsa, flamenco, reggaeton – all types of Spanish and Latin music.