Make-over

With the shortage of licenses for new venues, testing out a "new" bar in Barcelona is rather like going on a date with Ana Obregón: you can be sure that you'll have seen the place before and that it'll since have had a nip and tuck or two. You just won't know whether the change has been for the better or worse.

Why, since summer alone we've already seen the lush wine lounge ànima3 reopen as studenty skater-den Nevermind, undergoing what can best be described as a chemical peel gone wrong - though developing a much friendlier personality en route.

On the other side of Ramblas, meanwhile, Pepino had a much easier task. Opening earlier this month, they've transformed the storm-ridden Donegal pub into a restaurant-cum-cocktail bar. Just keep it down - the previous owner is facing up to ten years for noise infringements.

And just a few blocks down, a Boom Box-y Lipstick Rock Club opened last week. They may be on to something, but seem to have committed the capital sin of exfoliating without moisturizing - the former Salsitas is getting, well, let's just say "rough around the edges" and, as with Ana, looking best when you don't get too close.

Lipstick Club Rock - now open
Nou de la Rambla 22, Raval - 626 424 113

Pepino Restaurante & Cocktail Bar - now open
Nou de la Rambla 44, Raval - 93 443 8636

Nevermind
Escudellers Blancs 3, Gótico

by AAl