Perched on a perimeter of The Gothic Quarter the subtleties of Soho House Barcelona from its exterior encapsulate the privacy and exclusivity of currently one of the world’s coolest new hotels.
Also host to the members club that is open to only the most sophisticated creatives in Barcelona, discretion is made a clear priority. At first glance, this unassuming building is a mix of modest olive greens and exposed terracotta brickwork which could almost be overseen if you’re not looking closely enough. Once past the sliding glass doors and into the vaulted ceiling lobby, there is an ambiance that is effortlessly chilled out; and from the get go it is clear that this isn’t your average hotel.
For any design geeks it’s worth a snoop. Complete with 57 bedrooms, club spaces, a trendy roof terrace, Cowshed spa, capacious gym and two heated pools; each aspect of this hotel has been carefully considered. Visually Soho House Barcelona fits the Soho House cookie cutter brand but look closer and inspiration has been taken from classic Catalonian design with elements of dramatic gothic architecture entwined with bold and colourful tiles and local antiques.
Our Medium Marina room was a blend of vintage accessories including a dusty pink lampshade and Marshall Radio set against a striking textured mustard headboard. The best rooms display views over the marina, but all are a considered mix of colours and heavy Spanish prints with large beds completed with the all-important crisp white sheets and soft deep pillows. En suite cream tiled bathrooms host a huge collection of full sized Cowshed products which are placed amongst vintage bronze fittings, many with large baths and generous rain showers.
Taken from Mayfair’s Cecconi’s, Soho House Barcelona’s restaurant is open to all. A similar interior to that of the house but with arguably even a touch more glamour; if you find yourself in Barcelona it is a sure place to book to eat. Open seven days a week and seating up to 110, plush velvet seating is set alongside an opulent bar, impressive show kitchen with deep green foliage and eye catching artwork at each turn.
A menu inspired by the Mediterranean with a particular nod to Italy, Soho House Barcelona’s Cecconi’s welcome diners for an Italian aperitif at the elegant bar prior to being seated. Perched on their roomy bar stools, we are encouraged to select from a concise menu a cocktail or wine and a chosen selection of small plates are paired by the charming bar staff. For us this included some pretty special meatballs in a rich tomato sauce.
Cecconi’s has one of those menus that we could have easily re-visited night after night. An appetizer each to start we choose a generous burrata salad with tomato and avocado that is topped with pistachio with the octopus, which was enjoyed despite my guest wanting to order more of the memorable meatballs, also a feature on the a la carte listing.
Both the reception and our waitress had noted their ‘not to miss’ Agnolotti del plin and black truffle pasta dish; naturally I followed suit whilst my guest (on the seafood theme) the seafood risotto topped with a large prawn for good measure. Neither of us will admit to being dessert fans but ours was particularly special. Veering away from our regular cheese board, we selected the excellent profiteroles with pistachio ice-cream and a dark chocolate sauce.
Available to both members and non-members, the Cowshed spa at Soho House Barcelona is found within the basement of the building and surrounds the concept of a traditional Spanish pharmacy. It is a pretty boutique with four treatment rooms, four mani and pedi stations and an indoor heated pool. Wrapped in our Soho House robes with toes snug in slippers we experienced the two hour Barcelona signature treatment and the 90 minute deep tissue massage.
A specifically tailored Cowshed massage, the Barcelona Signature treatment has been designed for the spa and to tackle dry or over heated skin. Encapsulating the relaxing and soothing ethos of the spa, this two hour treatment is designed for traveller’s post-flight water retention and features a combination of body brushing and deep exfoliation followed by a full body massage and cold stone facial. Lasting for one hour, the deep tissue massage is too a full body massage but focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue to relieve tension, which it sure did – fixing a problem shoulder!
Each floor playing host to facilities for both local members and visiting travellers, Soho House Barcelona has much more to it than first meets the eye (or their Instagram feed). Our tour exposed the huge Cowshed Active gym, private 36 seat screening room, club room, event space as well as the enviable rooftop; a dynamic all day space which caters to morning coffee, lazy afternoons and to evening cocktails with brilliant views of the city and marina beyond.
Soho House Barcelona opened last October and is the latest addition to the growing portfolio of Soho House members clubs. An aspirational design concept, fantastic restaurant, vast selection of facilities and ideal location; aside from boasting the Soho House branding, this hotel / members club amalgamation effortlessly caters to all; epitomizing an aspirational lifestyle to the most discerning creative individuals.
Address: Plaça del Duc de Medinaceli, 4, 08002 Barcelona, Spain | sohohousebarcelona.com
