El Xampaynet

In the middle of the cobbled streets of la Ribera lies a small gem of a bar bursting with the vibrant hum of satisfied customers and tasty bubbles of the in house speciality, el xampayn. This slightly deceiving name refers not to the product of that famous north easterly region of France, but to cava, the local equivalent. Previously I had been at the very best tolerant or even dismissive of this tipple but I left El Xampaynet singing its praises (maybe that had something to do with the quantity!) and determined to return for more. With high quality tapas, a wonderfully traditional decor and electric ambience it is little wonder that this small bodega was literally bursting with customers, with late arrivals pouring out onto the narrow streets. El Born has become one of the most fashionable night time destinations in central Barcelona, yet this little gem provides a refreshingly 'Catalan' destination with not a mirror ball or perspex tabletop in sight.

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