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.

For accommodation in Born and near el Xampaynet:

Cheap Cava in Barcelona

When you think of Cava, Spain is the first place that springs to mind, better yet Barcelona, Catalonia. The birthplace of Cava, spain of course and is the Spanish version of sparkling wine like those from the famous French region of Champagne. For those looking for cheap cava but also good quality then Barcelona has it for you. Although Cava spain is made out in the Catalan countryside, there are many many Cava bars were you can taste the region's wonderful wine.If you fancy sampling cheap cava along with a great selection of sandwiches and tapas then the bar Can Paixano is the best place to go. Commonly known to tourists as the Champaneria or Cava Bar, Can Paixano is known for cheap cava where a copa is about 50 cents and the most expensive own-label bottle a little over 4€. However there are no seats and if you go at lunchtime, you'll be able to find some space to enjoy your drink but if you go at night, expect the place to be crammed full. It's a good way to get tipsy early, but any time after 7pm will start to get very, very full and is very popular with tourists. It's compulsory to order two mini sandwiches with the first bottle you buy. From then on, every few bottles you may be asked to buy a couple of more tapas or sandwiches and the staff are very trusting and will wait for you to finish eating and drinking until they ask you to pay for anything.
Also, if you decide you want to take some Cava with you, then there is a shop at the back of the bar where you can purchase bottles (in the case load if you prefer) at a reduced wholesale rate.
Open 10:30am to 10pm.

Getting There
The address of the bar is 7 Calle de la Reina Cristina located in the old fishermans area of Barceloneta. See map
If you are staying in Barceloneta accommodation then you can easily walk to the bar and if you have any trouble then simply ask someone as they will definitely know where it is.
If you are staying in central Barcelona accommodation then you should take the Metro to Barceloneta (on the yellow line) and you are only a few minutes away.
For a more comprehensive Barcelona guide.