MAC ARENA MAR

Mac Arena Mar is the new kid on the block among Barcelona's deejay beach bars. Located beyond the Forum area, it is a bit hidden and out on a limb; which may be its saving grace.

The bar is not everyone's idea of Mediterranean bliss. Flanked by an urban landscape of unimaginatively graffiti-sprayed  walls and with idyllic views of Barcelona's puffing power stations, it makes for an incongruous sight. However, there is something quite refreshing about the set up. International deejays spins their tunes facing the beach as the sands fill with non-paying revelers while the paying punters lounge on sofas in a cordoned section of beach to one side. So, you can either spend on a bed, booze and a bit of comfort or grab a cooler, a bunch of sarongs and friends and dance the night away on a budget. Beware however, there's a good 15-minute stagger to the nearest transport, public or otherwise.

CAL PAPI Calle Atlantida 65, Barceloneta

An unassuming, drab-looking bar with bags of character on the inside.  Succulent cod fritters, juicy mussels, tender scallops and the most spectacular ropa vieja (a Cuban dish of shredded beef and tomato) washed down with a cool bottle of Rueda with Anne and Jacqueline. This little tapas bar hidden in the back streets of the Barceloneta is an absolute must. Amazing food and homely service, this restaurant is part of a dying breed in Barcelona.Their motto reads "If you come in, you will try and you will be back". In my case that is certainly the case. http://www.calpapi.com/

I saw a dandylion

I saw a dandy lion
On my garden path today,
chatting to some buttercups
to pass the time of day.

'Good evening ladies, how are you?
Oh really? Well I say!'
Then with a bow he tipped his hat
And ambled on his way.