Plaza Urquinaona, 5 :
Urquinaona 
: Plaza Catalunya 
: Passeig de Gracia 
www.thegeorgepayneirishbar.com : Tel. (+34) 93 481 5294
: 
This enormous pub in Plaza Urquinaona has something for everyone. El Teatre is divided into four rooms: a stylish cocktail lounge, a spacious main bar with DJ, an upstairs restaurant with gentlemen's club style leather chairs overlooking the main bar and the George Payne Irish pub section. The atmosphere is remarkably friendly and relaxed for a commercial bar of its size and the general vibe is definitely classier than the average downtown Irish pub. The copious drinks selection encompasses the usual favourites like Estrella, Guinness and cider, as well alcopops and an impressively long cocktail list. The restaurant is rather posh and the prices reflect this (set menus start at 28 euros, although you can also do your wallet a favour and just nibble on some tapas). This boozer is not so classy that it neglects to cater for sports fans, however, and all Spanish league and Champions league matches are shown as well as the best of other major sports. El Teatre is also slightly unusual in that it hosts private functions such as weddings, private parties, and stag and hen nights. You can hire out one of the four rooms or, if you've got the dosh, the entire place. The bar has only recently opened and consequently the atmosphere and clientele is a bit variable, although no doubt in time the pub will find its own vibe. At the moment, it's a fine place to start your weekend.
Paul
