The Fastnet

Passeig Joan de Borbó, 22 : Barceloneta
Tel. 93 295 3005
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The Fastnet is an atypical Irish pub in Barcelona, inasmuch as it is probably the only one near the Barceloneta beaches. Its décor is maritime based and the name derives from the famous lighthouse that marks the southernmost point of Ireland. Out of the dozens of Irish pubs and bars in the city, this is the only one that seems to have realised that it is situated in Mediterranean climes and not wet and windy Dublin, and as such is open, light and airy as opposed to the standard dark and smokey atmosphere preferred by most other establishments. It has the usual varied selection of local and imported beers that you would expect from any decent pub. The Fastnet's major plus is its reasonable sized terrace that overlooks Port Vell and the main street from Barceloneta to the beaches - which makes it a great place to go if you like to sip a pint of Guiness and watch the tourists go by. Like all pubs, it has a big-screen TV and is always filled with Brits whenever there are football matches on. The Fastnet also has a good reputation for offering a fine full English breakfast and other hearty pub dishes. All in all, it's the perfect place to have a cold pint after a hard day's sunbathing on the beaches.
Karma

Aurora

C/Aurora, 7 : Liceu : Sant Antoni
Tel. 93 442 3044
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The Aurora is one of Raval's secret gems. It's eccentric decorative features and a fun-loving, arty party crowd create a quirky bar that's open 'till late on weekends. There's a really fun ambiance, with friendly bar staff, eclectic electronic music, cocktails and red décor that makes Aurora a unique lounge bar with dance club mix. Throw in a daily happy hour until 11pm and you can guarantee that this place is full of punters up for having a fun night out.
Karma

The Queen Vic

Nou de la Rambla 24 : Liceu/Drassanes
www.thequeenvic.net : Tel. 93 317 3771
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Another pub in downtown, but this time on the Raval side of the Ramblas for those who have grown tired of all the Irish pubs on C/Ferran. The Queen Vic appears to specialise in catering for the football and stag/hen do crowd - so if that's what you're looking for then this is the place to go! There's little more to say about this drinking den to be honest. It's not horrendous, it's not fantastic - it's just another pub in the center of town just like all the others, more or less. Personally, I'd recommend perusing the photo album on their website in order to get an idea of the sort of clientele and atmosphere you can expect to encounter before getting too excited. Okay, okay, maybe we're being a tad too harsh and a bit pretentious, but here at drinkBarcelona we want you to sample some of the better bars with spanish or catalan character - but if you absolutely must go to a pub then there are better ones than The Queen Vic to be found near the Ramblas.
Karma