The iconic bar Cal Pla, founded in 1965, has reopened its doors in the heart of Eixample, Barcelona, marking a new era under the direction of entrepreneurs Jordi Castán and Sergi Suaña. This venue, which has been a meeting point for locals and workers in the area, aims to revitalise the culinary experience of the Concepció market, offering an authentic and unpretentious approach.
A renewed space with a market soul
After months of renovations, Cal Pla presents itself as a modern space that respects its history. The bar, made of marble and surrounded by brass shelves and terracotta tiles, becomes the nerve centre of the venue. Castán highlights that here, not only is food served; a community is created where each customer can feel at home. “We want our customers to be friends,” he states.
The culinary proposal is clear: simple yet tasty dishes, without minimalism or passing trends. The menu includes generous tapas and abundant portions, ideal for those looking to enjoy the ritual of vermouth or a good snack after work. With uninterrupted hours from 8:00 to 22:00, Cal Pla aspires to be the preferred place for both market vendors and Barcelonians.
“We don’t want pretentious dishes or Instagrammable corners,” Suaña emphasises.
Chef Gabriel Sunyer, who has worked with the renowned Torres brothers, will lead a kitchen that promises traditional stews alongside freshly prepared cold dishes. Among the specialities are Russian salad and various homemade creations that reflect the local culinary richness.
Aside from its culinary offerings, Cal Pla also pays homage to its historical legacy. A blackboard inside the venue represents the ten people who have worked there over six decades, symbolising the commitment to the community. “It’s our way of thanking those who made this place possible,” explains Castán.
As the project progresses, the partners plan to expand their influence in the area through initiatives like Casa Amàlia Port Vell and CROQUETelle at Time Out Market. These openings reflect their business vision focused on local and fresh products.
“Our mission is to create social architecture from our bar,” concludes Suaña.
Throughout its renewed journey, Cal Pla not only seeks to attract new customers but also to strengthen its ties with local producers. The goal is to offer an authentic experience where each dish tells a story related to the surrounding market.
As Barcelona continues to recover after difficult years for the hospitality sector due to the pandemic, initiatives like this are crucial for revitalising historic areas like Eixample. With its honest approach to gastronomy and commitment to the local community, Cal Pla positions itself as a new reference in the Barcelona culinary scene.
Over more than half a century, Cal Pla has witnessed social and cultural change in Barcelona. Its reopening not only represents a new chapter for this iconic bar but also an opportunity to revive essential culinary traditions in a vibrant and diverse city. With ambitious plans ahead, Castán and Suaña are determined to keep the essence of the place alive while looking towards a promising future.
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