The Celtic Cross
C/Corsega, 343 : 
Diagonal 
www.celticcross.es
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[Note that as of 2009 the Celtic Cross is no more! It has changed hands and is now appears to be more of a coffee bar. Check the comments for further updates.]
This unassuming and inconspicuous pub is reputedly "Barcelona's newest Irish bar", but ignore it at your peril! Literally next door to La Cervesera Artesana, it shares its neighbour's relatively obscure location, so if you're in the area you should kill both these birds with the same stone. The Celtic Cross may not be quite special enough to warrant a trip uptown for tourists who are staying in the centre, however, for those staying nearby in Gracia, it's well worth popping in and enjoying the friendlier than average bar service and chatty ex-pat-heavy atmosphere. As you would expect from a bar of its kind, they serve cider and Guinness, both welcome antidotes to the numbing monotony of another umpteenth bottle of Estrella. The best thing about the Celtic Cross is that more than any other pub in town it avoids feeling like a foreign novelty pub. This sense of authenticity may not always be such a big deal, but it certainly makes a refreshing change to bars like the Bristol Blue, where the owner's idea of "pubness" is often rather bewildering. Easily the best pub in Gracia and one of the best pubs in town.
Paul
Posts
3 comments:
Just to add to Paul's review: The Celtic Cross has a good spacious extra room with a TV for sports. Unfortunately, the TV is small-ish and set up in the top corner of the place, so it's not so great on the eyes or neck! One big plus for this Irish pub/bar is that it serves a much higher quality pint of Guiness than the typical black stuff you get in the more touristy "pubs" in the center of town. If you want a good, correctly poured, cool, creamy pint of Guiness then the Celtic Cross is worth a visit.
As a regular of The Celtic Cross, they're doing cheap, hearty and tasty meals!! Now there's no reason to leave!!
The last time we went here was six months ago. We went two Saturdays in a row and both times were accosted by an unpleasant lonely drinker: one aggressive but amusing, the other pathetic and freakily resembling Robert De Niro. It´s a great pub, but the bar staff should keep an eye on people like that otherwise customers will vote with their feet and go elsewhere where they can drink and chat in peace.
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