I didn’t seek it out deliberately, I promise!
After enjoying an exploratory wander through the Raval, I stumbled upon something most unexpected. In the district of Barcelona best known for its high immigrant population, halal meat shops and (let’s be honest here) prostitution, a genuinely British Fish & Chip shop was the last thing I expected to see.
Naturally, as a self-sacrificing blogger, I had to venture in and check out the food so that you, my loyal readers, might know whether it was a haven of British cuisine, or simply second-rate grub for grease-starved tourists.
Rest assured that my research was undertaken with the utmost care and scientific standards. Assistants were drafted in to provide second and third opinions, and the endeavour was undertaken with the seriousness that befitted it.
Featuring the option of a full english breakfast in addition to the generous traditional fish & chip shop menu and a sign announcing, “real english chocolate”, if anything the café offered more than one might normally find in your average local chippy.
Aside from the menu appearing in Catalan and Spanish there was little to suggest we were in Barcelona at all. The drizzle and grey skies outside only added to the authenticity of our experience. A certificate even proudly proclaimed all the produce to have been sourced in the British Isles.
And what about the actual food?
Here we have an example of my personal favourite, chicken and mushroom pie and chips, accompanied by a dr. pepper.
I’m pleased to report the chips were suitably greasy, there was a noticeable quantity of chicken in the pie in question, and the dr. pepper was served well chilled. Vinegar was offered, but declined. Salt and ketchup were accepted.
On your right is an example of the classic fish and chips. A small portion size was chosen, gravy was the condiment of preference, to be accompanied with the somewhat unusual choice of a Nestea. The batter was found to be crisp, the fish succulent, and the chips once more pleasantly greasy.
I’m getting hungry again just thinking about it. A return visit is definitely in order, but I’m going to have to make an effort to tone down my guiri ways in future. A recent comment that I was turning a bit, to quote, “Costa Brava tourist” has made me think carefully about future blog posts.
So look forward to a higher Spanish content in future posts, dear readers.
Even if I write them while drinking Yorkshire tea 😉
Barcelona Ramblings 