NaparBcn
OverviewTYPE: Brewpub (BP)
HOOD: Eixample STREET: Carrer de la Diputació, 223 HOMEPAGE: NaparBCN TRANSIT: Metro Map TAPS: Yes FOOD: Yes |
THE FULL POUR
It's one of those quintessential mornings in Barcelona: warm, sunny and full of promise. The air off of the Balearic Sea is sweet, and there is a gentle breeze whispering through the palms as you drift down the carrer. Yes, it's just another day in paradise, full of endless possibilities and this is exactly why you've traveled to one of Europe's most beautiful cities.
As you contemplate the day ahead, there are endless pleasantries vying for your attention. You could walk down La Rambla to the sea, perhaps take in some views from Park Guell, tour the Piccasso Museum or even contemplate the many fine examples of Modernisme architecture sprinkled around the city. While these are all fine/textbook activities for this city of wonders, might we also suggest that you factor in a visit to NaparBCN on the early side of your Barcelona stay. The thinking behind this advice is simple, this is one spot that you're most likely going to want to revisit before that dreaded flight home. We've all seen NaparBCN on the Barcelona lists, and they have many fans beyond The Hop Leaves (of course, we're one of their biggest), but hopefully this post will further illustrate why it is such a wonderful place to spend some of that priceless time ticking away on your Barcelona meter.
In a way, our environmental approach to beertography may spoil one of the most elemental of surprises at NaparBCN, the mere fact that there is absolutely nothing pedestrian about the atmosphere here. In fact, entering this space from the contrastingly modest storefront will literally stop you right in your tracks. Similar to their BierCaB partner location right around the corner, and perhaps even then some, it's simply a wondrous den for beer imbibing and it was quite difficult to ultimately put down the camera.
NaparBCN is a sister operation to the Naparbier brewery in Pamplona, Spain (Navarre Region). While fresh and flavorful beer is brewed right onsite here, by their talented brewer Allan, you also have a chance to try some of the Naparbier options brewed in Navarre as well. So, it's really like visiting two breweries in one and you cannot go wrong with a selection from either location.
As you contemplate the day ahead, there are endless pleasantries vying for your attention. You could walk down La Rambla to the sea, perhaps take in some views from Park Guell, tour the Piccasso Museum or even contemplate the many fine examples of Modernisme architecture sprinkled around the city. While these are all fine/textbook activities for this city of wonders, might we also suggest that you factor in a visit to NaparBCN on the early side of your Barcelona stay. The thinking behind this advice is simple, this is one spot that you're most likely going to want to revisit before that dreaded flight home. We've all seen NaparBCN on the Barcelona lists, and they have many fans beyond The Hop Leaves (of course, we're one of their biggest), but hopefully this post will further illustrate why it is such a wonderful place to spend some of that priceless time ticking away on your Barcelona meter.
In a way, our environmental approach to beertography may spoil one of the most elemental of surprises at NaparBCN, the mere fact that there is absolutely nothing pedestrian about the atmosphere here. In fact, entering this space from the contrastingly modest storefront will literally stop you right in your tracks. Similar to their BierCaB partner location right around the corner, and perhaps even then some, it's simply a wondrous den for beer imbibing and it was quite difficult to ultimately put down the camera.
NaparBCN is a sister operation to the Naparbier brewery in Pamplona, Spain (Navarre Region). While fresh and flavorful beer is brewed right onsite here, by their talented brewer Allan, you also have a chance to try some of the Naparbier options brewed in Navarre as well. So, it's really like visiting two breweries in one and you cannot go wrong with a selection from either location.
WHY IS THIS ON THL?
After you've transitioned through the front door, and gaze down the stunning (steampunk-esque?) hallway before you, it's easy to feel as if you may have just come in blinded from a snowstorm. But get your bearings traveller, and keep walking, it somehow gets even better as the brewery reveals itself around the corner. Yep, this is one extraordinary venue. Let's get into some of the other reasons beyond just the exemplary design.
The first of many things to blow your mind here, is the friendly staff. They make you feel right at home and it's quite obvious that everyone here is seriously into beer. That's right, everyone. From their gracious brewer Allan (of course), to all of the service staff, it's a standout team. And then there is Sven. If the travel gods grant it, you will have the good fortune to meet the wizard behind all of this enchantment around you. He's obviously a very busy man, as this place can get humming along at quite a clip during peak times, but he's the kind of guy that would go out of his way to ensure that you enjoy your stay here. You may even find yourself thinking about asking him for an employment application and potentially relocating to Barcelona for a new beer career. No biggie, you're just under the spell of NaparBCN and her many charms.
We've already addressed food significance in a previous THL post for BierCaB, and it's naturally applicable here as well. This is Barcelona, exceptional culinary experiences are everywhere in this foodie mecca, so one must choose wisely when considering the limited amount of meals on their tour. In this context, it's so nice to see that NaparBCN successfully matches the high quality of their beers at the very same level for eatables. So plan for a meal here too, as the tapas options (get the pulpo!) are exactly what you would expect from a world class brewpub, in a world class culinary city.
The first of many things to blow your mind here, is the friendly staff. They make you feel right at home and it's quite obvious that everyone here is seriously into beer. That's right, everyone. From their gracious brewer Allan (of course), to all of the service staff, it's a standout team. And then there is Sven. If the travel gods grant it, you will have the good fortune to meet the wizard behind all of this enchantment around you. He's obviously a very busy man, as this place can get humming along at quite a clip during peak times, but he's the kind of guy that would go out of his way to ensure that you enjoy your stay here. You may even find yourself thinking about asking him for an employment application and potentially relocating to Barcelona for a new beer career. No biggie, you're just under the spell of NaparBCN and her many charms.
We've already addressed food significance in a previous THL post for BierCaB, and it's naturally applicable here as well. This is Barcelona, exceptional culinary experiences are everywhere in this foodie mecca, so one must choose wisely when considering the limited amount of meals on their tour. In this context, it's so nice to see that NaparBCN successfully matches the high quality of their beers at the very same level for eatables. So plan for a meal here too, as the tapas options (get the pulpo!) are exactly what you would expect from a world class brewpub, in a world class culinary city.
Now let's get down to brass tacks and talk about beer options. You may notice that their are 6 beaming tanks hanging over the bar. Those vessels are not merely ornamental and Allan has worked hard to fill them with his temptations brewed right here onsite. In the spirit of drinking both quality and local, that's your best place to start. And sure, you could just drink those NaparBCN brews and walk away from this place feeling completely satisfied. But, might we also encourage you to take a gander at the many bottles occupying those coolers and shelves before moving on for the day. Originally from Belgium, Sven excels at curating bottle options that most Belgian enthusiasts might appreciate as well . . . with a nice variety of lambics for your consideration.
Even though Allan's beer is the true star of the show here, it's really only the beginning of the appeal at NaparBCN. There are many thoughtful details implemented successfully throughout this space, all adding up to a phenomenal experience. This notion of beer travel satisfaction is appropriate, given Barcelona's impact on your soul in general. It is a captivating city, in every sense of the word, and NaparBCN is directly in line with this theme. From the beery documentaries streaming right over your head and onto the big screen, to the endless beer options beckoning for your attention, they've clearly thought of everything. This beer destination has been built for enthusiasts, by enthusiasts.
Even though Allan's beer is the true star of the show here, it's really only the beginning of the appeal at NaparBCN. There are many thoughtful details implemented successfully throughout this space, all adding up to a phenomenal experience. This notion of beer travel satisfaction is appropriate, given Barcelona's impact on your soul in general. It is a captivating city, in every sense of the word, and NaparBCN is directly in line with this theme. From the beery documentaries streaming right over your head and onto the big screen, to the endless beer options beckoning for your attention, they've clearly thought of everything. This beer destination has been built for enthusiasts, by enthusiasts.
WHAT'S NEARBY?
(<2km/1.25m)
MORE HOP LEAVES:
BierCaB
BierCaB
SIGHTS/WALKS:
Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter)
Casa Batlló
Casa Milà
La Boqueria
Museum of Contemporary Art
Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter)
Casa Batlló
Casa Milà
La Boqueria
Museum of Contemporary Art