Dr. Stravinsky, in Barcelona’s historic El Born district, offers an immersive experience that transports guests to an old-world apothecary. The bar’s unique charm lies in its experimental approach, crafting nearly 80% of ingredients in-house with an emphasis on creativity, sustainability, and local craftsmanship.

Upon entering the bar, guests are greeted by a beautifully restored vintage space that evokes the feel of a pharmacy or chemistry lab. With two levels and three distinct areas, each part of Dr. Stravinsky offers a different and distinct vibe. Downstairs is the ‘past’, a room filled with bottles that simulate traditional maceration processes, while the ‘present’ is represented in the main bar area where homemade concoctions are on full display. Upstairs, the ‘future’ emerges in the form of cutting-edge distillation processes, a nod to the modern evolution of cocktail-making.

From the rustic wooden furniture to the warm red and green tones, soft lighting, and vintage curiosities, the entire space feels like a journey back in time. The bar even integrates parts of an old gastronomy store, with antique drawers now housing their impressive homemade ingredients. The absence of branded labels on the back bar reflects the bar’s commitment to its unique creations, focusing entirely on their in-house products.

Dr. Stravinsky’s drinks centre around Spanish produce, such as homemade butter, vinegar, and goats cheese, which are made and sourced in collaboration with producers, and incorporated into distinct cocktails that showcase the versatility of these ingredients. While they use innovative techniques and unique combinations of flavours, the drinks maintain a strong connection to classic cocktail structures.

The bar’s design, drinks, and even glassware are created with sustainability in mind. Many garnishes are edible, designed to elevate the flavours of the drinks, and are often made from reused ingredients. Glassware is also locally sourced or crafted from upcycled materials, further demonstrating Dr. Stravinsky’s dedication to reducing waste.

Behind the scenes, they use a filtration and osmosis system so there is no need for bottled water in glass or plastic. Reducing water is a careful consideration and they never burn ice at the end of the shift-  instead always allowing it to melt and later be used for cleaning tasks. This filtered water is also used within the ice machines, uncommon in Barcelona – meaning the team have some of the best and clearest ice to work with in the city. 

The bar attracts an extremely diverse pool of staff and there are currently nine nationalities working behind the bar, meaning seven languages spoken to welcome guests. All new team members join as a bar back, undergoing training and testing before moving to a more senior position. Personalised training plans are created to ensure the very best outcome for each person, while additional training is offered to the full team covering all elements of service to keep skills sharp. 

Dr. Stravinsky offers a menu entirely focused on cocktails, with no beer or wine options, but does cater to various drinking preferences with low and non-alcoholic versions available. Their expertly curated playlist shifts from Latin and Caribbean vibes to electronic and funky tunes as the night progresses, setting the perfect mood for a magical and memorable evening in Barcelona.