Cities all over the world saw their nightlife and restaurant scenes struggle to recover from the pandemic, and Barcelona was no exception. Increasing running costs and rents have also led to the demise of many popular spots, and one of the city’s most iconic bars is the latest casualty.
Bar Versalle opened 109 years ago in 1915 in the Sant Andreu neighbourhood, and has been a bustling meeting place on Calle Gran de Sant and Plaza del Comerç ever since. It used to be run by the Heredero family, but was taken over by Pere Riera after a huge refurb back in 2012.
And it’s steeped in history – during the Spanish civil war, the bar acted as a bomb shelter for the neighbourhood, and it’s a distinctive feature of Andreu. However, Pere Riera has been unable to front the staggering €10,000 monthly rent, and the bar has just been forced to close.
On Friday (May 31), Bar Versalle didn’t open as usual, and passers-by were instead met with windows covered in paper and adhesive tape, according to Betevé.
For a long time, the establishment has tried to keep with the times, switching up its menu of classics like gluten-free croquettes with patatas bravas and plenty of tasty sandwiches, salads and meats. It has fed and quenched generations of customers, but it seems keeping up with rent payments was an impossible task.
The news is distressing for some long-time visitors. But Bar Versalles will always be an important part of this neighbourhood’s history.
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