Bar Social Cer, L’Escala (& afternoon sun)
Being on the coast in L’Escala a lot more now, we’re always on the lookout for new places to drink or eat. It happens to be the start of spring and the Easter holidays have just ended. I’m wondering what’s open where I can bask in some warm afternoon rays.
Forget the old fishing village area, shame, as it has a few nice spots with far reaching sea views across the Bay of Roses. Working your way eastwards towards the modern sprawl that is Riells, the story is pretty much the same.
Just opposite the beachside statue of the little Prince (petit Principe) there’s La Basilic, popular amongst expat Europeans more than locals and La Mod, the latter more of a restaurant and happy to welcome diners with dogs. Both are close to the beach, some outdoor seating and sea facing. Again the absence of afternoon sun means I’m not tempted.
You really need to shift yourself over to the Port area. Not as lively as the fishing village (casc antic) area and bereft of any nightlife. Dominated by the ‘club nautic’ or sailing club there are a fair few restaurants facing the marina that feature below long swathes of low rise apartment blocks. A not untypical scene found at other Costa Brava club nautics. I think the architect must have reused the same plans at several beach locations!
So back to Bar Cer located midway down a residential street. Many small towns and villages here have a ‘Bar Social, buildings which are owned by the local authority and host cultural community events plus a bar. Bar Cer has a generous interior plus outdoor terrace/garden area. It’s functional, modern and bordering on boringly plain.
Our initial attraction came via a local FB post promoting a small market, barbecue and DJ music date held on a Sunday.
Being a minority male within my female dominated dynamic I happily let the ladies shop while I supped on a vermouth, minded the dogs while the DJ did his thing. This idyll was only punctuated by periodic interruptions for more funds.
We’ve been back subsequently as a local English guy organises the odd quiz nights and karaoke, mostly off-season. Both activities attract the locals too and the food options are good, we liked their Americana burger. It does have that ‘community’ feel about it, your tourist or day visitor would most likely walk on past.
Bar CER Social, Carrer del Garbi, 6, L’Escala