Barca
Our Barca Review
Barca reopened during summer 2009 after a spell of closure and no doubt was encouraged by the refurbishment of Dukes 93 and the opening and subsequent success of Albert's Shed.
The interior layout has not changed, with the bars still dividing the ground floor in two, but the decor and furniture have seen a complete overhaul, with a mix of wallpapers and a variety of seating styles. Unfortunately, many of these chairs are of a quirky, post-modern design and are actually uncomfortable or awkward to sit on, making choosing a seat something of a lottery and even forcing people to wander around trying them out until they're happy. There're also too many individual chairs, creating a furniture clutter, and not enough sofas for some cosy shared seating.
The plasma screen, which is discreetly placed at the furthest reach of Barca, is a welcome addition but the management have neglected to place any chairs in an ideal position to watch it, unless having your head turned at a fixed 90 degree angle appeals.
Our Thursday night visit was apparently a comedy event, according to some posters, but no stand-ups were seen. Perhaps the events are cancelled but the marketing was still in place. The most impressive new addition were the gents' urinals, which have mood lighting built in and make the necessary a bit more entertaining. It's a back-handed compliment though when the facilities in the basement are the only truly memorable feature.
User Reviews
28/10/2009 by traci
very helpful & friendly staff...door staff included..drinks are not expensive at all...seating on level two a little inadequate but you can adapt very easily..just a little re-arranging if called for...overall..all our party, had a very good evening
Rated 4 out of 5
01/01/1970 by
Pretentious, false and depressing. Barmaids don't smile, beer is awful and overpriced. Clientele leave a lot to be desired.
Rated 1 out of 5
01/01/1970 by Ste
Nice Chilled out place. Good to end a night on with nice views and good bar.
Rated 4 out of 5
01/01/1970 by Jay
This bar has improved under the new management and company which now runs it, with more to come.Anyone who has had problems brfore with doorman, there is a new security firm running the doors, The drinks are served with polite and curtious staff.
Call in and see the difference.
Rated 4 out of 5
01/01/1970 by helen
people in there look about 10 I felt out of place and i am only 19 ! Very expensive, wouldnt go back - ever
Rated 1 out of 5
01/01/1970 by Phil S
Once the most fashionable bar in town, now a shadow of it's former self. Expensive though fairly conservative upgrade, the beer is generally of poor quality, the range is awful in comparison to both Dukes and Choice and the clientelle it attracts... not the highest quality either. Shame - massive potential not fulfilled.
Rated 2 out of 5
01/01/1970 by Foz
HEAVY!! HEAVY
Rated 5 out of 5
01/01/1970 by
great bar, staff are brilliant
Rated 5 out of 5
