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Our History
Oh, if the walls of El Velódromo could talk! They would be able to tell a very important part of our city’s recent history. Since its opening in 1933, El Velódromo has seen it all: it survived a civil war, it welcomed members of the republican government and through generations it has brought together loyal customers to enjoy a good coffee, have a get-together or play a game of pool.
Politicians, intellectuals, members of the Catalan bourgeoisie and even artists of the Gauche Divine have sat at its tables, with a drink in hand, to while away the hours. It has been a place for the young (and not so young) in the 80s and 90s, to have a few drinks before heading out to the nightclubs, and it became a venue for a large portion of people from Barcelona.
In the year 2000, when its owners decided to shut up shop and take their retirement, Cerveses Moritz took over the venue, and renovated it, maintaining the truly characteristic spirit it has had since the beginning. The renovation of the space was managed by Estudio Pilar Líbano and the principal objective of Moritz was to recover the original art déco features, turning it into a meeting point for the Barcelona cultural world, just as it had been in the past, through its gastronomy, and the diverse cultural and artistic activities organised there.
So you see, El Velódromo is not just a bar. It’s a piece of Barcelona’s history.
1933
El Velódromo opens its doors on Muntaner street, close to Diagonal. A new bar designed with wood interiors and warm colours, a mix of classic and art deco.
1936
During the Spanish Civil War it welcomes members of the republican government exiled in Barcelona.
1945
The premises becomes a café, welcoming those who love to meet up for a chat, as well as politicians and intellectuals.
1951
It hosts the organising committee for the tram strike affecting the city.
1960-70
It becomes the heartland for the Gauche Divine (a movement led by the bourgeoisie, politicians and artists from the left in Barcelona).
1977
The tables of El Velódromo become the birthplace of l'Avenç, a magazine specialising in Catalan history and culture.
1980-90
It becomes a fashionable spot for the Barcelona in-crowd from the upper neighbourhoods of the city.
2000
Cerveses Moritz buys the premises after its owner retires, and then begins the task of restoring the space, led by Estudio Pilar Liébano.
2009
El Velódromo opens its doors after a complete renovation, where the essence, sprit and style of the bar are maintained.
2010
Julià Guillamon and Albert Planas launch the project “Les Cartes d’El Velódromo” (El Velódromo’s menus) turning the bar’s menu into a literary magazine.
2019
Coinciding with the 10th anniversary of its reopening, El Velódromo begins to serve a selection of fresh, unpasteurised beers direct from the tanks of Fàbrica Moritz Barcelona.
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