Stravinsky’s Parfumerie
In Barcelona, The Dr Stravinsky Bar has a new addition- a museum, private members club and a playroom! Let’s explore…
I just stepped into one of the most surprising cocktail experiences I've had in Barcelona—Stravinsky's Parfumerie, the new members-only extension of the celebrated Dr. Stravinsky bar in El Born. What I thought would be a typical evening drink turned into a beautifully curated journey through scent, flavor, history, and pure imagination.
The adventure begins at a museum It's a tribute to Grigori Stravinsky, an enigmatic character who lived between St. Petersburg, Paris, and finally Barcelona, moving through a world of perfumery, alchemy, and creativity. His story is told through antique perfume bottles, black-and-white photographs, and beautifully written notes and sketches. The space is intimate, atmospheric, and full of fascinating little details—like stepping into a forgotten laboratory where every object has a story.
After wandering through the museum, I was guided to the hidden door to the members-only Bar Area. This part felt more exclusive and theatrical. The cocktail menu here is a sensory experiment—each drink is a reinvented classic, but with a twist. You don’t just choose a cocktail; you select from three edible aroma options to personalize your drink. You can choose a delicate bergamot finish for your cocktail—it is amazing how a touch of fragrance can totally transform the tasting experience.
The design of the menu is another surprise: it looks like a vintage magazine, filled with stories and portraits of 16 historical figures who crossed paths with Grigori Stravinsky. Each drink is dedicated to one of them. The whole experience felt like flipping through someone’s secret diary, where each page came to life in liquid form.
The intricate woodwork creates intimate spaces in the Parfumerie
Then there is the third and most experimental space: The Playroom, set to open in summer 2025. It’s described as a laboratory-meets-cocktail classroom, a space for workshops, tastings, and private events. Members will be able to participate in creative sessions with the bartenders, learning about techniques, ingredients, and the artistry behind the drinks. It is the cocktail version of a backstage pass. The bar is a sinuous horseshoe shape, where the bartender gets to connect with each guest face to face.
One of the co-owners, César Montilla, explained it perfectly: "The Playroom is where we experiment, play, and invite our guests into the creative process. It’s like entering the kitchen of a fine-dining restaurant, but focused entirely on cocktails." This philosophy of interaction and immersion really sets the concept apart.
Cesar and his trademark handlebar moustache
To access all of this—museum, bar, and playroom—you’ll need to become a member, which you can do directly at the entrance via a QR code. It’s not intimidating, just another touch that makes the whole thing feel special and secret. Membership includes invitations to private tastings, events, and of course, the chance to experience cocktail making in its most artistic form.
Visiting Stravinsky's Parfumerie felt like stepping into another dimension of hospitality—where drinks are stories, the setting is theatre, and every corner of the space whispers creativity. It’s not just about having a good cocktail (though you’ll definitely get that); it’s about being part of a world where imagination leads the way.
This new chapter continues the legacy of Dr. Stravinsky, a bar already known for its in-house crafted ingredients and experimental spirit. Supported by Grup Confiteria, the local hospitality group behind Paradiso and many iconic venues in Barcelona, Stravinsky’s Parfumerie is a brilliant evolution—so immersive, artistic, and sophisticated.
If you’re in Barcelona and craving something extraordinary, this is where to go. I walked out not just with a buzz from the cocktails, but with the strange and satisfying sense that I had just traveled through time, fragrance, and story—all in one unforgettable evening.