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Apolo
Click here to view map Click here to launch website There’s something appealingly exclusive about Sala Apolo on Parallel. Of course it’s very famous, extremely popular and attracts big DJs and bands, but the monthly line-up tends to opt for more rising stars and avant garde pioneers than household names. It’s exposure of up and coming international acts, especially in the electronic field, is surely only matched in Barcelona, by Razzmatazz’s promotion of new live bands. The main sala, see review of sister establishment LA2, is spread over two floors with all the features of the traditional theatre it once functioned as. The upstairs balcony has its own bar and is a great place to dance on a busy night as you can actually move your arms; the lower dance floor tends to get pretty rammed, especially on nights with big names playing. There is a dark, mustiness to the whole place made slightly seedier by the presence of red globular lights, on every corner and hanging from the chandeliers. At either side of the dance floor there are even small, seated booths where you can take a break if it all gets too much. Drinks aren’t exactly cheap - pretty much standard club prices really- but, unlike most places, the measures are a decent size. One thing I don’t like about the venue is that all drinks are served in glasses and bottles. Before long into the evening you find yourself dancing on glass splinters which is not only annoying, cos you’re always trying to scrape them off the bottom of your shoe, but also, though I may sound like my mother, fairly dangerous. The weekend is given over to the Nitsa club, Barcelona’s best regular event for quality house and techno. I really think the sound quality in Apolo is amazing, and though not normally a house fan, there is nowhere I’d rather hear it, as it buzzes, from your feet to your head, through everything you do. Thursdays normally see the presence of Apolo’s funk night “The Powder Room” with the once a month “Magic in the Air” hip hop night also getting a look in. “Magic in the Air” is a really great night as it always includes an excellent selection of live acts and DJs. Prices vary from night to night but is never more than €13 including a drink. The crowd tends to be mainly local which is nice and you even get a good bit of dancing going on (unlike a lot places in this town where people seem very happy to spend their cover charge in order to stand on the dance floor swaying gently). To me this fact suggests that crowd actually knows a bit about the music they’re listening to and haven’t just turned up at the club blind. Apolo is a serious club with great names, innovative programming a cool clientelle and fantastic atmosphere. It just has to be.

Address:

Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 113, 08004

Area:

Raval

Nearest Metro:

Parallel

Club type:

Straight

Opening times:

Weds: 12-5am
Thurs-Sat 12.30-5am

Drink prices:

One drink Free,
Beer: €3.50,
Mix Drink:€7/8

Entry prices:

Weds: €10
Thurs: €12
Fri-Sat: €13

Music played:

Electro
Funk
Hip-Hop
Indie
Rock