There are many nice little places in Barrio del Carmen, and I came across this beautiful little cafe while on the way from Torres de Quart to the Cathedral of Valencia. The place is very small, less than a few square meters in total, but has a very original and authentic atmosphere.
As there are only two tables inside, most customers choose to have their drinks outside the bar underneath the trees instead. It seems this little place used to be a pharmacy of some sort, as the word 'pharmacy' could still be seen on the window above the side entrance. Even the wine shelves look very much like glass cabinets and cases specifically used to display and store bottles of lotions, solvents and medicines.
I had wanted to take a seat outside under the trees, but most people outside seemed to be chain-smokers who had one cigarette after the other. As I am a non-smoker, I was kind of obliged to take a place inside the bar, in spite of the sign 'smoking allowed inside' displayed on the door.
The place is tended by one barman only, so instead of waiting for him to come out and take your order, it is faster to go into the bar and place your order for drinks directly with him at the counter. He will then take the drinks out to you on a tray.
For a little place like this, the wine shelf is actually quite well sorted, with a good variety of alcoholic beverages, whisky, liquor and dessert wines available. Prices of all drinks are all listed on a piece of paper next to the cashier, as required by Spanish laws. The barman speaks a little English, sufficient for foreign visitors to order their drinks.
The ceiling of this place has exceptionally beautiful hand-crafted and gilded wood works fit for a grand mansion. It lends a touch of sophistication and elegance to this unassuming little bar.
Try it out the next time you visit Valencia!!
Cafe Sant Jaume
Calle Caballeros, 51
46001 Valencia
Spain
46001 Valencia
Spain
Copyrights@2011. All text and photos by YC Cheng. All Rights Reserved.
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