"People who do cool things in Barna have to be on the BUS," is how Pablo Vilaplana, one of the founders of the terrace, defines it. He awaits us at his spot in Parc del Fòrum. The BUS, which owes its name to the enormous London bus that presides over the space ---and which, by the way, functions as a kitchen---, existed 7 years ago, but it wasn't until early June 2020 that it was reincarnated into what it is today: a place where mixology, music, and culture converge.
Music is the fundamental pillar of the BUS, which was born with the vocation of promoting emerging local talent while aspiring to become the meeting point for established artists of the Barcelona scene. Names like CuteMobb, Bad Gyal, and DJ Nasty Mondays have passed through its terrace, who ---unknowingly--- played their last session before separating at the Fòrum venue last February.
The BUS is open from Thursday to Sunday. On weekends, the hours are from twelve noon to twelve midnight. And on Thursdays and Fridays, from five in the afternoon until midnight. Admission is free and no reservations are accepted. The first to arrive get in. The maximum capacity is 280 people, 160 seated.
The first day of the bus week ---Thursday--- is reserved for Momentos Alhambra, in collaboration with the famous Spanish beer brand. The Momentos are live concerts by either acoustic groups or collectives from the city's urban scene. From Friday to Sunday there is music at all hours by resident and guest DJs, although the highlight is Saturday, "the big day," according to DJ Cucut, also known as Pablo Vilaplana. DJ Cucut reserves the wildest day of the week for his particular party, RdeDisco, where he spins disco, funk, and house music with special guests. "Whoever doesn't dance is because they don't want to," Cucut declares, that is... Vilaplana.
Something else that is very characteristic of the BUS are the events. With a lot of humor and creativity, the founders regularly organize a series of "out of the ordinary" activities, as they themselves define them: paella or hot dog contests, low cost art auctions, free tattoo sessions, paper airplane competitions, or dog costume contests. In fact, this Halloween they are doing a special edition with a horror theme. Laughter guaranteed.
Another point to consider about the Fòrum terrace is its cocktail and gastronomic offer. They have beers and cocktails to accompany dishes of street food specially made for sharing. The hamburgers, tacos, and calamari sandwich (the latter especially) stand out. There are also vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Many talk about BUS as Barcelona's new trendy spot. On that, Vilaplana believes that "in Barna people move like sheep, they go where everyone else goes." Their audience is between 20 and 45 years old. The founders define them as cool people, from the Barcelona scene. Although, they say, "many also come from the upper area." On Fridays and Saturdays, young people reign. On other days, a more adult audience. "People come a lot to flirt," they explain. That's why, perhaps, they have strategically placed two phone booths in the venue. "You dial number 1 and connect with the other phone, so customers can meet in a fun way," they conclude.
BUS is owned by three partners, Pablo Vilaplana, Esteve Almirall, and Quique Sainz. All three born and made in Barcelona. The initial investment to set up the project was about 100,000 euros, and today they invoice, each month, between 80,000 and 100,000 euros. Seven years ago, Vilaplana organized parties at the venue, but it didn't quite take off. With the reincarnation a year and a half ago, it's a different story. They now have a staff of between twenty and twenty-five employees, external ones aside.
Regarding the future, and about ceasing to be fashionable, Vilaplana considers that "staying many years at the top is difficult" and he doesn't see it as "necessary" either. The beautiful thing, he says, is that new things are born. Like, for example, the new venue they will open in the metropolitan area. The idea is to replicate BUS elsewhere, it could be in Barcelona ---in that case, they are considering the possibility of it being in Sarrià--- or in the surroundings ---it could be in Esplugues or Sant Cugat---. Wherever it may be, let's hope it retains its essence.