Charged with designing two distinct F&B spaces for the reimagined Mett Barcelona, Astet Studio took inspiration from two intertwined Spanish design concepts: Mediterraneanism, which elevates spaces through the creation of warm, rustic elegance, and Noucentisme, a movement that rose in response to Art Nouveuau, favouring structure alongside natural materials, neutral colour palettes and geometric harmony. The result is sun-soaked restaurant Albarada and its lively counterpart, La Vermutería, vibrant spaces that reflect the hotel’s historical identity, updated with contemporary flourish. Here, Astet Studio co-founders Ala Zeigrat and Óscar Engroba discuss the inspirations and inner workings behind the joint project.

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What was the project brief and how did you respond to it?

We were tasked with designing a new interior for Mett Barcelona’s existing restaurant, enhancing its functionality and character, as well as integrating a new bar on the ground floor. The aim was to elevate the quality of the hotel’s food and beverage areas to improve the guest experience and strengthen its position within the hospitality landscape. In response, Astet Studio designed two distinct spaces that subtly convey deep rooted references to Catalan culture through a contemporary interpretation of concepts related to Mediterranean culture, landscape and craftsmanship, avoiding explicit references. The project maintains a duality of spaces, so although they may appear formally juxtaposed, they come together to form a coherent atmospheric narrative that connects the ideas of Mediterranianism and Noucentisme. Albarada restaurant is a calmer, introspective atmosphere, while La Vermutería is conceived as a more social and open environment. In both cases, the challenge was to align precisely with the hotel group’s standards while remaining respectful of the hotel’s historical identity.

What are the standout features of each space and why? 

The duality between the two spaces. This difference stems from both their intended use and from the character we wished to convey in each. However, both interpret and express a shared essence of the Mediterranean. By combining different materials, proportions and interior details, each space expresses itself through its own language, rooted in a common heritage.

The new bar, La Vermutería, is designed for enjoying an aperitif accompanied by Catalan dishes. Its interior design connects with the essence of the period in which the building is situated (Noucentisme) through its forms and a palette of burgundy, ochre and subtle touches of olive green – tones associated with vermouth. Its reddish hue, contrasted with warmer tones, introduces earthy Mediterranean references, combined with natural materials such as oak, leather and stone to create a warm and sociable atmosphere. The ceramics, inspired by the hydraulic tiles of the Plan Cerdà, also introduce a subtle connection to Barcelona’s urban memory and help to organise the space through geometric clarity.

Other elements, such as the ‘Catalan vault’, are reinterpreted through a more contemporary gesture in the central part of the space. At Albarada, the space takes on a more serene and sensory character, celebrating the essence of the Mediterranean. The ceiling creates a visual texture reminiscent of natural forms carved into rock, bringing forward the most natural and organic aspects of the local surroundings. The organic forms interact with more structured, wave -like patterns, accentuating dynamism and contrast, and creating a connection with the Mediterranean Sea. The whitewashed walls and natural fabrics create a tranquil atmosphere where light and materials take centre stage. The sinuous wooden furniture, together with the organically shaped flooring, bring warmth to the space.

How does the design fit into the wider hotel aesthetic? 

The project is conceived as an intervention that engages with the historical identity of the Gran Hotel La Florida, now known as Mett Barcelona, without compromising its original authenticity. The interior design offers a contemporary interpretation of Mediterranean sensibilities, while maintaining a respectful dialogue with the existing architecture and the essence of the hotel. The intervention seeks to integrate seamlessly into the hotel, so that the Vermutería and Albarada are not perceived as separate or adjacent spaces, but as a coherent extension of Mett Barcelona.

How do the venues bring values to guests? 

Both venues aim not only to expand and enhance the hotel’s culinary offering, but also to establish themselves as leading destinations within the local context. Albarada and La Vermutería position Mett Barcelona as an essential destination for experiencing the city in full. Furthermore, this complementary nature allows guests and visitors to discover different ways of engaging with the hotel, offering varied experiences throughout the day and thereby strengthening the connection between gastronomy, hospitality and its local context.

And what do they bring to Barcelona as a destination? 

La Vermutería revives a tradition deeply rooted in Barcelona’s culture, that of the aperitif and vermouth, and brings it into the setting of a modern hotel. Albarada elevates the Mediterranean dining experience through a refined, relaxed and dynamic approach. At the same time, both venues express elements of the landscape, local craftsmanship and Mediterranean sensibility in a contemporary style. Both projects seek to combine tradition and local character through a considered, contemporary vision.