Split into two levels, the ground floor bar is decorated with dark wood panelled walls dating from 1902, black and white tile flooring and stand-alone tables and chairs that are lit by ornate wall lights. The music is turned low and the atmosphere is one of calm.

"It is not a party type bar," proprietor Jose Sanchez says, noting that he has a very loyal clientele who keep returning because of the quiet and unobtrusive ambience of the bar.

The music upstairs is generally along the lines of blues or jazz, while downstairs they play classical music. The principal feature of the basement area is the brickwork arches of the ceiling which date back to 1650, when the building was used by the Colegio Ensenyança. Aside from the arches, there is also a gilt baroque façade used as the drinks bar, with the area generally styled somewhat like a seventies lounge. Built-in sofas are arranged into intimate alcoves perfect for small groups, while the walls are decorated by original paintings, the majority of which are by local artist Rafael Falco Güell (which were not bad).

Above all though, it is a bar. Choose from a menu of forty four alcoholic cocktails or seven non-alcoholic varieties - if you still don't find what you want Martin the barman will improvise a cocktail to your specific requirements. The bar's speciality El Paraigua cocktail is made up of champagne, tequila, drambuie, lemon juice, orange, pineapple and peach, and grenadine, and according to Sanchez is "not too sweet or dry, and very refreshing."

Alcoholic cocktails cost between 850 pesetas to 1,000, non-alcoholic versions are 775 pesetas, and there are milkshakes for 700 pesetas. El Paraigua is also a café, serving hot drinks and a limited tapas menu, with all menus in French, Italian, English, Castellano and Catalan.

El Paraigua is located on Calle de l'Ensenyança, very close to Placa de Sant Jaume in the old town. It is open from 8:30 p.m. till 2 a.m. Monday to Friday, from 6 p.m. till 3 a.m. Saturday, and closed on Sundays.