One of the few things that stuck with me from my time in London was the quintessential British summer drink, Pimm’s. When my ex-flatmates offered me a glass full of fresh fruit and liqueur I couldn’t resist, I was hooked for life, and at the risk of sound like an alcoholic, I can swear I craved a glass of Pimm’s every single day of the summer.
To all of you who haven’t tried this summer elixir, I’ll describe it as sangria-gone-british, and if you haven’t had sangria, then there’s something wrong with you. The thing is that last summer I was in Barcelona doing my master’s project, and I was coming straight from London, the city where everyone keeps a red jug in their kitchen just for Pimm’s, so you would understand my astonishment when I wasn’t able to find a bottle in all of the British pubs in the Barcelona. Not one, not a drop.
I made it my mission to bring a bit of the British summer –if there is such a thing- to the Ciudad Condal, and I did my research well. I looked and asked at every pub in Ciutat Vella, and at one particular pub one particularly drunk lad led me to the place: A Taste Of Home, or also known as expat heaven.
This modest shop is located in Carrer de Floridablanca (and apparently they have one in Sitges too!) and it’s the answer to all your prayers if you’re missing, well yes, a taste of home. If you’re craving pancakes, pop-tarts, pear cider or any kind of American/British cereal you can think of, they have it. And they also had two bottles of Pimm’s, but I swear only took one. But beware my friends, the cost is not low, the prices are very elevated and not at all times worth it, but at certain moments the heat is just too much and you just want a cold glass of Pimm’s.
This year though, I knew better: after a couple of months doing my shopping at Carrefour Online, I noticed that they sold a lot of British products, and yes, they have Pimm’s. But not only do they have Pimm’s, they have it at a fair price. I have to say that I nearly cried when I saw the bottle next to the 12 cartons of soya milk and the 32 rolls of toilet paper (I found that I saved a lot of time and money buying in bulk).
So last Sunday was San Juan and it was also Andrés’ birthday, and I couldn’t think of a more perfect occasion to finally enjoy some Pimm’s. The theme for our little gathering was summer kitsch and I think we nailed it, everything was very tacky, but in a good way :)
On a trip to Andalucía I found these coasters at a gas station. I find then hilarious and amazing. Andrés hates them. The straws, cake doilies and napkins are from Tiger, my favourite shop in the world, for real. Glassware from Zara Home. Let the summer begin!
All pictures are property of Paula Maso.
