Alex Agulló interview for B*Local

July, 8, 2021. Written by Clara De Nadal Trias

Alex Agulló (1989), is in love with Barcelona and its people.

Those who have the pleasure of knowing him describe him as a true connector of people, a collector of good friends and always with a tireless desire to know, discover and unite love and talent innately.
 
His professional career started very early. While still studying at university, he started to work at the well-known XXL Comunicación agency, where he spent 11 years (the last five as PR Director) and from there he collaborated with prestigious Media such as Vogue, Harper's Bazaar... He has participated in hundreds of fashion shows and he has also created events all over the world. 
 
A year ago, he launched his own agency on his own under the name Las Marquesas and since then he offers all kinds of PR, event production and communication services for luxury brands such as Cartier, Loewe, Moncler and many more.

You describe yourself as a lover of Barcelona… What is the best thing about living in this city? 

Firstly the climate, the quality of life and also that from anywhere in the city, everything is at 1'30 hrs maximum (both the beach and the mountain).

Barcelona is a small city in size, but very enjoyable and easy to discover in one afternoon. 
 
Another amazing thing about this city is certainly its people. Although we have the reputation of being a little "unwelcoming" at first, the truth is that when a Catalan opens his/her house or his/her heart to you, it will be forever. 

What is your favourite place in the city? 

I'll start with the Ensanche, which is the neighborhood where I grew up. I also love the University of Barcelona, the one located in Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, with its Paraninfo and gardens.

Then I would say to visit Montjüic and surroundings, and lately I am rediscovering the Poble Sec neighborhood with its wonderful houses area, the Fundació Miró museum, the Greek Theatre and its marvellous gardens... 

And about restaurants… What are your favorite ones in the city?

Well, I would start with Bodega Sepúlveda, a well-preserved family business. Then Via Veneto, since it preserves the Barcelona that it once was. And finally I will say Xemei, for its excellent culinary proposal.

From your experience, if someone has never been to Barcelona, what can't they miss? 

Start the tour at the Eixample neighbourhood and then go to the Pastisseria Brunells and try its breakfast freshly baked delicacies.

Tour the Gothic Quarter and El Borne neighborhoods, without forgetting to pass by Plaza Sant Felip Neri.

Go down to the Barceloneta area and have an “aperitivo” at Vaso de Oro.Continue until you reach the beach, then take the funicular and stop by at Terraza Martinez to eat a delicious paella.

Finally visit the Botanical Gardenand the Miró Foundation. Go down Montjuic without missing the Greek Theatre and the gardens of the Albéniz Palace and finally have dinner at Xemei.

Amazing! So your favorite plan in Barcelona would be... 

 To get up early, cycle until Granja Elena and have breakfast out of their delicious sandwiches.

Continue biking until Esplugues and visit (even if it's from the outside), Casa Corberó, Calle Montserrat and the Bofill Factory and architecture workshop. Then go back pedaling home on the Carretera de les aigües.

After a shower I would change my clothes and go downtown to eat at Xemei with friends.

Finally I would go back home to spend the afternoon in my garden, where normally more friends tend to join in and I will finish the day at il Giardinetto with a light dinner and drinks until closing time. 

Article written and translated by Clara De Nadal Trias.

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