BEYOND TRACK LIMITS
THE UNOFFICIAL CANTEEN...
On the outskirts of Granollers and within a stone's throw of the track is El Trabuc, a traditional Catalan restaurant with a selection of jamons and more animals to choose from than Noah's Ark. The food is pricey, and it's a place to see and be seen when F1's in town. For a cheaper alternative with a broadly similar menu, try Naguabo in the centre of Granollers.
Restaurant El Trabuc, Camí de Can Bassa, 2, 08401 Granollers closed Sunday evening
Naguabo, Carrer Joan Prim, 1, 08401 Granollers
THE FORGOTTEN GEM...
While El Trabuc, above, is always heaving on race weekends, for a more relaxed dinner try La Masia, a short drive from Granollers in Mollet des Valles. A family-run Spanish restaurant with exceptional service, a great wine list, and a daily selection of fresh fish, La Masia is a great far from the madding crowd option.
Restaurant La Masia, Carrer de la Torregassa, 77, 08480 L'Ametlla del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
closed Sunday evenings
THE DAY OUT...
While Barcelona is a city heaving with things to do, it's worth taking a break from the usual tourist trail and making a diversion to one of the city's many flea markets. Not only do they contain all manner of oddities to haggle over, but most also contain one or two interesting places to eat. My favourite is the Market dels Encants.
Mercat dels Encants, Glories (Carrer de Castillejos 158)
open Mon, Wed, Fri and Sat 9am-8pm
Around the Circuit de Catalunya
SPANISH GRAND PRIX
While the Spanish Grand Prix is held within reach of Barcelona, the town of Granollers is on the circuit's doorstep. The market town is a great place to find a relaxed meal at the end of a long day.