Spain has long been known for its gastronomy and while it might not get as much attention as the beaches and tourist resorts, it is a vital part of both Spanish culture and the tourism industry. And now there is another restaurant to add to your list to visit in Spain. El Cuartel del Mar, Azotea Grupo's hospitality, culture, and leisure project in Chiclana de la Frontera (Cádiz), has been chosen as the Best Architectural Project in Europe in the restaurant category at the UNESCO Prix Versailles 2021.
The Prix Versailles, in association with UNESCO and the International Union of Architects (UIA), which aims to "promote better interaction between economy and culture", is the world's leading architecture and design award. So by visiting this restaurant, not only will you treat your tastebuds, but you will enjoy one of the most impressive architectural projects in Europe!
Following the decision, the restaurant will now compete for the global award along with five other spaces chosen from the other participating regions.
In addition, among the continental winners of the four categories of the Prix Versailles -shops, shopping centres, hotels and restaurants- are renowned names in international architecture such as Herzog & De Meuron, Foster + Partners or Zaha Adid Architects, and there is only one other project in Spain, the Four Seasons hotel in Madrid, designed by Estudio Lamela.
A Civil Guard barracks converted into a restaurant
The Cuartel del Mar is a unique concept that combines gastronomy and culture in a different space developed by the hotel group, who entrusted the design and refurbishment of the building to Paula Rosales' Madrid studio more&co.
The building is a former Civil Guard barracks in Loma del Puerco, in Chiclana de la Frontera (Cádiz), located on a plot of more than 2,000 square metres of land, which has a terrace with views of the Atlantic, a patio with a capacity for 250 people and a restaurant area for 125 diners.
In addition, another of the highlights of the space is its rooftop viewpoint, which has become a privileged place for observing the incredible marine and terrestrial biodiversity of the area.
Thus, both the conceptualisation and execution of the project resulted in a very respectful intervention by the architect Paula Rosales with the aim of highlighting the unique characteristics of the Barrosa Beach environment. This work was completed with the decoration by Alejandra Pombo's studio and landscaping by Rent a Garden, which used native species to adorn the outdoor spaces.
The Cuartel del Mar was the group's first step outside Madrid after its experience in the implementation and management of the gastronomic side of emblematic cultural spaces in the capital, such as the Azotea del Círculo, in the Círculo de Bellas Artes or NuBel, in the Reina Sofía Museum.
If you are heading to eat at El Cuartel del Mar, take a look at holiday rentals in Chiclana de la Frontera on Rentalia to stay and explore the area. And if you really like it, why not check out properties for sale nearby?
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