Inside Punch Room Barcelona: Marie-Amélie Fabre Shows The Art Of Modern Mixology

At The Barcelona EDITION, head bartender Marie-Amélie Fabre brings an international perspective to the city’s cocktail scene, where centuries old punch traditions meet bold flavors, local influences and contemporary creativity.

Tucked behind a dramatic white marble spiral staircase inside The Barcelona EDITION, Punch Room is a destination for cocktail enthusiasts seeking something beyond the conventional bar experience. With oak paneled walls, green velvet furnishings, a black granite fireplace and a golden pool table; the intimate lounge evokes the atmosphere of a private members’ club, offering a sophisticated retreat from the bustle of Barcelona’s historic center.

Yet the bar’s defining feature is not its interiors. It is the punch.

Drawing inspiration from the history of one of the world’s oldest mixed drinks, Punch Room Barcelona reimagines punch through carefully composed ingredients, unexpected flavor combinations and a distinctly international perspective. Vintage silver bowls, bespoke cocktails and a menu inspired by global trade routes give the experience a sense of occasion, transforming an often overlooked category of drinks into the centerpiece of a contemporary cocktail program.

Behind the bar is Marie-Amélie Fabre, Head Bartender at Punch Room Barcelona, whose experience across London, Dubai and Spain informs her approach to modern mixology. Her work reflects a broader evolution in Barcelona’s hospitality scene, where hotel bars are increasingly becoming destinations in their own right, attracting locals and travelers with distinctive drinks and a strong creative identity.

 

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The History of Punch, Reimagined in Barcelona

Long before the modern cocktail became a fixture of fashionable bars, punch was already bringing people together over shared bowls of spirits, citrus, sugar, spices and tea.

The drink developed through centuries of maritime travel and international exchange, drawing on ingredients that moved between continents. Its history, however, is also intertwined with colonialism, exploitation and unequal trade. Today, its enduring appeal lies partly in its remarkable versatility: the traditional formula provides a foundation for experimentation across spirits, botanicals, fruits and aromatic infusions. As Fabre explained:

“The Punch Room started in London, basically they had a room that wasn’t sold. So they started a ritual with some guests with a punch bowl. Now the idea is to create a community. Whenever guests order the same punch, we serve it at the table with a punch bowl.” 

At Punch Room Barcelona, the team combines the structure of traditional punch with contemporary techniques and ingredients that reflect different culinary cultures. “A punch tends to be fruity and easy to drink,” Fabre noted. “Now, we’re trying to make punches that have dry notes or with umami ingredients.”

The format also encourages a more social way of drinking. Punch can be ordered individually or served in bowls designed for sharing, making it particularly suited to an evening with friends, a celebratory occasion or a leisurely night out in Barcelona.

Edition Punch: The Signature Cocktail

For a first visit, the Edition Punch offers an introduction to the bar’s philosophy. The house signature combines hibiscus infused Bombay Sapphire gin, grapefruit cordial, sandalwood syrup and jasmine tea. Fabre told us,

“When I created the Edition Punch, I wanted to create something that represented the brand: light, sophisticated and elegant. It’s quite bitter, a little bit sour. But floral and fresh.”

The appeal lies in the interplay between these elements. Rather than making sweetness the dominant feature, the cocktail balances floral notes with citrus and a gentle bitterness, creating a drink that feels intricate without becoming overwhelming.

Tea is particularly important to the composition. Across the wider history of punch, tea has long provided both flavor and structure, lending aromatic depth while connecting ingredients from different culinary traditions. Here, jasmine contributes an elegant fragrance that complements the gin and grapefruit.

Fiery Punch Cocktails: When Spice Takes Center Stage

For guests who prefer a more adventurous drink, Punch Room’s approach to punch extends beyond floral and citrus driven combinations into bolder territory. Fabre walked us through the cocktail’s composition,

“Fiery Punch is a cocktail that I love, as one of my creations because the base spirit is mezcal and I love mezcal.” 

It’s a punch that combines Del Maguey Vida mezcal with Padrón pepper and cayenne pepper liqueur, Sencha tea. The drink draws on the culinary associations of Spain and Mexico, bringing together the vegetal character of pepper, the distinctive agave profile of mezcal and the aromatic qualities of tea. Its appeal is not simply about heat. Mezcal provides a robust foundation, while pepper introduces a savory, spicy dimension.

Meet Marie-Amélie Fabre, Head Bartender at Punch Room Barcelona

As one of the leading female mixologists in Barcelona, Fabre’s career reflects the international character of contemporary bartending. Her experience across different cities has exposed her to varied approaches to hospitality, cocktail culture and creative expression. At Punch Room, she leads the bar program that welcomes both international guests at the hotel and locals looking for a fun night out.

Originally from France, near Marseille, Fabre indicated that her creative process can come from botanical shops around or near her roots,

“Sometimes, I’m inspired by my mother’s garden. My sister grows fruits, vegetables and herbs in her house. So all of it inspires me from the very beginning.” 

Fabre has also distinguished herself through cocktail competitions. In 2025, she won the inaugural Barcelona Gin Masters, a competition that brought together hotel bartenders to showcase their creativity and technical skills. In 2026, she collaborated with gin brand 100&NOMORE on Explorer No. 1, a limited edition spirit inspired by childhood memories, the Silk Road and her interest in umami. The collaboration reflects a creative process that extends beyond mixing drinks to consider how aromas, ingredients and personal experiences can be translated into flavor.

Punch Room Barcelona’s Interior Decor

Rich oak paneling creates a warm, enveloping atmosphere, while deep green velvet seating adds a touch of vintage sophistication. A striking black granite fireplace anchors the space, contrasting with the room’s natural wood tones, while a golden pool table introduces a playful focal point. The dramatic white marble spiral staircase leading into the bar adds architectural intrigue, creating a sense of discovery as guests enter. Fabre welcomes guests with a sense of community,

“I want guests to feel like they’ve entered their own living room. Many times, we have guests connecting on the pool table, because everyone wants to play at the same time. I want Punch Room to create a community that people feel comfortable, come as they are. Have great drinks and have a great time.” 

Thoughtfully layered materials, moody lighting and carefully considered details give the space a timeless character, making it equally suited to an intimate date, an evening with friends or a leisurely exploration of the bar’s signature punches. Rather than feeling like a conventional hotel bar, Punch Room offers a secluded retreat where design, atmosphere and mixology come together to create a memorable Barcelona nightlife experience.