La Bodega in Croatia

Set in the rustic Roman streets of Split, we came across La Bodega. Thinking it must be half decent if there was a queue outside, on our second night we finished up dinner a little earlier to get a table; although it was filling up quickly, and some were reserved, we still got a good spot. The great thing about Croatia is that even the best bars are free entry and drinks are reasonably priced, so judging your company is good, you're bound to have a good night.

                              There are 3 things that make a good bar, a great bar

Atmosphere

When it’s busy enough you feel jammy getting a good table, but there’s enough room to actually move. The type of people around you can affect your experience too – in La Bodega it was a slightly older crowd, with the average age about 30 and a combination of groups and couples, the surroundings were good and you felt comfortable. Also when you’re on holiday and the bar is packed with, usually slightly rowdy, English crowds you may as well be back in the UK, so I liked that there was a mix of people, probably a lot being locals. La Bodega definitely had a feel good ambience!

Music
Chilled house music – think Café Mambo in Ibiza – creates the best vibe. La Bodega played good remixes of recent chart music but also mixed it up with live saxophonists and lesser known dance music that admittedly called for Shazam.. (defo adding to the Gym         playlist).

Quality but Affordable

In every bar, especially when abroad, my eyes have a natural tendency to avert to the cocktail menu.. For a Caiprioska (vodka, fresh lime, crushed ice) it was 65kn (approx. £6.50) which wasn’t too bad – I mean it’s double the price of a ‘Mojito on the Go’ that you can get on the streets in Croatia – but you’re also paying for the atmosphere in La Bodega, so I couldn't complain.. and 2 or 3 later it was just fine..

We were only in Split for a few nights, and wanted to try out other places, so my eyes lit when we came across another La Bodgea a week later in the beautiful and historic Old Town in Dubrovnik. I was a bit clueless that this place was such a popular chain – the ones in the UK are more Tapas bars, and a lot are known for their breakfasts and coffees also, but I would definitely recommend the Croatian ones for their cocktails and, depending on your type of night, it's great for a few drinks to get you in the mood before heading out out ;)

Old Town Dubrovnik

Writing this post has got me in the mood for sitting outside sipping Pimms and Mojitos on balmy summer evenings; but as it's October and so basically officially Autumn in the UK now, maybe time to move on from that little daydream. But if you're heading away for some winter sun, keep a look out for a La Bodega!