You could slope off for a bit of skiing, scoot over to Italy, or take in beautiful Barcelona and we took it upon our kind selves to do a bit of research for you in España.

What, with Sleazyjet and every other conceivable discount airline flying in hordes of sun seekers from such glamorous places as Bristol, Leeds, and Newcastle, just how cool can Barcelona possibly still be?

Mental pictures of drunken hooligans pissing in the middle of Plaça Reial, hen night tarts stumbling down the Ramblas and, god forbid, perhaps running into your aunt on a weekend break spring to mind but thankfully it doesn't have to be this way.

The Catalan capital is outrunning the mainstream and pockets of cool are emerging faster than Time Out can spew out a new guide edition revealing yesterday's secrets. Here's the low down on what's new to give you an edge on your fellow travellers.

Bestial, Ramón Trias 2-4 (in front of Hotel Arts), Port Olímpic +34 93 224 0407
The latest addition to the omnipresent Grupo Tragaluz brings minimalism and draws the standing-and-modelling crowd to the otherwise very bridge-and-tunnel dominated beachfront. Bar becomes busy around 1am. Dinner is reasonably priced at about EUR 40 per person including wine.

Torre de Altamar, Paseo Joan de Borbó 88, Barceloneta +34 93 221 0007
This new luxury restaurant is the ultimate place to redeem yourself if you've been giving the locals a few stares too long or too intense. An unequalled 360 degree birds eye view of city and see with gourmet food to match. Located in the tower of the cable car it also saves you a stop on the sightseeing itinerary. But dinner here may well run over EUR 80 per person including wine.

Club 13, Plaça Reial 13, Barri Gotic, +34 93 317 2352
In the midst of Interailer and language school hell, this Supper Club-inspired haven serves dinner in bed. Dress for comfortable lounging and check your socks before heading out. Expect to pay about EUR 40 per person including wine.

El Noti, Roger de Llùria 35, Eixample +34 93 342 6673
In the old printing room of the El Noticiero paper, curving mirrors and red velvet now clad the walls and the sound of the presses have been replaced by a DJ spinning tunes in the best of Paris lounge style until it's time to hit the club scene. And the food's pretty yummy, too. Dinner with wine about EUR 50 per head.

Bar Danzatoria, Avenida Tibibado 61, Sarria +34 93 211 6261
It's difficult to say whether it's the cascading outdoor garden patio with criss-crossing staircases, the three-level too-hip-for-thou indoor lounge-cum-dance bar, or the sheer abundance of glossy glamour twenty-somethings that make you feel like you've entered a Wallpaper* spread. After 3am the party continues at sister Club Danzatoria next to Hotel Arts in Port Olimpic.

Hotel Banys Orientals, Argentería 37, El Born, +34 93 268 8460
Barcelona restaurant owners are rushing to enter the boutique hotel business these days. This gem in El Born is the first to hit the market and at EUR 91 a double with breakfast it is quite a bargain, too.

The arrival of the Euro and the constant influx of tourists have pushed up prices, but drinks are still their old usual triple-measured size to sweeten the deal. Salut!

HH