The award recognises the fusion between Valencian tradition and innovative character, with interior design inspired by the world of Valencian pilota and collaborations with local artists in each restaurant. Just as ‘Pelayo Gastro Trinquet’ is about to celebrate its seventh anniversary, the group also includes the restaurants ‘Vaqueta Gastro Mercat’ and ‘Casa Baldo 1915’. The group’s personality has always represented the Valencian character and has just received the Design Award granted by Hostelería Valencia. This award, which the federation grants annually in different areas of catering, recognises the immense work carried out in all the brand’s spaces, where the common thread is our native sport, seeking to balance Valencian tradition and innovative character, with constant references to the world of pilota and collaborations with local craftsmen or artists in each of the restaurants.

Since its arrival in the city in 2017, the ‘Gastro Trinquet Group’ has been much more than a gastronomic project. Its raison d’être has been deeply linked to the culture, history and soul of Valencia. In addition to its gastronomic offer, which pays tribute to rice and updates of classic dishes, it has stood out in each of its projects for the careful design of its spaces, located in strategic points of the city: the historic Trinquet de Pelayo, Mercat Central or Calle Ribera. The establishments invite you to feel and experience local Valencian culture, from the palate to the architecture.

This approach has earned it the recent award from the Valencia Hotel and Catering Industry, which highlights the value of so many years of effort and shows the projection of a local group that is also in full expansion and promises new challenges.

Each of the Group’s restaurants is a unique expression of Valencian identity, forged through collaborations with local artisans, designers and artists. However, ‘Pelayo Gastro Trinquet’ has an even more special essence. Its remodelling involved the recovery of one of Valencia’s iconic spaces, the historic Trinquet de Pelayo, where today professional games are played and pilota is practised. The sports area is perfectly integrated into the restaurant, connecting past and future in the same enclosure. Also iconic is the imposing pilotari hand that hovers over the room, created by the fallero artist Manolo García, as well as the ceramic murals of Manises by the Gimeno Family, recalling the figure: Paco Cabanes ̈EL GENOVÉS. Another differentiating element is the blaus del trinquet, which refers to the division of the playing field and is replicated in all the establishments.

Vaqueta Gastro Mercat

The Group’s second restaurant opened its doors in 2019, located in a privileged enclave, next to the Mercat Central. For this reason, and to pay tribute to the traders, the restaurant is accessed through its own greengrocer’s, where you can see the essence of local craftsmanship. Els blaus, together with the cowhide pile lamps, simulate a trinquet in their lounge, among many other details such as the hand-painted vaulted ceiling, the natural marble with wooden chevron transitions or the snails from El Taller de Piñero. Special mention should be made of the KOI lamp by LZF (National Design Award), made from vareta wood, reminiscent of how fallas used to be made in the past. Not forgetting the natural embroidery by Arquicostura, which subtly adorns the walls and speaks of Valencian customs.

Casa Baldo 1915

The most recent restaurant in the group, Casa Baldo 1915 (2022) is, paradoxically, the oldest in terms of history and tradition. In addition to having recovered a classic restaurant in the city centre that was on the verge of disappearing, its aesthetic is a love letter to the València of the mid-20th century. It is inspired by the terraces of the time, such as the Cafetería Lauria and Barrachina, and recreates the elegant atmosphere of the terraces of yesteryear. The façade features ceramic murals by Xavier Claur from Alzira, which tell the history of our orchard and customs, and pay tribute to two mythical figures of Valencian pilota: Genovés and Rovellet. The interior, with its original restored woodwork and hand-painted gold leaf signs, evokes the glamour of another era. In addition, the restaurant has unique details such as the altar dedicated to the Mare de Déu dels Desamparats and an illuminated pilotari hand, a reinterpretation by Pelayo Gastro Trinquet.

Report by ‘24/7 Valencia’ team

Article copyright ‘24/7 Valencia’

More info: grupogastrotrinquet.com