On a warm summer night in the hip barrio of Ruzafa, we had a delightful dinner at ‘Metropolis Bistro & Cocktails’ which can be found on a corner of Calle de Cuba, 48. It was established in the March 2023 by Irish sisters Riona and Fiona Ward, who previously ran a bistro of the same name in Xàtiva.  We found the food tasty, the Guinness great and the hosts warm and hospitable in true Irish fashion. We chilled out on the terrace, with the view of the elegant streets of Ruzafa and with an international  crowd too.

 ‘24/7 VALENCIA’ INTERVIEW WITH ‘METROLPOLIS BISTRO & COCKTAILS’

 24/7 VALENCIA: What tapas do you recommend?

‘METROPOLIS BISTRO & COCKTAILS’: We are big fans of our brava bomb. We were taught how to make patatas bravas by our Spanish chef in Xativa and she assured us that this is an authentic version! First and foremost, she cautioned NO FROZEN POTATOS!! So they are made fresh and fried to order, then mixed in alioli and smoked paprika powder so they do have a kick. We add crumbled chorizo, padrón peppers and runny-fried eggs. It’s a big plate and perfect to share. We aim to always have seasonal and weekly specials for variety. When tomatoes are in season we will take advantage and top them with tuna belly or burrata. Just nice and light for the hot weather. We have recently added spicy Korean BBQ wings and a cauliflower version for vegetarians. Both are delicious.

Describe the clientele: The clientele really does reflect the neighborhood with a great mix of expats, locals and tourists.

What is the the concept of Metropolis? The concept of metropolis in VLC is to provide a neighborhood bistro, with a ‘food and drink’ menu inspired by different countries and cultures alongside traditional Irish favorites. We aim for a friendly & laid back atmosphere, where you can watch sport, have lunch/dinner or just a few drinks with friends and meet new people. We try to do fun monthly events to get people together, our game night is the highlight but we also do trivia, whisky tastings and things like Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners over the holidays.

Can you tell us something about your background and experience? Growing up in Belfast and our time in Boston has had a big influence on our vision for Metropolis. Riona and I are very proud to be from Belfast and while it has always had great food, atmosphere and nightlife, on our last trip home we were so impressed by the many smaller modern bistros and the variety of food. A lot of Irish people move all over the world and work in the hospitality industry and then they return, and you can see these different experiences really reflected in the menus.

In Boston, we worked in some great Irish bars as well as American Taverns and cocktail bars. One thing they both had in common was a focus on hospitality. And Irish hospitality is known the world over for its warmth and friendliness and that remains one of the most, if not the most important aspect of Metropolis. And Xativa was our introduction to Spain. Where we essentially learnt the language, the culture and about the food too.

Please tell us about the breakfast… The cooked breakfast is a staple all over the UK and Ireland, you will find it everywhere from greasy spoons and fancier brunch spots to airport bars. Same for Boston and New York, you started your weekend in whatever bar served the breakfast. It’s a memory of childhood for us too, we watched our grandmother make the potato bread every weekend for the fry. The Metropolis breakfast comes with Irish back bacon, Irish pork sausages, black pudding, fried eggs, potato bread, mushrooms, tomato, beans and toast with Kerry gold butter. It’s a meal! And the product is imported so it’s the Irish stuff you are getting. Add a cup of Barry’s tea, an Irish coffee or a mimosa and it’s a taste of home.

What makes for a good pint of Guinness? The perfect pint of Guinness is all in the two-part pour, the 45 degree angle of a clean dry Guinness glass, and patience for the settling period. The first sip should split the G and, if you can do it, curry chips are on the house.

Tell us something about your cocktails…Our cocktail list has something for everyone. We have a good selection of classics, some of our own favourites and the trendier cocktails. The ‘P*** Star’ with the fresh passion fruit juice has been really popular this summer, as has the ‘Irish Mule’ where we substitute Jameson for the vodka. When it gets cooler, we will do more Irish coffees and expresso Martinis.

 Do you show live sports? Yes, GAA, English Premier League, La Liga, Tennis, Golf.

Please tell us about your popular Sunday roast…We are proud of the Sunday roast. We have a great cut of rump that we source from the local market. Served with honey-glazed carrots and parsnips, broccoli, roast potatoes, mashed potatoes, Yorkshire puddings and loads of gravy.

Interview by Will McCarthy

Article copyright ‘24/7 Valencia’

METROPOLIS BISTRO & COCKTAILS

Calle de Cuba, 48

(Ruzafa)

Valencia

Spain