I landed in Spain sad but happy. I’d just enjoyed four amazing weeks on holiday in Greece with my family and was definitely upset to say goodbye. But at the same time, I was so freaking excited about three things: 1. Believe it or not, I was making my first visit to Spain. 2. I was travelling with two top chefs from Greece, Christoforos Peskias and Polychronis Damalas. (Christoforos is the incredible head chef at Balthazar, one of Athens’ best restaurants, while Polychronis is the executive chef at the fabulous Cavo Tagoo on Mykonos and Santorini, and at Izakaya in Athens.) 3. Meeting up with Matt [Preston] and Gary [Mehigan] again as part of our global tour of food hot spots. Here’s where we stayed and ate in the phenomenal Catalan capital.

Check in to the Grand Hotel Central. The property is within walking distance of Las Ramblas and a heap of other attractions. And more importantly, Mauro, the head concierge, is a ripper. Also, the rooftop bar is amazing, with incredible views of the Gothic quarter. Go there to watch the sun set and enjoy a martini – or two. (Via Laietana, 30)

Popular tapas joint Cal Pep is lots of fun. Brave the crowds and squeeze your way to the bar to drink rioja and enjoy the razor clams. (Plaça de les Olles, 8)

Disfrutar produced my favourite meal of the past five years. OMG, mind-blowing! These three former El Bulli chefs, Oriol Castro, Mateu Casañas and Eduard Xatruch, made some of the most creative and delicious food I’ve ever had. The fried doughnut with caviar and creme fraiche left me weak at the knees. (Carrer de Villarroel, 163)

Mont Bar is another cracking venue. They serve incredible modern and so very yummy tapas. The green salad is just awesome, and be sure to try the carrot cake. The bar also offers more than 250 wine varieties. (Carrer de la Diputació, 220)

A legend in the cocktail world and a regular on the world’s 50 best bars list, Dry Martini is old-world sexy. Go there and have, what else, a martini with some anchovies and dates on toast. (Carrer d’Aribau, 162)

Bar Pinotxo at the iconic La Boqueria market is great. Have a glass of cava and order the braised chickpeas. The pig cheek is to die for. (Mercat de la Boqueria, Carrer la Rambla, 89)

Three Michelin stars, twice the No.1 restaurant in the world, El Celler de Can Roca, by brothers Joan, Josep and Jordi Roca, is an absolute must-visit if you have time to travel about 70-80 minutes to Girona. The olive tree dish is pure dining rock and roll. (Carrer de Can Sunyer, 48, Girona)