Nestled in the heart of Sants, Sula Espai is more than just a café—it’s a warm, welcoming space where coffee, community, and creativity come together. We spoke to the co-owner, Cristian Povedano.
What made you want to open a cafe?
After spending years working in various roasteries and specialty coffee shops, we knew it was time to create something of our own. We wanted to build a space where people could slow down, connect, and enjoy truly great coffee in a cozy, thoughtfully designed environment. It was about more than coffee—it was about community.
How would you describe the brand of your cafe?
Sula Espai is all about warmth, authenticity, and experience. We focus on specialty coffee, natural wines, and homemade pastries, served in a space that feels like a second home. Every detail—from the menu to the music to the design—was chosen to make people feel welcome, whether they’re here to work, catch up with a friend, or just take a quiet moment for themselves.
Describe the location/demographics of the area where you opened. Why did you choose this area?
We’re located in Sants, just a few minutes from Barcelona Sants train station, in a vibrant and evolving neighborhood. As residents of the area, we noticed there weren’t many specialty coffee options around. So we decided to become the kind of café we wished existed here.
Our customers are a mix of locals, remote workers, and travelers, all drawn to the relaxed vibe and quality offerings. More than once, someone has told us, “This is exactly what this neighborhood needed”—and that means everything to us.
What equipment are you using to make coffee? Why did you choose this equipment?
We use a Modbar, a choice that came naturally after Cristian spent several years working in cafés that used it. He fell in love with the clean design and the way it opens up the bar space, allowing for more interaction with customers.
For grinders, we rely on Mythos One and the EK Omnia to deliver consistency and clarity in every cup. Our focus is on reliability, ease of use, and equipment that helps us bring out the best in every bean. We serve a rotating menu of five espressos (including one decaf) and six carefully curated coffees for manual filter brewing.
Describe your bar or customer flow. How did the equipment influence the flow, or vice versa?
We designed the bar to feel open and interactive—no walls, no barriers, just good energy and easy conversation. Thanks to the Modbar’s under-counter design, the space feels more like a kitchen counter at home than a traditional café bar.
Our workflow was developed with the help of UsualDesign, a fantastic Barcelona-based studio. The layout ensures everything flows seamlessly—from grinding to extraction to serving—while keeping the barista-customer connection front and center.
What’s one thing that makes your café special?
Sula Espai is more than a coffee shop—it’s a meeting point. People come for the coffee, yes, but they stay for the atmosphere, the conversations, and the sense of belonging. We’ve created a space that feels like home, and we invite everyone who walks through our door to be a part of it.
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Whether you’re a Barcelona local or just passing through, Sula Espai is the kind of place that invites you to slow down and savor the moment—one cup at a time.
Want to experience it for yourself? Follow Sula Espai on Instagram for updates, events, and a behind-the-scenes look at life behind the bar.