Reviewed
11/03

Situated among a number of great places to eat in Little Clarendon Street, one might easily miss this little place, but it is definitely worth a visit, especially if you have visited Spain recently and are feeling nostalgia for the food or culture. It seems the evening starts late here, as you might expect from a properly continental establishment, and people will be arriving to eat until after ten. Tables are packed in fairly tightly, but this is probably because of the popularity of the place, which has been bustling every time I have visited, whether with large family parties, people visiting the bar for a jug of sangria and a plate of olives, or couples enjoying an intimate meal together. The wine list is fairly extensive, featuring Spanish and other wines and sangria by the jug, packed with fruit, and it covers a range of budgets. There is a large selection of both hot and cold tapas dishes, with a wide range of meat and vegetable options. Dishes include garlic mushrooms, ham and cheese croquettes, roasted asparagus and spicy Spanish sausage. The mussels in particular are delicious. The dishes are priced at around £3-6 each, which means you can sample a variety of different plates even if you are a small party and are fairly generous. There are also main course dishes at £9-12 if you fancy keeping your plate entirely to yourself. The ambience is really authentic, from the flickering candles and Spanish staff to the spontaneous outbreaks of flamenco between the tables at regular intervals. This is a really good place to go for an evening‘s entertainment.

Victoria Head, 06.11.03