Rickmansworth, Spanish Restaurant Guide

Grade II listed late-Victorian tavern on Acton Green Common which serves an unusual mix of Spanish tapas and more standard pub fare, both in its handsome rear dining room (with small courtyard adjacent) and in the characterful bar; the quality varies, but it’s a popular spot.

“Superbly executed”, Mediterranean-inspired small plates “which change regularly” continue to win praise for this “really charming” basement spot, which is to be found in a picture-book Georgian terrace leading up to St John-in-Hampstead church. There’s also “a well-priced wine list including many options by the glass”.

A “top choice for Spanish food” – this Hispanic high street haunt is run by owners Charlie Baxter with his wife Arantxa Fuentes and wins praise for some of the “best tapas ever”. Many familiar tapas options feature, and some dishes are substantial for sharing: for example Suckling pig shoulder, Stuffed Cornish spider crab cooked Basque style, or their signature Acorn fed 100% Iberian pork.

“A real gem in Ealing” – “there’s no mistaking the accomplished quality” of this Spanish “but not run-of-the-mill tapas” restaurant, with Colombian influences from “skilled young chef” Andrés Quevedo Sanabria, who “comes up with interesting and delicious combinations and ideas: one to watch”. “W5 locals are lucky to have this place so close”. Top Menu Tip – “enjoyable mainstays include the iberico ham and the Pluma iberico (a cut of pork); Ox steak is expertly cooked”; and “when the Carabinero prawns appear on the menu, I’ll be there!”

“Enjoyed sitting at the bar in Borough Kitchen…”; “a great place near the South Kensington Museums…”; “a great site on the banks of the Thames in Richmond” – it’s often the handy situation, “casual atmosphere” and affordable prices of this Hispanic group that generates interest amongst diners. “The food is of a reasonable standard”, but considering they are run by the UK’s premier Spanish food importers, performance is notably “chain like”, with “nothing spectacular” food-wise and “average service” often the end-product.

“Lovely gastropub in Highgate” with a “nice atmosphere”, “very fast and friendly service”, and “reliable Spanish cuisine”, including paella and “tasty tapas”. It’s an imposing black-and-white building which has a 122-seat former Victorian music hall upstairs, now a leading venue for fringe theatre.