Two chefs who teamed up after meeting at Brockley Market in southeast London have now opened their first restaurant nearby – Cantinera, serving a mix of Spanish and Mexican-inspired dishes.
Celia D’Ortiz and Jake Barwood have honed their approach while running residencies at Patio in Brighton and Joyce in Brockley under the moniker Codillos. Cantinera takes its culinary cues from tapas bars in Spain and Mexican cantinas, reflecting Celia’s dual heritage.
The pair say they “dreamed up bringing friends together over delicious food… We wanted it to be accessible and affordable.”
Cantina has taken over the former Mother Flipper site on Coulgate Street, and will serve a menu which changes weekly. As yet they are not licensed to sell booze, so guests are encouraged to bring their own bottles.
Dishes at launch this week include seabass crudo tostada with almond praline and fried leeks, along with tortilla de patatas with chile de arbol, onion salsa and goat’s cheese.
