José Tapas: A love letter to Spanish cuisine

Inspired by the tapas bars across Spain’s greatest culinary regions, José Pizarro’s Bermondsey outpost was the Spanish chef’s first solo venture (he now has three sites across the city) and remains one of the city’s go-to spots for tapas. In keeping with Spanish tradition, this is far more of a bar than a restaurant, meaning when busy, jostling for a spot comes as standard.

But even standing room is more than worth your time, with Pizarro’s daily specials reading like a love letter to Spanish cuisine with a shifting array of small plates - some familar, many less so - produced to the highest quality. Expect artisan serrano hams and cheeses alongside crisp croquetas pan-fried prawns and perfectly seasoned padron peppers accompanied by a substantial wine list and a focus on some of Spain’s most sought after sherries.