Hello again… I’m back! Sorry for my silence…I have had an eventful time lately, but I’m now settled and ready to scribble some more!
Over the last few months I have been living in London and although the city has been a little overwhelming for me, the South has given me the chance to experience an array of wonderful foodie findings, restaurants and bars.
As I love food and have been brought up in a hospitality I must admit that I am a little difficult to please when eating out. I find the dining scene in London exciting and eclectic, although occasionally I have been disappointed due to the money charged for what is received.
However, luckily this was not the case when I visited Josè, a tiny sherry bar located on Bermondsey Street. Owned by Josè Pizarro and positively reviewed by the media, my expectations were high and boy were they exceeded.
Firstly, I was taken aback by the size of Josè; just one room, two barrel tables, 2 side seating bars and the kitchen make up this cosy gem. I also felt as if I had literally stepped out of London and into Spain, every single detail of Josè was traditionally Spanish, oozing a rustic and simplistic charm. The lights were dim, candles lit and the atmosphere was buzzing, with every seat and standing space full of people drinking Prosecco and enjoying their evening.
Looking towards the menu and kitchen
Upon entering, we were immediately welcomed and given two glasses of water and some olives, a lovely touch to start the night. All employees were controlling the restaurant’s busyness extremely well, serving us drinks whilst we waited to be seated – you can’t reserve a table at Josè so you will need to be patient. Once seated, we admired the small menu that was presented on two large chalk boards behind the kitchen, and marvelled at the delicious array of Spanish cuisine.
We picked a selection of tapas dishes from the menu which were all cooked in front of us in the small open kitchen, run by three extremely talented chefs. Our dishes included:
Garlic prawns – Large, juicy prawns cooked in garlic, chilli and olive oil, which were without doubt the tastiest prawns I have ever eaten.
Jamón Ibérico – Thin strips of delicious aged ham that was beautifully and artistically carved.
Pluma Iberica – One of Josè’s most popular dishes consisting of strips of tender rare pork cooked to perfection.
White beans and clams – Clams mixed with big beans and onions and although full of flavour, it was a little disappointing compared to the other dishes.
Tomato salad – A mixture of colourful sweet tomatoes with onions and a drizzle of balsamic.
Bread – Chunky slices of fresh wholemeal bread, perfect to dunk into the juices.
The start of our tapas
Pluma Ibérica
Overall, every dish was to die for and surprisingly larger than the usual tapas sized portions. The prices weren’t bad either with each dish priced between £3 and £10. One word of warning is to watch out that your bill doesn’t mount up, as the food is so tasty and you order as you go it is very easy to keep ordering more and more – I certainly didn’t want to stop!
The selections of wines were also fantastic and reasonably priced with bottles starting at £19. As an apéritif I recommend trying a glass of NV Babot Brut nature Penedès, a crisp and delicate sparkling white wine and to finish a glass of La Pamelita, an unusually cold, sparkling red wine.
This is by far my new favourite spot in London and judging by its popularity most people agree. This little piece of Spanish heaven lets you escape the hustle and bustle of the city and unwind within a traditional sherry bar oozing with character, class and charm. There is no doubt that Josè Pizarro has put 100% into his business sourcing all the food and drink from the best parts of Spain and training his employees to be attentive, polite and a delight to speak to.
Reasonable prices, amazing food, a holiday vibe and something for everyone, the only thing left to say is please go and visit, you will not be disappointed!
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