Harden's survey result
Summary
A “buzzy” atmosphere and “decent wine list” are strengths of this “reliable, traditional Spanish tapas bar”; and prices that represent “great value for Mayfair” have helped sustain the jolly venue from its founding decades before the current vogue for Hispanic cuisine. Notable fans include Fred Sirieix and Caribbean pirate Johnny Depp.
Summary
This old-school tapas bar tucked away in Mayfair boasts an “interesting wine list, attentive staff and fun atmosphere”. There’s a “good selection of dishes – nothing spectacular, but a pretty decent effort across hot and cold tapas”. It’s “not particularly cheap” by most standards, but in this part of London prices are often astronomical. The most famous pirate of modern times, Johnny Depp, has apparently swung by for a tapa or two.
Summary
“Service is super-helpful and friendly” at this blast-from-the-past in Mayfair – an old-fashioned tapas haunt that’s very modestly priced for this luxurious ’hood. Don’t expect culinary fireworks – “it’s good, wholesome scoff”. “The space is basic, but the vibe is awesome.”
Summary
“Fast, furious” – and offering resoundingly “good value for Mayfair” – this “cheap ’n’ cheerful” bar is “brilliant for a quick lunch at just over a tenner including beer”, or for an early evening booze up. It serves “proper tapas” which are “OK”, but it’s not a foodie destination, it’s a “fun” one.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at El Pirata?
5-6 Down St, London, W1J 7AQ
Restaurant details
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Always | £62.00 |  |
|
|
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £8.30 | £17.30 | £7.50 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £26.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £5.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 13.50% |
5-6 Down St, London, W1J 7AQ
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑10:45 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑10:45 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑10:45 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑10:45 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑10:45 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
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