South Kensington, Spanish Restaurant Guide

“Fabulous tapas” as usual wins praise for this “stalwart of South Kensington” from Abel Lusa – one of his high-octane trio grouped together around Cambio de Tercio (see also) on the Old Brompton Road. Now in its 24th year, one or two regulars opine that it’s firing on all cylinders again after a “down patch”, with “new ideas” and a return to “the high standards they had before”.

“Unchanged over the years but still a Spanish star in west London with plenty of charm and a style all of its own” – Abel Lusa opened this high-quality Hispanic venture in South Kensington in 1995 and has maintained it as “a consistent performer” ever since. “If you love well-prepared Spanish food and wines, you’ll find both here” alongside “excellent and friendly” service. “In June and July each year it’s filled with tennis players” and both Nadal and Alcarez are well known to be major fans (eating here regularly with their families and ordering take-out during Wimbledon). As a result, Abel has developed pop-ups serving his food at major tennis championships around the globe.

This quintet of tapas bars from the well-known Iberian food importer attracts most attention for its locations – in particular its “lively and popular” original bar at the entrance to Borough Market; and most recent addition: a “lovely riverside spot overlooking the Thames at Richmond”. Despite its renown – and some praise for its “small plates but big flavours” – ratings are held down by prices many reporters consider “high” for what’s widely seen as “pretty standard tapas fare”.