Bar Kroketa, the tapas bar from the team behind Spanish import specialists Brindisa, has taken over José Pizarro’s former site in Broadgate Circus near Liverpool Street station, which it will open as its third and biggest branch next month.
Chef/restaurateur José Pizarro announced the closure of his only venue in the City last December, after a 10-year run. He initially said it was to reopen as Bar Plaza, a new concept, in February but – in a rare retreat for the business – that never happened.
Bar Kroketa launched in Soho in 2023 and St Christopher’s Place, Marylebone last year, as the latest offshoot from the importer, shop and tapas operation Brindisa, based in Borough Market. Ratnesh Bagdai – co-founder alongside Monika Linton – indicated that more branches are likely to follow soon, saying: “This opportunity clearly shows us how popular our concept is, and we hope to continue to increase our presence by bringing Bar Kroketa to many parts of our capital city.“
Bar Kroketa Broadgate will have about 50 covers with another 25 on the outdoor terrace, and will serve a selection of savoury and sweet ‘kroketas’ alongside a changing blackboard menu of small and sharing plates. The drinks list will take in Spanish and Basque wines, sherries and vermuts plus draft Mahou beer brewed in Spain and a variety of ciders, txakolis and kalimotxos (the Basque take on sangria).
José Pizarro has a trio of venues in Bermondsey Street – tapas bar José and restaurants Pizarro and Lolo – along with a restaurant and a sandwich bar at the Royal Academy on Piccadilly and outposts in Esher, Andalusia and Abu Dhabi.
