The best tapas in London

So far my experience of Spain has consisted of an Easter Weekend spent in Barcelona and a day trip to San Sebastián when I was in Biarritz, so I certainly cannot claim to be expert in authentic Tapas. However, I’d like to share my favourite Tapas restaurant in London with you – Ibérica.

Although it’s a chain (five in London and one in Manchester), each restaurant is unique – and I should know as I’ve been to three of them. My favourite is the one in Marylebone, a mere 5 minute walk from Great Portland Street tube station. My next favourite is their Farringdon branch – also just a stone’s throw from the station. We actually discovered this one by chance when the Metropolitan line was closed for engineering works and we saw on their website that they had a restaurant in Farringdon. Thanks to the Thameslink, we were there in no time.

What I love about Ibérica, apart from the food of course, is the intricate décor and fabulous buildings that they are in. If you are a fan of architecture, textiles and colour, you’ll love being stimulated by more than the food. Oh, and the service is excellent too.

Iberica Farringdon

Speaking of the food… here’s a selection of what we ate on Saturday: Jamón Ibérico (ham), manchego cheese, tomato bread and Pitu rice, all washed down with sangria.

And of course no meal is complete without dessert…. churros, served with warm dark chocolate to dip in. Heavenly.

After all that food, there is nothing better than a nice long walk past Smithfields market, the Barbican Estate, St Paul’s, across the Millennium bridge and all the way along the Southbank to Waterloo.

And if you decide to go to the Marylebone branch, may I suggest a walk through Marylebone to Baker Street or a stroll through Regent’s Park along the canal – it’s delightful.

What’s your favourite tapas restaurant in London?