South Kensington, Spanish Restaurant Guide

“Innovative and exquisite tapas” and “excellent (if pricey) Spanish wines” have long attracted Hispanophiles to this bar, directly opposite its older sibling, Cambio de Tercio. “Lighting and service are top-notch”, too. The only complaint is that “the buzzy ambience can change quickly to unpleasantly loud when there are too many groups in”.

“Spanish food is all the rage now but this place has been thriving for years”, say fans of Abel Lusa’s “fun” but relatively unsung Hispanic in the Old Brompton Road, founded in 1995. “If you’re into great Spanish food, this is possibly the best in London” – and it has a “terrific Spanish-only wine list”. “Food, wine and service are simply first class”, and “they never let you down”.

“Delicious tapas with a view of the River Thames” from “a large open terrace” is going down a storm at the instantly popular, new Richmond branch of the well-known chain (occupying the prominent site that was formerly Jackson & Rye, RIP). Backed by the firm of wholesalers of the same name, the group has steadily grown from its Borough Market origins over the last 10 years, and fans feel “it’s exactly what you would expect from a place run by Spanish produce importers”. On the downside, though, there is a school of thought that “while the food’s done decently, it’s serviceable but unexciting”.