Small Plates, Big Flavours: The Spanish Chamber’s First Tapas Tour
This year, the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the UK upped the stakes – and the servings! Introducing the Tapas Tour – five restaurants, dozens of plates, and one clear mission: to showcase the richness and diversity of Spanish cuisine in London.
After three unforgettable editions of our Croqueta Tour, we were ready for a bigger bite. From seafood and rice to timeless Basque recipes and contemporary takes on pintxos, our Team embarked on a culinary journey that proved how Spain’s regional traditions are thriving in the UK restaurant scene.
In just one afternoon, we visited Benefactors, Members and friends of the Chamber – each offering its own story of Spanish culture, identity and hospitality.
Arros QD
Our first stop was Arros QD in Fitzrovia, a Chamber Benefactor and widely hailed as the UK’s temple of paella. Here, rice takes centre stage, cooked over a spectacular six-metre wood-fire stove that lends the dining room both warmth and elegance.
Two rice dishes stood out: one earthy with wild mushrooms, the other rich with txangurro. Dessert came with a daring twist: a Basque cheesecake infused with Gorgonzola – indulgent and perfect for sharing.
Maresco
Our journey continued at Maresco in the heart of Soho. Its very name – fusing mar (sea) with Esco from Escocia (Scotland) – captures the restaurant’s essence: the finest Scottish seafood paired with Spanish creativity.
Guided by operations manager Naroa Ortega, we sampled Menorcan sobrassada croquetas and fried Basque peppers – irresistible flavours that embody the spirit of cross-cultural gastronomy.
Hispania
In the City, Chamber Benefactor Hispania offered a striking change of scene. With soaring ceilings and elegant décor, it stands as both a flagship of Spanish culture in London and a proud ambassador of Asturian tradition.
A generous spread awaited us: crispy cheese filo pastries, monkfish fritters with piquillo peppers, croquetas, and the timeless pairing of membrillo with cheese. To finish, we toasted with sidra de hielo — a sweet Asturian cider and distinctive regional touch that left a lasting impression.
Bar Kroketa
No tapas journey would be complete without croquetas, and Bar Kroketa has built its reputation on exactly that. Inspired by the buzzing bar culture of northern Spain, its small Beak Street corner has grown into three vibrant London locations.
We tried two playful reinventions: one with king prawn, the other with piquillo pepper and Manchego. Creamy, versatile and utterly addictive, they showed why this golden bite remains one of Spain’s most beloved tapas.
Sagardi
We ended in true Basque style at Sagardi, a Chamber Member that channels the spirit of the txoko through seasonal produce, ancestral recipes and mastery of the grill.
Our table soon filled with Biscayan morcilla, Iberian ham croquetas and a cider-house cod tortilla. The star of the meal was the legendary txuleton, seared over flames and carved with precision. Dessert was a fitting finale: silky Basque cheesecake followed by dark chocolate truffles with a hint of apple liqueur.
A Journey Across Spain – in London
From Valencia’s rice fields to Scotland’s seas, and from Asturian cider houses to Euskadi’s fire-driven kitchens, the Tapas Tour celebrated not only five outstanding restaurants but also the cultural bridge that Spanish food continues to build between our two countries.
We thank our Benefactors, Members and partners for their generous hospitality in making this first Tapas Tour such a success. Initiatives like this embody the Chamber’s purpose: to bring together business, culture and community – while celebrating the very best of Spain in the UK.
Blog post written by Natasha Tinsley
