Pinchito Tapas

The new London outpost of Brighton’s excellent Pintxo People is, as the diminutive in the name implies, only a pared-down version of the original. That’s a shame in some ways, because there’s still nowhere in London offering sophisticated Catalan nueva cocina (as found at Pintxo People’s upstairs restaurant). Never mind: the simple Spanish tapas here are still pretty good. The best things are on the ‘cazuela’ (casserole) section of the menu. Squid with chickpeas and spinach, and spiced pork with garlic, both consisted of little pots of tender meat in a piquant, complex gravy. Also enjoyable was a mug of tangy, ice-cold gazpacho and a satisfyingly deep tortilla with chorizo and mango. The large three-sided bar, not to mention the Old Street location, suggests this is intended to be as much a drinking venue as an eaterie. So it’s gratifying that the drinks list is excellent – it includes seven sherries, as many bubblies, and a very grown-up list of all-Spanish wines. A laudable addition to the local options, even if it does lack some of the ambition of its Brighton sibling.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008

Services:

Child facilities: Babies and children admitted
Takeaway service: Takeaway service

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