SESSIONS RECOMMENDS IS OUR WEEKLY SERIES WHERE WE SIT DOWN WITH A MEMBER OF OUR TEAM FOR A 5 MINUTE CHAT ABOUT THEIR CURRENT FAVOURITE RESTAURANTS.
Rob has seen the sales team grow 3 fold since he started, and now heads up one of the Sales Pods - a part of the business integral to growing our network of host kitchens. As you can see by his picture, Rob’s undying love for Little Bao Boy means he’s often found in romantic embraces with the founders…
WHERE ARE YOU EATING AT THE MOMENT?
I found El Ganso (The Goose) through a friend who lived in the London Fields area and have since been back 3 times. Personally, Gambas al Ajillo (£12.50) - pan-cooked black tiger prawns in chilli and garlic, both spicy and sweet stood out to me the most. That said, I also couldn't get over the Chorizo a la Sidra (£9) because the tanginess of the apples complimented and calmed the saltiness of the chorizo. I have been there for both breakfast and dinner, with the Shakshuka containing 2 eggs, sumac, yoghurt and tomato-pepper-onion (£12.50) becoming my go to.
Located on Broadway Market, it is always very busy - clearly a fan favourite and always with a good atmosphere. In summer it spills out onto the street with outdoor seats. You just feel like it's been cut and pasted out of a little town in Valencia. The chef, Marcelo Sánchez Cabrera is from Valencia, a region known for its adventurous style of cooking and of course their wine production. He used to work at ‘La Farola’ in Islington where he met Ishan - the co-founder.
Their drinks menu is pretty big and hefty but I obviously had to get the Sangria (a jug for £28) and a Spanish beer to finish it all off - the Tyris Craft Beer from Valencia is on tap (£6). Easy to please. This of course must be all washed down with the delicious Tarta Santiago (£7) which is an almond tart with homemade vanilla ice-cream.
OUR FAVOURITE TAPAS IN LONDON
BARRAFINA
The food explodes with flavour, leaves an impeccable impression, is simply perfect to share although you’ll most likely end up ordering more when you see what your neighbours are having. A seat at any of the counters in the restaurant will make you feel good about life and even better when you taste the delicious wines on offer.
DISH TO TRY: Cured Monkfish
COPITA
Exceptionally good food at moderate prices. With dishes that include beef onglet with rosemary onion pork jowl, plaice in tempura with green hummus, and truffled goat’s cheese with honey, there’s no going back as this will swiftly become your favourite restaurant.
DISH TO TRY: Grilled squid, mussels, black ink rice
JOSÉ
London’s best-known Spanish chef brings the best produce: the hams, cheeses and everything else here are exemplary. An arrangement of little plates and a glass of wine or sherry is perfect to set anyone off in a good mood for the rest of the evening even though it is almost always packed.
DISH TO TRY: Acorn-fed Jamón Ibérico
LITTLE TAPERIA
Sit near the open kitchen to watch the chefs whipping up new and unique renditions of the standard tapas and more ideas such as piquillo peppers stuffed with truffled beef, morcilla scotch eggs or Valencian orange and manchego cheesecake.
DISH TO TRY: Morcilla Scotch eggs, piquillo peppers
