Turning up on a Friday night to Camino Blackfriars you’ll be sure to find a very merry after work crowd, complete with resident DJ (Happy Hour is available from 4-6pm weeknights).
Thankfully, you’ll also find a modern Spanish dining room, complete with candles and exposed bricks.
The name Camino means ‘path’ or ‘journey’ in Spanish and it refers to owner Richard Bigg’s first road trip across Spain in a tiny black Mini. Armed with a map and a camera, he fell in love with the country, so much so that he quit his uninspiring City job as a trader and decided to continue travelling. Ironic really, seeing how many city boys were propping up the bar.
As well they should – the drinks menu at Camino is pretty impressive! Richard and his team travelled throughout Spain to taste and source the wines, cava’s and sherries and bought the best ones back for us. We ordered an authentic glass of cava (the ultimate aperitivo) whilst perusing the new Spring menu, before moving on to a goblet of G&T – complete with orange and coriander garnish. This goes perfectly with the para picar (snacks!) of garlic tomato bread, padron peppers and Serrano ham croquettes. If croquettes are on the menu, we just can’t resist, and these creamy little balls transported us to the sunny streets of Barcelona!
Food is bought out as soon as it’s ready, in true tapas style. Expect to graze on expertly sourced artisan cheese & charcuterie, whilst you wait for the less expected bluefin tuna on seaweed tartare or rare lamb rump on a bed of bacon lentils.
There isn’t much in the way of salad but the deconstructed tomato & avocado salad was beautifully presented and the stuffed baby aubergine is a must order for veggies.
An entire sucking pig is available for 8 or more people so do bear in mind if you’re having a party!
Before you leave it’s mandatory to have a glass of the sherry – the almondy flavours of the Manzanilla would be our top pick. Well done if you resist ordering a bottle! Desserts are extremely sophisticated, the Chocolate Ganache with crisp bread, pistachio and sea salt is doused with olive oil at your table. Trust us, it’s so rich you’ll only need one between two.
Cava, G&T, Small Plates, Chocolate and Sherry – It’s the ultimate setting for a girly Friday night catch up!
Camino Kings Cross, 3 Varnishers Yard, Regent Quarter N1 9FD
Camino Monument, 15 Mincing Lane EC3R 7BD
Camino Blackfriars, 33 Blackfriars Lane EC4V 6EP
Camino Bankside, 5 Canvey Street, SE1 9AN
