Here at Crummbs HQ we’re not big fans of chains. Starbucks can do one. (We’ll keep Pret though.)
So it was with some apprehension that we visited the newest outpost of Tapas Revolution on Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch.
However we soon came to realise that although we are rarely wrong – we’d got completely the wrong end of the stick here.
You may know Tapas Revolution from Westfield or even Bluewater (Kent) but the newest restaurant is different. In a great way.
Here Spanish chef Omar Allibhoy has lovingly bought us a real slice of Spain. He’s imported great big legs of Jamon iberico de bellota Joselito – because it’s the best ham in the world. He imports the tomatoes for the humble Pan con tomate because you can taste the difference and there is an entire G&T section devoted entirely to Spanish Gin.
And we have to say – it really does make all the difference. At just £2.95 for the Pan con tomate you’d forgive the tomatoes to be from, well, anywhere at all but it’s this insistence to authenticity that makes you forget you’ve seen the brand in a shopping centre.
Omar manages to balance the traditional dishes we know and love with some beautifully modern interpretations. Highlights include the Tuna carpaccio with almond sauce and citrus vinaigrette, so tender, it melts in the mouth, you won’t want to share. The salad of courgettes, truffle foam, smoked cheese and hazelnut dressing was a truly decadent vegetable dish – beautifully presented with edible flowers.
From the fish section you’ll also want to order the red mullet with mussels on barley in a rich saffron sauce – risotto like in texture but with more bite.
Desserts aren’t on the menu and change regularly depending on what Omar fancies rustling up – however we were lucky enough to try Crème Caramel with coffee cream – superb.
On top of this it’s also worth mentioning the £10 daily lunch offer that you can take advantage of weekdays from 12-4pm. With dishes such as Catalonian fish and potato stew with saffron and hazelnuts or classic Paella all served with salad, bread and aioli – it’s a great option for those working in the area.
The Gin Mare & Fever-Tree Mediterranean tonic with basil and rosemary is served huge and fresh and we love the Porron (a pretty cool traditional wine glass pitcher with a long spout that’s perfect for sharing.)
Omar Allibhoy comments on the opening of Tapas Revolution, Shoreditch; “Shoreditch is a great location to open our third Tapas Revolution and first standalone site. It’s a great chance to further spread the word about tapas to a new audience and bring an authentic taste of Spain to Shoreditch.”
Tapas Revolution
32-42 Bethnal Green Road
London
E1 6HZ
