Brixton Restaurants: Ham Bar, Brindisa

049A year after opening in Brixton, Brindisa have relaunched their Food Rooms on Atlantic Road as the Ham Bar to bring a little taste of Spain to Brixton.

Using the space to feel much more like a Spanish tapas joint, the marble bar feels exactly like you’ve walked into a Continental cafe. There’s a wide range of spirits for mixed drinks other than just cocktails and Cava by the glass as well excellent coffee.

Food is clearer to choose and order than before with a real focus on small dishes to line your stomach before heading onto the Ritzy or the Academy or to fortify you after work or shopping. It’s a good place to meet to start a night or if you really do want a quick drink on your way home.

There’s a fantastic selections of the cured hams you would expect from Brindisa. I’m sure I counted three before I went ham blind and just started eating as much of it as possible. There are also beautiful croquetas oozing velvety ham studded bechamel sauce when you bite into them.

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Fish lovers will enjoy the selection of anchovies in a multitude of styles and the beautiful cured tuna belly is not to be missed either. Vegetarians won’t feel too left out with the quality of the padron peppers and the range of cheeses or they can just work their way through the sherry list.

The space feels more welcoming and confident than previously with better use of seating and sound so the trains passing overhead enhance the experience instead of jar it as before.

It will soon be linked more easily with the shop next door where you can buy many of the ingredients used in the Ham Bar. There will also be live music and Spanish events happening, making it a great place to drop into regularly.

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