Chef José Pizarro’s suave new ode to Spanish eating in London is known as Lolo

Getting into Lolo, Spanish chef José Pizarro’s latest restaurant in London, looks like coming into a slice of his hometown in Extremadura: suppose rustic finishes, terracotta tiles, and a shareable all-day Iberian menu. However whereas the western Spanish allure is simple, Lolo dodges the lure of feeling overly thematic. As an alternative, its intimate partitions shock with a (tasteful) assortment of up to date artwork – the place else may you take pleasure in tortilla beneath a Tracey Emin self-portrait? Keep in mind the strictly no-food White Dice Bermondsey gallery lies metres away.

Lolo nails this stability: daring but approachable, understated but irresistibly romantic. Because the ‘youngest sibling’ to Pizarro’s Bermondsey Avenue staples – the vigorous José tapas bar and relaxed Pizarro restaurant – it finds its personal area of interest. By day, it’s a breezy, sunlit café; by night time, an intimate, wine-fuelled retreat.

The Temper: playful heritage

British inside design studio Sample Haus led the restaurant’s design. ‘We needed to mirror José’s ardour for bringing individuals collectively by means of meals, celebrating his heritage and the neighbourhood’s industrial historical past,’ says designer Karen Taylor. At its coronary heart is a bar with counter seating, mixing rustic oak and rattan textures impressed by Pizarro’s upbringing, with a marble counter with daring purple veining that echoes Bermondsey Avenue’s industrial roots.

Every designated seating space is encircled by honey-toned end-grain timber flooring that mimics a country chopping board, whereas pure terracotta tiles line circulation areas, harmonising with smooth lime-washed partitions and ceilings. Customized linen shades and chic wall lights additional add heat, accentuating artwork resembling a watercolour by late native artist Norman Ackroyd, images by Pizarro’s accomplice, Peter Meades, and a free-blown glass triptych by Peter Layton.

The Meals: tasty Spanish favourites, the José Pizarro manner

‘The menu options dishes I like to prepare dinner and eat at house,’ says Pizarro, singling out the Lolo de ternera as his favorite – a beef sandwich with inexperienced peppers and Ermesenda cheese. Lolo’s menu presents a spread of small plates (greatest shared) that stability artistic presentation with daring flavours. Consider creative vegetarian dishes alongside juicy meat and seafood choices.

Eggs take centre stage, starring in fluffy lazy omelettes, baked dishes, and even devilled creations. Starters see an artisanal contact, resembling recent curd cheese with tomatoes and preserved lemon; and courgette carpaccio with pine nuts and slow-roasted tomatoes. Mains embrace Spanish household traditions, from tender ‘Rockfish’ cuttlefish with black squid ink rice to Presa Ibérica in escabeche with confit peppers. For a style of the ocean, an artisanal choice of briny tins contains Chipirones in ink and Catalina Cantabrian anchovies. Pair these along with your selection of Spanish beers, dulcet cocktails, or glowing, purple, and white wines.