The Blurb
World-renowned Hispania restaurants have teamed up with the Meliá Hotel to bring a taste of authentic Spanish cuisine to Kensington. The new menu, curated by Michelin-starred chef Marcos Morán, features traditional Spanish dishes with a vibrant twist. There’s everything from rich Asturian bean stew with chorizo, cured sausage, lacón and bacon – which has been passed down in the Morán family for five generations – to fresh red tuna, Iberico pork, and caramelised rice pudding – Arroz con Leche. All that and a brilliant wine menu to match.
The best thing is, that you don’t need to be a hotel guest to visit Hispania. The doors are open to all, providing a Spanish escape from the busy streets of London.
The Style
The Meliá Hotel is a refurbished 19th-century townhouse, now boasting elegant yet modern furnishings with a Spanish twist. And tucked away, behind large, heavy burgundy doors lies Hispania, the hotel’s ode to Spain. Walls are adorned with William Morris tapestries and artworks alongside acclaimed interior designer Lorenzo Castillo’s choice of furnishings. Hispania truly celebrates the essence of Spanish culture.
The Crowd
Dining on a Friday evening, the restaurant was full but it didn’t feel overcrowded. We were in company with a mixture of hotel guests, as well as friends, families, and couples.
The Food
As you can imagine, Hispania isn’t your classic beachside Chiringuito-style cooking. While the ingredients are typical of Spanish favourites – pulpo (octopus), patatas bravas, paella, and tuna tartare – the dishes are elaborate and colourful, with intricate layers of flavour in every mouthful.
A glass of Albariño in hand, we began with some tasty complimentary snacks; pork croquettes and a cheese-filled, crisp pastry, before tucking into starters of fried calamari and tuna tartare seasoned with Ajoblanco – a traditional white soup, made of almonds, garlic and bread, consumed cold. Hispania has reimagined this classic and turned it into the most delicious sauce, which complimented the delicate, finely diced tuna perfectly.
We then shared two main dishes: seared red tuna with ratatouille-style vegetables and Iberian pork shoulder. Both were cooked to perfection, the pork a little smokey from the grill, and the tuna melt-in-the-mouth soft.
If you order one thing in Hispania, let it be the cheesecake. The large – yet surprisingly light – slice is topped with grated Ibores cheese and served with berries and ice cream. I’ve never had anything quite like it; savoury yet sweet and intriguingly addictive.
In a Nutshell
If you love Spanish food then Hispania is a must-visit. From the amazing service and relaxing ambience to the innovative yet nostalgic flavours, Hispania feels like a little slice of Spain in London. The menu boasts a brilliant selection of dishes, many I’m still dreaming of trying. Not to mention the wine list, which even offers bottles served by Coravin.
For more details visit…
61 Gloucester Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 4PE
