Pix

Popular with Covent Garden office workers during the week, this dinky tapas joint is also a handy spot for a quick-fix refuel during Saturday shopping trips. Although you can reserve space at the back of the bijou eatery, most punters simply drop in, lured by the tempting counter-top display of pintxos (Basque tapas). Like its younger sibling in Soho, it works to a simple formula: help yourself to all sorts of skewered ‘peen-chos’ in two sizes & collect the sticks in a glass before settling up at the end of your visit. Top calls have included crisp cod fritters with a honey glaze, quince-coated chorizo on manchego, quail’s egg with jamón Ibericó, creamy ham croquetas & textbook tortilla. Friendly staff serve up gutsy Spanish wines, sherry & jugs of sangria to wash it all down.