Mar I Terra

Located just off Regent Street behind Piccadilly Circus, this Spanish bar & restaurant is a convenient spot to grab speedy plates of tapas. Safe bets include classics of fabada asturiana – a rich stew with white beans & chorizo, morcilla & pancetta – gambas al ajillo (prawns in garlic) & platters of cured meat, with bread to bulk things out. Attentive service, tasty food & an enterprising Spanish wine list – offering good choice by the glass & helpful annotation – draw a mixed crowd of tourists, shoppers & after-work groups all out for a filling & reasonably cheap meal, though note that the rather bland decor does not encourage thoughts of lingering.