Brindisa Tapas South Kensington

Expanding a restaurant is hard. Many fall victim to overstretching, resulting in enormous menus they can’t possibly deliver on. Thanks to gradual expansion, Brindisa is doing well thus far, although some say their experience varies from branch to branch. But, if there’s one place where chain restaurants can thrive, it’s South Kensington. So, that’s where we go.

Those who like a lively buzz and don’t mind queueing should stick to the Borough site. This is a more sedate environment, well-suited to families rather than just couples. There are upsides to this: you can actually book a table, stretch out both arms and maintain a conversation without screaming over your croquetas. Speaking of, the croquetas are as good here as any of the other sites, the crisp shell collapsing to exude their cheesy innards with ease. The Padron peppers, however, have been overzealously salted. Thankfully, a zippy ruby gimlet alleviates the salinity.

So far, this is familiar, albeit delicious territory. We push the boat a little further and are rewarded handsomely. A roast pumpkin salad with manchego custard is a warming autumnal delight, while the crispy fried goat’s cheese with orange blossom honey juxtaposes savoury and sweet marvellously. However, it’s larger dishes that really get it right. Charred Galician octopus arrives on a sedan of crisp potatoes, themselves swimming in a punchy mojo rojo. Elsewhere, a show-stopping oxtail comes on the bone with a silky celeriac mash. We revel in the primal delight of gnawing meat off the vertebrae, leaving little room for dessert. This proves not to be a huge loss, as the desserts we do try are very much an afterthought.

We spend about £50 a head on food, which is expensive for tapas but cheap for Kensington. For a chain restaurant with this large a menu, Brindisa gets a lot right. But to grow any further, like salting Padron peppers, will require a light touch.

Brindisa Tapas is well-known across London for its authentic Spanish flavours, approachable atmosphere and sharing-style dishes. With sister restaurants in Richmond, Soho, London Bridge and Battersea, Brindisa Tapas South Kensington is perfect for a bite to eat while sightseeing in the area, or a quick afternoon aperitivo in the sun.

The restaurant itself is light and airy, with overhead skylights, tall plants and warm lighting. Small tables run the length of the main dining room, with cosy leather seating booths and mismatched chairs making the space feel all the more inviting. As you head through towards the back of the restaurant, an open kitchen is sectioned off by a beautiful teal bar, allowing guests to view the chefs at work.

In true tapas style, the a la carte menu spans bar snacks, cured meats, fresh seafood and seasonal recipes, making it easy to tailor your order to suit your appetite. Whether you’re hungry for a long lunch or after a quick afternoon snack, there’s plenty to choose from. The pan con tomate is a fan favourite - with toppings including Cantabrian anchovies and cured Iberico - and you can’t go wrong with the Monte Enebro, Rafael Baez's award-winning fried goat's cheese with orange blossom honey and beetroot crisps.

Breakfast at Brindisa is a fabulous way to kickstart a day out in South Kensington, with Sobrasada-filled crepes, traditional Spanish tortilla and churros with chocolate sauce. If you’re dining with a group, you might like to order from the tapas tasting menu, which offers three dishes at a discounted price.

Your meal wouldn’t be complete without a classic Spanish cocktail (the Basque cider sangria sounds pretty good to us) or a seasonal aperitivo like the blood orange rebujito. There’s also a dedicated kids menu, so why not gather the whole family?