Pix Soho

A mini-chain of dinky “super-cool” pintxos joints, PIx has carved out a niche by offering what one reader called “a unique take on speciality Basque tapas”. Although you can reserve a table, most punters simply drop by on spec – lured by the tempting counter-top displays. The drill is simple: help yourself to all sorts of skewered ‘peen-chos’ in two sizes and collect the sticks in a glass before settling up at the end of your visit. Top calls have included crisp honey-glazed cod fritters, quince-coated chorizo on Manchego, quail’s egg with jamón Ibérico and textbook tortilla – plus a cheeky Iberian take on bubble and squeak. Thanks to its easy-come, easy-go grazing concept, Pix is a guaranteed hit with day-trippers, shoppers and the after-work crowd – especially as service is “full of smiles” and the food is backed by some terrific Spanish wines and sherries.

Pix Pintxos can be found on Bateman Street, in the heart of lively Soho. A restaurant that serves wonderful Spanish food to those who can tell their Manchego from their Mahón, Pix Pintxos is worth a visit if you find yourself in this busy part of London.

Pintxos is a Basque country bar snack, a kind that is held together by a skewer and served in a shot glass or ramekin dish with crusty bread. Here, you don't need to worry about choosing from a menu, or even make an order, you simply head up to the bar and choose whatever takes your fancy. Diablo meatballs are in a spicy tomato sauce, and then there are spicy chicken wings with sticky molasses, tahini and lime yoghurt, along with tuna empanada with mojo verde. Another favourite is the Gran Reserva serrano jamon and leek croquettes with sweet mustard, along with the super indulgent four cheese fritter with tangy plum chutney. Love fish? Try the honey glazed cod fritters with fresh lemon or the crispy calamari with aioli.

Some of the cold options include mussels, clams and chorizo cooked in fino sherry, the piquillo peppers stuffed with goat's cheese, honey and pine nuts, and tenderstem broccoli with Mediterranean salsa and migas. Quince coated chorizo with manchego is dusted in smoked paprika, and the finest manzanilla olives are marinated with rosemary, garlic and harissa. Be sure to enjoy some of the cocktails, they are really delicious! An Apple Mojito is garnished with fresh fruit, and you can choose to make yours extra boozy with a top up of dry Cava. The Gin Basil Smash and Lychee and Ginger Martini are two very popular options that can transport you straight to a sunny Spanish side street.