Found on the former site of The Crown Hotel in Peckham, The Tapas Room is a marker of the brand’s success, being the fifth iteration of the small restaurant chain and the largest dining space yet.
In a similar vein to its sister sites, The Tapas Room in Peckham has a cosy wine bar feel to it and a Spanish-led menu of small plates. A point of difference between Peckham and the other outlets in Tooting, Deptford, Brixton and Battersea is that it serves a weekend brunch. Between 11-4 each weekend you can feast on plates of things like broken eggs with morcilla, or octopus crumpets with a citrus salsa. Bloody Marys and spritzes are on hand too, should you fancy a hair of the dog.
The main menu is replete with classics like king prawns with chilli, garlic and paprika; pan con tomate; and salt cod croquettas. Aside from the familiar favourites, there are also some more unusual combinations – think hake with Jerusalem artichokes, jamon puree, capers and sultanas; or a duck breast with pickled pear and hazelnuts.
The pudding selection is short and sweet (if you’ll pardon the pun) and features just one dish: churros. These crisp, fried doughnut-like treats are dusted with cinnamon sugar and served with a chocolate sauce.
Upstairs the dining room has more of a traditional restaurant feel, while downstairs is the dedicated bar area. Here you can indulge in all sorts of niche Spanish wines, vermouths and sherrys. Plenty of bottles are organic or vegan, and there’s a good selection by the glass too, which isn’t always the case at London restaurants. If you’re unsure of anything you can ask the helpful staff, who are well placed to advise on perfectly matched pairings.
Interiors are clean and fuss free, with lots of wood and rich colours used for a relaxed, rustic vibe.