A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit Camino London. Their exciting new tapas bar has just opened behind the Tate Modern at Bankside, a short bus journey from Covent Garden.
The modern space is full of natural light by day and softly lit for an intimate mood by night. They open onto a large south-facing outdoor terrace with plenty of seating to make the most of warm weather.
They offer delicious and authentic tapas freshly made to order with plenty of lighter and vegetarian options for the non-carnivores among us.
Camino also serve the best wines and craft beers Spain has to offer plus their fantastic gin-tonics served in huge goblets. I had the pleasure of trying the Beefeater 24, which is crafted in London with botanicals including grapefruit peel, lemon peel and Chinese green tea. I loved that the fact that it was served with pink grapefruit and coriander too. Phil had the Mojito Granadino which was Santa Teresa rum, mint, lime and fresh pomegranate seeds.
As an appetiser, we had Manzanilla olives with our cocktails which were divine – I loved the additions of lemon zest, thyme and rosemary!
For our main dishes, we ordered the Tabla de Quesos – a Cheese board with fig & almond cake, quince jelly, chilli jam, toasted mollete bread. This was my influence as I can’t resist cheese!
We also had the Gambas Gjillo 9, sautéed tiger prawns, garlic, chilli and white wine which were amazing along with a selection of cured meats.
My favourite choice was the Arroz Negro 5 ,which was black rice, cuttlefish, squid ink and alioli. Despite the unappealing colour, it tasted incredible – super rich and tasty! I could have eaten bowls and bowls of it!
Whilst we ate, we drank more cocktails – I had the Sangría Royale which was red wine, Whitley Neill gin, fresh orange juice, cinnamon, fresh fruits and topped with cava. Phil opted for the Margarita Rocks, El Jimador tequila, Fino sherry, agave, pineapple juice and lime.
By the end of the meal, we were feeling full and extremely satisfied. A fantastic dining experience that’s not to be missed. We can’t wait to go back!
Camino Bankside, 5 Canvey Street, London, SE1 9AN. Tel: 020 3617 3169
* Please note that we were invited to eat here and the meal was complimentary. However, all opinions are honest and without bias.