A little slice of Jerez...

by Robert Giorgione

Aaaahhh! The clinking of copitas, the delicious wafts of the freshly-prepared tapas, the chattering of everyone enjoying themselves and the warm ambience which is sweatier than a flamenco dancer's clapping hands. Where are we? Sounds like a warm balmy night in Jerez...

Actually, it's a chilly March evening and we're in a lesser salubrious part of London - namely King's Cross. However, I have been invited to the preview launch party of a delightful bar devoted to sherry. "Bar Pepito" is the brainchild of Richard Bigg. He's a real Hipanophile and sherry aficionado. The bar is located within a little courtyard just off the main drag of the bustling York Way and the dingy Pentonville Road. Opposite is Camino, which he also owns. The evening is set and everyone is gathering around the sherry butts, doubling up as tables outside. The range of 15 sherries have been supplied by Gonzalez Byass and are served in delightful little tasters, which work really well with the authentic tapas dishes. I was just waiting for the guitarists and the dancing to start.

The decor inside had been designed to feel as authentic as possible. A lot of effort had been put in by the team, who sourced the right materials, pictures and murals to make the right impression. As the slogan goes - "A little slice of Jerez in London." Even the tiles (below) were especially flown in. It's literally like being in a tapas bar in Andalusia.

The range of Gonzalez Byass sherries were placed around the small and intimate bar. The atmosphere was amazing and extremely vibrant. London needs more bars such as these, so that everyone can go along and enjoy a glass of sherry and still feel very relaxed and informal. Richard has also installed an enomatic machine, which dispenses taster measures. This makes for a perfect experience, especially when matched with the different tapas. Wine pairings are also written on the menu, so that you can go with the suggested choice of tastes and flavours. After all, sherry and tapas go hand in hand. It's what it's all about.

Jamon, jamon, jamon and more jamon...

White asparagus, blue cheese and mini salchicon  

Richard Bigg (below right) ensuring that everyone's having a good time and that the glasses are kept topped up with sherry. We were all packed in like sardines...Spanish of course!

Andrew Sinclair (left) of Gonzalez Byass

Charlotte and I decided to adjourn to Camino next door to continue enjoying our Spanish-inspired evening and to further her vinous education.

If you haven't visited Bar Pepito yet, I sincerely urge you to go. Whether you're a sherry novice or connoisseur you'll be certain to have a great time! The epicurean odyssey continues...