Morning:
8°c
Critic rating
Quality custom at Pinchito
Marina O'Loughlin, Metro 4 Jul 2007
You can get the staff: Pinchito is manned by a bunch of enthusiastic, attractive young people who not only know their stuff (Tobias, co-owner and bar dude is a true star) but are also genuinely keen to make sure you're happy. You can get the location: it doesn't get more groovy than this boite just off Old Street.
And you can get the food. The 'diffusion line' of the rave-reviewed Brighton original, Pinchito's offerings mirror its big bro's quality in a simple, pared-down format of pintxos, or Basque-style tapas. OK, this is no San Sebastian but the food is fresh, the ham is acorny and addictive, the croquetas are cheesy, silky and moreish, the lomo and chorizo are of unimpeachable provenance, and the cheeses - Idiazabal and, of course, manchego - slip down perfectly with some almondy amontillado. Bread comes with a spread of pulped, ripe tomatoes. Only a tortilla with mango and chorizo (odd idea, lumpily executed) and a sweaty stew of chickpeas and squid failed to convince.
But you can't get the quality of custom. The night we visited, the funky, slightly industrial space was rammed with screeching binge drinkers from nearby offices. Did they appreciate the sublime nuttiness of the Jabugo ham? Somehow I doubt it.
Tapas for two with wine, water and service costs £30 to £60 (depending on greed). 32 Featherstone Street EC1. Tel: 020 7490 0121. Tube: Old Street
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (2)
I went in to get some 'Paella Wednesday' a couple of weeks ago and found it amazing value! I asked if I could take it away and the staff couldn't have been nicer. Whilst waiting I treated myself to a glass of wine and soaked up the atmosphere. For only £5.50 you really can't go wrong, big portions and a fast work lunch to enjoy in the sunshine.
I have since been back (after work) and found the counter great to sit at and enjoy the daily cocktail del dia for only £3.50. You can see the open kitchen so we ended up eating some tapas, specials change on a weekly basis. Lovely, chilled out people.
- R Davidson, London, UK, 10/06/2009 15:44
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It was about time to have a friendly, nice new place just around the corner. Pinchito is great, a place where you can relax without anyone asking you to leave because they need the table. The atmosphere is brilliant. The food is very good and simple, something that seems impossible to find in this city. You either spend a fortune and have good elaborate food or you have very bad quality service and food. Pinchito is the solution. I have been there 3 times since the opening (4th if your count the coffee this morning). The people that work there are very friendly and make you feel like you are in Southern Europe. I suggest to everyone to eat there, grab a seat along the bar and forget about the time. You can spend 2/3 hours without even knowing it. And it's good value for money.
I am so glad I have such a place next to my home.
- Mauro Spagnol, London, UK, 06/07/2007 11:49
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