Bar Kroketa’s newest site in St Christophers Place is a tapas-inspired gem brought to life by the team behind Brindisa. With its casual, rustic charm, this intimate northern-Spanish bar and miniature dining room is the perfect spot for a quick bite or a more leisurely glass of vermut after a day exploring West London.
Walking into Bar Kroketa, you’re immediately greeted by the inviting aroma of sizzling Spanish dishes and the lively chatter of satisfied diners. The bright entranceway, flanked by the bar (laden high with tortilla, olives, and other delights), leads to an airy and open space with a bustling atmosphere. The décor has an inviting, down-to-earth feel, featuring a well-stocked bar and a chalkboard menu hanging on the wall, showcasing a daily changing selection of croquetas, bar snacks, and small plates. High tables with bar stools create a casual, convivial atmosphere, encouraging guests to relax and enjoy the delicious treats on offer.
The menu at Bar Kroketa is a celebration of the mighty croqueta, with a focus on both traditional and inventive variations of this tapas staple. To start, the Anchovy Gilda from the Kounter section – a classic pintxo that perfectly balances the briny anchovy with the sharpness of pickled guindilla peppers and the umami-rich olive. It’s a tantalizing introduction to the meal ahead.
The croquetas are, of course, the star of the show. With plenty to choose from in the extensive ‘Kroketa’ section of the menu, the blue cheese croquetas were a delightful blend of creamy, tangy blue cheese encased in a perfectly crisp shell, with the raspberry sauce adding a surprising but harmonious sweetness. The king prawn and prawn head croquetas were equally impressive, featuring a rich, seafood filling that was beautifully complemented by the aioli, adding depth of flavour.
Moving on to the ‘Kitchen’ dishes, you must try the patatas bravas, a tapas classic. The potatoes were golden and crispy, smothered in a smoky paprika sauce and a generous dollop of spicy aioli – a comforting and satisfying dish that hit all the right notes. The salted cod with potatoes, paprika crispy garlic sauce, and spicy aioli was another highlight. The cod was tender and flaky, with the paprika sauce providing a light but smoky flavour that was elevated by the crunchy garlic and a touch of heat from the aioli.
The grilled steak with cider onion and melted cheese on toast was a hearty and indulgent option, featuring succulent slices of rare steak paired with sweet, caramelized cider onions and gooey melted cheese. It was a delightful combination of textures and flavours that left us craving more.
If the pork belly pintxo shows up on the Specials, you won’t regret ordering the mouth-watering creation that showcased tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly with a perfectly crisp exterior. The accompanying sauce added a sweet and savoury balance that made this dish truly memorable.
No visit to Bar Kroketa would be complete without indulging in their desserts – which of course features their signature croquetas. And the chocolate croqueta with salted caramel sauce did not disappoint – a crispy shell encasing a molten chocolate centre, drizzled with luscious salted caramel sauce. It was a decadent and satisfying end to our meal.
Whether you’re stopping by for a quick snack, their lunch board deal, a full-blown dinner, or to try out their incredible new breakfast menu, Bar Kroketa promises a delightful and authentic taste of Spain without the need to jump on a plane.
