Can anyone advise me on a decent Tapas bar in London? Please dont suggest La Tasca as I have already been there, and as a self-proclaimed expert on Spanish food I think they are poor and overpriced!
I can recommend Fino, at least the last time I was there it was good. L'albufera is also very good. But with all Tapas (a bit like Yo Sushi) you end up buying lots of little plate selections which really crank up the bill.
For guide/reference the Square Meal site & magazine are quite good, you could also try Top Table.
Pity as tapas dont cost the earth in Spain, they are usually between 1-2 Euros each, unless you are talking about raciones which are big enough for everyone to have a little.
I've been to Barcelona bar off Bow Lane in EC3 a few times and I loved it. I used to hate anchovies until they introduced me to 'boquerones' and they were lovely. I would call them first though. I dragged a friend along one Saturday and they were closed all weekend. Not sure if they only open for party bookings only as the City is not that buzzing on weekends.
I also ove the fact that the only champagne they sell is their own equivalent; Freixenet.
You stated that it was their own champagne and champagne it is not. In reference to "their own", you are insinuating that they sell Spanish champagne and not, say, a French brand.