Mayfair mainstay, El Pirata, recently celebrated 25 years of serving quality tapas in its lively Down Street setting.
Marking such a milestone is not easily come up for restaurants and bars, especially in the cutthroat competitive straits of Mayfair. The crew at El Pirata are to be commended for keeping course for a quarter century and remaining a relevant and fun place to enjoy Spanish food and drink.
I dropped by for a taste of the restaurant’s anniversary menu a few weeks back. I had a great time and have been thinking about how delicious the food was ever since (and even trying to wedge in an opportunity to dine there again before too many more weeks pass).
So what’s the secret to El Pirata’s success?
I reckon it is indeed the secreto de cerdo Iberico. Secreto is a “secret” cut of Iberian pork near the shoulder and back fat.
Melt in your mouth tender with a nutty and complex flavour profile, it’s as moreishly meaty as can be. Fans of Kobe beef would find secreto a suitable (and far more affordable) substitute. Served with potatoes and rosemary for £17.50, I reckon it might be this city’s best (and best valued) pork dish.
There are all sorts of other wonderful reason to enjoy the treasures El Pirata: vibrant atmosphere, attentive and friendly service, fabulous wine list, amazing tapas and a creme caramel (£5) to die for. But it’s the secreto that’ll have me drop anchor there again, and I hope to do so again soon.
El Pirata is located at 5-6 Down Street, W1J 7AQ. Find out more at elpirata.co.uk.
