A shopping mall might be the last place you’d expect to find a sincere and decent tapas bar, but Omar Allibhoy (formerly of El Pirata Detapas) has pulled off this surprising feat. Shoppers, movie-goers and assorted Westfield visitors perch on stools at a long oval counter in the shadow of the Apple store, while young Spanish waiters in blood-red T-shirts buzz around a space barely bigger than a popcorn box.
The muy típico menu is high on protein (chorizo, jamón, meatballs and so on) and low on greenery (asparagus, rocket). We couldn’t taste the garlic in the gambas al ajillo and found the manchego disappointingly bland, but we loved the ham croquetas, the punchy pan con tomate and the slivers of acorn-fed bellota ham. Best of all was a mellow red wine from Utiel-Requena and a portion of delectable churros (Spain’s crisp and svelte rendition of the doughnut) dipped in top-notch hot chocolate.
Tapas Revolution isn’t in the top league, but great value and a young vibe make this the perfect spot for a recharge. We’ll be returning before 5pm to try the menu rápido (£7.95 for paella and a drink).