Name: El Parador
Address: 245 Eversholt Street, London, Camden, NW1 1BA, UK
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7387 2789

Despite certain parts of Camden having a distinctly shabby appearance, the gastronomic possibilities of the area never cease to amaze me. The less-than-glamorous Eversholt Street is home to the perennially popular Asakusa and tapas restaurant El Parador, which shares its name with a famous chain of Spanish hotels.

We haven’t booked and there’s a moment of panic as we realise how busy they are. No problem though as we are escorted downstairs, and it’s just as well as the lower ground floor seems to invite us in with its dimly lit, deep red walls. As yet no one else is seated here therefore we have the room to ourselves for a short while.

We immediately order bread and aioli (£4), the pungent garlic mayonnaise so beloved in Spanish cuisine, that I am more than a little partial too. Once we are sufficiently satisfied by our vampire-deterring abilities we choose our dishes. The small yet perfectly formed menu consists entirely of tapas, therefore we decide quickly on what we’ll share.

Scallops with a beetroot puree (£7.50) is a surprisingly good combo, the scallops are perfectly cooked and retain their moistness. Chargrilled artichokes with broad beans (£5.90) are exquisite with Harissa oil and caramelised red onions.

The patatas bravas (£4.50) or spicy sautéed potatoes are deeply comforting, as is the roasted butternut squash with padron peppers (£5.90), the sweetness of the squash fusing perfectly with hints of cumin and garlic. It’s only once we’re halfway through our meal that we realise we’ve chosen mostly veggie dishes, it’s perfectly satisfying nonetheless.

There is a tempting selection of wines, including choices from the renowned regions of Utiel and Ribera del Duero, however this being the night after the morning after the night before we stick to a San Miguel each and gallons of water.

El Parador have stuck to simple classics. Interestingly, the restaurant has a book, however owners Carlos Horillo and Patrick Morcas have opted for dishes like slow roasted pork belly with fennel seeds over Spanish tortilla; perhaps the draw of another tapas book wasn’t enough for the publishers.

As far as dining here goes El Parador has an unassuming, friendly atmosphere coupled with some very pleasing food, which goes someway towards explaining why they’ve been open for over 20 years. It’s also excellent value for money.

El Parador

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