Name: La Familia
Address: 99 High Street, London, Hampton Hill, TW12 1NH, UK
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8941 7309
Rating: 8

There are a few independent restaurants worth visiting in this part of West London but this one definitely deserves a place on those worthy of mention, especially if you like Spanish food.

Its barn-size dimensions are broken up with bright raised areas to the front which look out onto the street and a walled, slightly darker interior area. There’s a substantial bar in the centre and to one side there are armchairs and tables making it a conducive stop for informal drinks too.

We turned up on a Saturday evening without a reservation and whilst it was busy they found us a table immediately. The staff (the Capontes family) are friendly and chatty and bustle about at some speed while finding time to talk to diners. There are all sorts of people in here – couples (young and old), small and large groups, families and even some lone diners – in fact, anything seems to go.

Whilst the extensive tapas menu was appealing, we decided to go for a traditional starter and mains approach.

My companion choose Chorizo de la Casa (£5.95) which is pan-fried Spanish chorizo in rioja wine and fresh herbs. It was a substantial, hearty portion and the sauce was thick and flavoursome. I was delighted with my Ensalada de Mariscos (£6.95) - a marinated mixed seafood salad served on a bed of shredded lettuce. Beautifully presented and practically a feast. I was delighted to find large, juicy prawns and tiny whole octopus as well as plump mussels and even a few clams.

For mains, I opted for the veal (£13.95) topped with Madeira wine, cream and mushrooms sauce. There were two large pieces of veal which were well cooked and tender. My companion had a chicken dish with a creamy, white wine and mushroom sauce (£14.95). I liked that the sautéed potatoes and vegetables – included in the cost of the main course - were served onto our plates by the staff.

A glass of red wine (£4.95) – well, two for me – washed it down. We had asked them to suggest a wine that was light and fruity and their choice was perfect. They even allowed us to taste it before pouring. At the end of the meal we enjoyed large espressos which had a perfect crema on top and a velvety texture. Orange and mint flavoured complimentary chocolates finished it all off nicely.

The bill came to £71.80 which was inclusive of service. I shall return. Soon.

La Familia

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