"Enjoyable Flamenco, but eat elsewhere first"

Added Wed 23 Jun 2010 by Leila

Stumbling upon Costa Dorada quite by chance, we are enticed to enter due to the blackboard outside advertising sangria. We end up not ordering sangria at all, but a gin and tonic and a tasty glass of Rioja, which isn’t bad at £4.95 a pop.

We sit near the bar and contemplate the scattering of British diners and Spanish customers chatting to the bar staff. There is also a large dining area which is mostly empty, however we soon notice a stage being pulled out and microphones being arranged.

A lady swoops in past us with a bun in her hair and a long flowing skirt under her coat. “She’s going to dance Flamenco” Friend chuckles jokingly, however within minutes a couple of guitarists and a singer have taken to the makeshift stage.

After the music starts a couple of dancers appear. They dance together and then individually, their passionate stamping of feet and twists and turns a beautiful spectacle for all those watching.

After this thoroughly enjoyable experience - which is all too short - the music switches to Shakira and commercial reggaeton. Feeling peckish, we decide to try some of the restaurant’s tapas.

The Manchego cheese does not taste like Manchego at all. Soft in texture, I ponder whether it may be the ‘tierno’ or mild variety, however Friend is adamant this is Cheddar, which at £5.75 for a few slices is a farce. The tortilla (£5) has been re-heated and is dry. I’m glad we decided against ordering any more.

We leave after a few enthusiastic punters get up to dance, remarking we must return for the Flamenco, but only after having eaten elsewhere.