Lovely tapas restaurant serving instantly pleasing dishes in a suave, yet causal setting - great downstairs / basement hideaway

A great place and I have been meaning to get here ever since it opened and have to say bravo Mr Atherton (again). Although the entrance and ground floor do not appear to have much room for the restaurant, it was only at the end of our meal when I went downstairs that I was immediately hit with that “this is a nice place” feeling – and it is. There is counter dining at numerous positions upstairs and downstairs with the theatre or hospitality of the chefs or bartenders behind each in a beautifully mood-lit setting. Superb option for a dive away from the hussle and bustle with a glass of wine and some nibbles or more planned sit down a like.

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The dishes themselves were great – the ham (and cheese) croquettes being so good another round was needed and the olives having a lovely, spiced oil glazed over them. The duck egg with breadcrumbs, artichoke and truffle was recommended and it did not dissapoint. I was immediately taken as to how similar some dishes were to those done by Nathan Green at 22 Ships (where I think the latter had the edge) – the head chef who was present on our visit (Frankie Van Loo) was extremely busy so I didn’t ask to have a quick chat but on next visit will try and ask him on the link, but the bottom line is that it was absolutely wonderful to see the ham and cheese slices with quail egg again.

The sommelier couldn’t have been more charming and entertaining and the choices brought were a couple of highly pleasing reds. The desserts were also very well done and they rounded off what I thought was just a wonderful way to spend a lunchtime catching up with a friend of old in such a nice way. I thought overall the prices were reasonable – my only concern being what will happen to them when this establishment becomes less of a secret and hard to get in to so my advice is get in here whilst the prices are where they are for maximum return.

Social Tapas is a mere 5 minute walk from Bond St tube station so you are also on the door step to the splendour of Oxford St shops and I would say this restaurant is absolutely perfect for those who need a break from Selfridges or want an elegant and almost little known ‘secret’ or gem to show a friend and catch up with them – you will not be displeased you did(!). I have now logged this restaurant as a permanent lovely fixture venue to have up the sleeve when needed. A cracking little place, ideal for casual yet stylish catch ups.

Food Grade: 75%