Quarterly matinee theatre trips with a friend traditionally finish with tapas, but having had this routine for many years, it’s become difficult sourcing different places. However, as we were at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, there was plenty of choice, but in our research we both came across Jamon Jamon located in an alley off Charring Cross Road.
At 5.15pm, it was empty and possibly because we’d booked, we were allocated a window table as it was too chilly to sit on the small outdoor terrace. There were two bottles of cava listed, and as the most expensive was unavailable, we settled on the house at a very reasonable £27, along with olives and Padron peppers to nibble on whilst deciding what to order.
The extensive menu had all the usual Spanish tapas, with both hot and cold, meat, fish and vegetarian options, but also a few dishes with a twist. Our first choice was a favourite, croquetas de jamon, served as a portion of five with a sweet onion sauce. The second dish was something a little different, lomo Roquefort, a grilled delicious Iberico pork loin, and although it should have been topped with the sauce it came in a small pot at the side, which was ideal for dipping the accompanying chips in. The pan tumaca was described as garlic rubbed toast with fresh tomato sauce on the side, but the three slices of bread arrived topped with the garlicy tomato pulp. After nibbling our way through this selection we felt we were ready for one final tapa and opted for tortilla, a saucer-sized warm omelette which finished off the savouries nicely.
For dessert we always have churros, and these were particularly good with plenty of rich, melting chocolate sauce for dipping. Unfortunately the substitute for our usual glass of Pedro Jiminez, a cremoso sherry, wasn’t as sticky or figgy, but it was perfectly acceptable.
I wouldn’t describe the dishes as outstanding, but they were all well presented and as there was little on the menu over £8, they were good value with our bill coming to £110.
The service was a little lacking and although at times we struggled to get attention, we weren’t rushed out and enjoyed a leisurely evening whilst chatting about The View from the Bridge.
There are also branches in Camden and Belsize Park.
