Our Review Of Bar Flor: Playful Tapas And Pintxos In Belgravia

Pinxtos have been having a moment in London this year, alongside Spanish cuisine, notably with the arrival of The Clove Club's Issac McHale’s Bar Valette in Shoreditch and Arthur’s Market on Chelsea Road. But Basque-inspired restaurants have always thrived; you just have to look at Brat, Gorka and Tollington’s, to name a few.

It was clear that we had gone gaga for Gildas, so when Wildflowers in Belgravia’s upstairs relaxed wine den was transformed into the Basque-style wine and pinxtos bar, Bar Flor, earlier in autumn, it was no surprise. The people were being given what they wanted: patats bravas and pickle martinis, only a ten-minute walk from the Victoria line.

Don't miss Bar Flor's Basque cheesecake. 

DesignMyNight’s Review Of Bar Flor In Belgravia

Tucked away above chef Aaron Potter’s main restaurant, Bar Flor was in keeping with its neutral design, fronting delicate, sandy coloured wallpaper with floral line drawings sprawling up the wooden panelled ceiling, while warm lighting bounced off shiny ruby red side tables. These were bright, modern touches that the space craved, and set the scene well for a drink and, naturally, plenty of cheese.

In addition to an extensive wine list, aperitivos, vermouth, and sherry dominated the menu, and among the tempting selection, the Flor margarita (£18) caught my eye. Featuring Del Maguey Vida, Valdespino Manzanilla Sherry, Alma Finca and lime, it was incredibly potent and delicious. The sherry added a dry, plummy kick that was complemented by the lime, and it was so delicious that my friend and I simply had to order another.

The Flor margaritas (pictured right).

The weekly changing dishes were perfect for snacking; we began with the Romeo & Juliet’s (£3 each), which was a chunk of Manchego and membrillo served on a cocktail stick, and a Gilda (£3 each) made up of olive, anchovy, onion and guindilla. This was a sugar fiend's stuff of nightmares, and my idea of salty, briny heaven.

A real highlight was the cave-aged manchego (£12) drizzled in honey from the tapas section of the menu. Cut into triangles and perfectly matured and tangy, the cheese worked so well with the sickly sweetness of the honey. I wolfed down three slices, adding slices of Iberico chorizo (£12) as I went.

A tart respite was the tomato salad (£8), where beefy chunks had been marinated in a zingy vinaigrette, while the gambas al ajillo (£12) were a little small for my liking, and not incredibly fishy, but still garlicy and scrumptious all the same. My favourite plate was the Holiday potatoes ‘bravas’ (£12), which were essentially a ramekin of light-as-air golden roasties with pools of a smoky tomato sauce and a mild mayonnaise just begging to be mixed and smothered all over the glorious carbs.

Holiday potato 'bravas' (pictured left) and the manchego with honey (right).

The best was yet to come in the form of its only dessert: the Basque cheesecake (£10). A very bold admission, I thought, but as soon as I took a silky, creamy bite, I knew Bar Flor was right to suggest that it was this or zilch. Those who’d skip dessert and wonder back blissfully ignorant of its rich, custard consistency would be missing out. It was caramelised perfectly, with lush vanilla notes; I couldn’t put my spoon down.

I can’t believe I've finally found a cool place to drink margaritas and eat cheesecake with my friends without having to leave for a dessert motive. Well done, Bar Flor, well done.

Overall: Bar Flor

For those who loved the wine bar that Bar Flor once was, you’ll be delighted to know that the space has not lost its charm and that its evolution to serve pinxtos and tapas is a very good thing indeed. It has a romantic air about it, and while its calamari sandwich is a certified crowd-pleaser for lunch, you’ll find lots of joy in its flavour bomb tapas washed down with a little sherry in the evening.

For more, discover the best wine bars in London.