'Best Spanish Tapas- London'- SME Awards 2020
El Pirata is a secret gem on a quiet street in Mayfair which has served customers with its much-praised Spanish tapas for over a quarter of a century. El Pirata offers true escapism to its customers, as it transports you to Madrid rather than Mayfair, with the restaurant’s friendly Spanish staff, energetic atmosphere and terrific tapas at an inviting price point.
El Pirata aims to make every customer feel at home, with its informal, buzzy atmosphere and welcoming staff, some of whom have worked at El Pirata since it opened over 25 years ago, meaning the service is attentive, helpful, and ideal in offering great hospitality. El Pirata gives both the impression of an anticipated new opening and the sense of a long-standing institution. They have an expansive tapas menu featuring typical Spanish tapas dishes, and during the recent closure due to lockdown the menu was reviewed by Zac Whittle, former Executive Chef of Michelin-starred Galvin Restaurants, resulting in new, flavoursome, and modern dishes now appearing on the menu, strengthening the experience El Pirata can offer to its customers. They boast an equally impressive wine list of over 100 wines, all sourced from their trusted suppliers with whom they have a long relationship, meaning their wines are priced very reasonably to customers, particularly for Mayfair.
Dine in the artistic colourful upstairs with its feature bar, or in the newly decorated downstairs Cellar, with a Picasso-inspired hand painted mural, terracotta flooring and cosy alcoves, or al fresco with a glass of rioja and watch the world go by.
Every Saturday
More info| Offer | Availability |
|---|---|
|
Spring Set Menu
Enjoy two tapas dishes, bread & garlic aioli plus a soft drink for just £12.50pp |
Monday 12:00 – 16:00
Tuesday 12:00 – 16:00 Wednesday 12:00 – 16:00 Thursday 12:00 – 16:00 Friday 12:00 – 16:00 |
| Day | Open | Close | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 12:00 | 22:30 | Available for private hire only |
| Tuesday | 12:00 | 22:30 | |
| Wednesday | 12:00 | 22:30 | |
| Thursday | 12:00 | 22:30 | |
| Friday | 12:00 | 22:30 | |
| Saturday | 12:00 | 23:00 | |
| Sunday | 12:00 | 23:30 | Available for private hire only |
Address
El Pirata, 5-6, Down Street, W1J 7AQ
Area
Mayfair
Nearest Station
Green Park (Tube)
| Name | Type | Capacity Seated |
Capacity Standing |
Cost | Min spend Midweek* |
Min spend Weekend* |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cellar restaurant | Basement Space | 65 | 95 | - | £2000 | £5000 | |
|
Step downstairs into El Pirata's atmospheric Cellar restaurant. Full of Mediterranean charm, the cellar space could be in the middle of Madrid, not Mayfair; think soft lighting, cosy nooks and an exposed brick wall with a Picasso-esque mural, all coming together to create a truly authentic Spanish experience. The beautiful intimate Cellar area is a versatile space which can be booked for parties, private dining or meetings; its seats up to 65 people or can hold up to 80 people for a standing reception. Frequently used for press launches and large corporate dining events, the Cellar can be altered to suit your needs. El Pirata takes safety very seriously and their covid measures include:
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| Full Venue hire | Venue Hire | 112 | 0 | - | £5000 | £10,000 | |
|
Looking for something a little more exclusive? A full venue hire offers an ideal option for occasions post-lockdown, as you'll be able to enjoy the full venue to yourself. Host a drinks reception in the upstairs restaurant before heading down into the cellar for dinner, or offer your guests the choice of where they sit. El Pirata can be configured to create a welcome space as you enter the bar, and provide a wide range of drinks, from their extensive wine list to cocktails and coffee. Your guests are also welcome to enjoy our outdoor seating spaces whilst enjoying a welcome drink. Having a full venue booking also gives you the option to add your own playlist for Spotify for your guests to enjoy, making it an ideal choice for smaller wedding receptions or corporate events. *please note the upstairs cannot be hired separately El Pirata takes safety very seriously and their covid measures include:
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* The minimum spends are a guideline only and vary according to the day and time of the year.
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