Goya

Goya
Lupus Street
£43

Still occupied by builders we decided to go for a leisurely lunch. The weather was Mediterranean so it seemed like an excuse for tapas. We spent 2 hours and got tapas dishes in twos so that we could take our time and graze. I think we chose well – tortilla is always a favourite standard fare but we always aim for a couple of things we’ve never had so artichoke and ham was a winner. Meaty got me into piementos so lots of them plus some octopus in paprika. I eyed some very delectable apple strudel when I arrived but they had run out so we had manchega and still felt contentedly full. It feels authentic and appropriately unhurried so I can’t think of a nicer way of spending a couple of hours on a sunny Saturday. HP


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OK, I am not a great fan of lazy lunches and letting time slide languidly by, however, as there are builders, painters and sanders in the house, its time to get out. We saunter down to Lupus street, check out a small hardware store for supplies to aid in the inevitable clean-up. After the hardware store we make it to a busy Goya. Most of the patrons are outside getting slowly roasted under a British sun. We go in. Its much more pleasant as a breeze goes in one door and out the other. A couple fans spin over head. The walls are a lightly burnt ochre and accented with a terracotta wainscoting. The bar is well stocked (even the menu says so). This is the most Spanish I have heard since being in Spain and that is by the patrons; OK the staff speak it too. Artichoke with ham, and fried jalapeños start the first round. Remember, we had to take up some time until the builders absquatulate some time around 5pm. Oh, I ordered a Castarel. Oh my, that was delightful. Make sure to have some rock or sea salt on the jalapeños. Next, order another beer. Wait a few minutes and watch the locals out order us. Round two was octopus with paprika and the Spanish tortillia. Both were good. I can quite easily see myself sitting at the bar, ordering many dishes and a bottle of red on a Saturday. It would be fun and I know I will do it…I’ll keep you posted. MP.