El Pirata is a breath of fresh air in Mayfair – the friendly tapas restaurant offers a slice of sunny Spain without pretension or fuss.

Set over two floors, El Pirata in Mayfair is a bustling restaurant resonating with laughter and the sound of contented diners, many of whom are crowded around the bar for drinks and nibbles on a grey and drizzly Friday night.

The food at El Pirata is good with a huge variety of familiar tapas dishes on offer. We began with a delicious white Rioja and Jamón ibérico – a perfect Spanish treat.

Croquetas, Arroz-negro and Calamares in Paprika and Olive Oil arrive in a flurry and each are more unctuous an flavoursome than the next. Chicken and Chorizo skewers are cooked well with the quality of the chorizo shining through.

Throughout dinner service at El Pirata was friendly, personable, relaxed and generous. The food is stripped of unwelcome modern reinventions or garnishes, and the dishes are reliable, tasty and exactly what you would hope for from a traditional tapas restaurant.

By the time we left, the bar was packed, the wine was flowing and the laughter infectious. El Pirata is simple, cosy, affordable and has a great wine list. Tucked behind Shepherd’s Market, I highly recommend it becomes a staple in your after-work regime.

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