Pulpo Negro
Alresford, Hampshire
A 'standout' Spanish tapas bar squirrelled away in a quintessentially English country town sounds unlikely, but ‘high-rolling Pulpo Negro rocks', according to one fan. Inside, exposed brick, bare floorboards and bare tables set the mood, while chef-owner Andres Alemany is always at the pass in the tile-fronted open kitchen. Authentic full-strength flavours and a sense of style typify the food, with a line-up of 'picoteo' nibbles, charcuterie, chargrills and seafood mixing the classics with more innovative ideas. The restaurant’s name translates as 'black octopus', and the titular cephalopod is a fixture – perhaps teamed with a potato and caper vinaigrette and an emulsion of its ink. Ever-changing croquetas are one of the ‘trump cards’, closely followed by salt cod fritters with mojo rojo, while bigger plates could take in anything from a hearty cocido (traditional white bean stew with chistorra sausage, morcilla and veal meatballs) to sparkling-fresh Cornish sea bream with manzanilla butter. For afters, burnt Basque cheesecake provides the final flurry. Marie-Lou Alemany runs front of house, while ‘sunny-natured’ service adds to the up-tempo, dressed-down vibe. To drink, well-chosen Spanish wines and gins hit the spot too.
Dining Information:
Separate bar, Wheelchair access, Family friendly
28 Broad Street, Alresford, Hampshire SO24 9AQ
01962 732262
