Spain Bar LIBERTAD

Sliced fresh from the leg, the jamón is cut to just the right thickness; it is a dish that also shows how the way it is sliced can change its flavour. At Spain Bar LIBERTAD, start a Spanish-bar meal with a glass of wine and a plate of jamón.

One diner who ordered the whitebait ajillo said the balance of garlic, chilli heat and oil suited their taste. They also remembered the baguette for being neither too thick nor too thin. It is an easy choice if you want bread to dip into the oil.

Paella is the centrepiece of a meal, with three varieties to choose from: Mar y Montaña, combining seafood and mountain produce; squid ink; and Iberian pork with mushrooms. One diner remarked on the savoury flavour of the seafood, making paella a dish to consider sharing at the table after trying a few tapas.

For small plates, there are Spanish marinated anchovies called boquerones, Galician-style octopus and potatoes, and patatas bravas, fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce. Heartier options include Pinchoño, a spicy grilled chicken-thigh skewer, and lamb chops.

The drinks list includes Spanish wine, sherry and lightly sparkling txakoli. One diner paired red wine with the whitebait ajillo. For a more casual option, wine cocktails include the Kalimotxo, made with red wine and cola, and the Operador, with white wine and ginger ale.

There is counter seating, and one visitor said it was easy to drop in alone. The restaurant could suit an evening of sampling several small dishes or a meal with friends gathered around paella. Dinner reservations are available and recommended.