Here's another place that opened quietly before Christmas. It's taken over from La Bouchon Fourchette on Mare Street, and it's now serving Spanish tapas and cocktails, coming from the people behind Three Eight Four and Seven at Brixton.
On the food front, there are traditional and contemporary Spanish tapas dishes. The tapas menu does look lovely on a quick glance - including
- Bacalao Fishcakes - Flakes of salt cod fillet with Maris Piper potato & lime, rolled in panko breadcrumbs
- Gambas - King prawns tossed in chilli & garlic, served with cherry tomatoes
- Chuletas de cordero - Lamb cutlet pan-fried in a Spanish herbs & spices blend
- Croquetta - Homemade with shiitake & chestnut mushrooms
Plus cheeses, cured meats and more besides. It's an all-day affair - with separate coffee, brunch (inc "Smashed Avacado on pan de coca") and lunch menus.
Cocktails will be a big draw in the evening - the Spanish themed "Manzanilla Martini" sounds great - Jensen Old Tom gin, La Guita sherry, Noily Prat dry vermouth and peach bitters, garnished with a Jamon Iberico wrapped olive. As does "Tart ’n’ Tide" - Aucentoshan American cask whisky, Licor 43, triple sec, sea salt and honey stirred over a seaweed iceball.
Boca Hackney is open now at 171 Mare Street, Hackney, E8 3RH. For more, follow them on Twitter @bocahackney
