While the rest of London was searching for somewhere air-conditioned last night, Hot Dinners headed downstairs to the basement bar of Ember Yard for some hot and sweaty croquetas action.
14 restaurants were in competition for the title of the best croquetas in London with a top judging team of Bob Granleese (from the Guardian), food writer Joe Wright, Time Out's Laura Richards and our good selves.
There were all manner of croquetas to choose from, from the trad jamon to more out-there creations like quinoa and cheddar with aji rocotto pineapple salsa and aji amarillo aioli.
The winning croquetas from Aqua Nueva
But there could be only one winner. This year's title went to Aqua Nueva for their black seafood alioli croquetas - but gongs (or rather bottles) were given to Social Wine and Tapas for the crunchiest croquetas for their Iberico jamon croquette with manchego bechamel and Japanese breadcrumbs and Duende won for the most creative for their beautiful aubergine and goat's cheese topped with crystallised acacia honey and rosemary.
