This venue has now closed.
The Matador is one of Central London’s newest hangouts so I decided to take the bull by the horns and visited this bad boy for some hearty tapas and hit-the-back-of-your-throat cocktails.
The Venue
Locating The Matador on Caxton Walk is fool proof. It’s only a few minutes’ walk from Tottenham Court Station and it’s nestled under the mighty Jamon Jamon. A black bull can be seen hanging confidently on the staircase wall charging at customers to retreat downstairs to its Spanish basement lounge. It’s notable that the venues layout is in an L shape and although the bar is small, it’s is fully stocked for evenings and nights of cocktail mischief. Many mysterious glass bottles are located on the top shelf behind the bar and are the result of in house spirits. I tried a shot of their Werther’s Vodka and it alone would be enough to ensure your return!
It was recommended that we sit at the long, low rise bench if we were sampling any food but we opted for two seats at a hand painted barrel in a cosy corner. The only down side to these seats? You had to speak quite loud as the chairs were so far apart. The dim lighting, rouge red walls and Spanish memorabilia (including the fighting bull skull) positively added to the theme of the lounge giving it a stand out character.
Low lights, deep red tones and Spanish artefacts help create a relaxed tapas bar vibe at The Matador.
Food and Drink
To get the ball rolling me and my companion ordered the Basil and Strawberry Smash, the menu describes it as a fragrant and mouth-watering twist on a classic gin cocktail, served long. However we swiftly moved on to the Estoy Loco Por Ti for a stronger punch. These snazzy words translate into I’m crazy about you and after one sip I was reciting these exact words, not to a human being like a normal person, but into my glass. Bourbon is officially my new love.
The Matador's tapas menu was divided into 6 neat, tasty sections and I must admit that all valiantly fought for my attention. Although I would have loved nothing more than to gobble a dish from all 6 sections, my waist line just wouldn’t allow it; so I happily chose 4 dishes from the Meat, Seafood and Vegetarian sections. We ordered Croquetas De Boletus (£5.80) - Spanish style mixed mushroom croquettes, Patatas Duo Brava & Alioli (£4.50) – hand cut fried potatoes topped with garlic mayonnaise and a spicy tomato sauce, Pollo Al Ajillo (£5.80) - chicken in garlic and white wine sauce and Gambas Al Alioli (£7.00) - sizzling prawns cooked in olive oil, garlic and chilli peppers. All dishes came out at different times but in great quantity and the one that won over my heart was Patatas Duo Brava. This is partly due to my Irish heritage (I was basically raised on potatoes) and the garlic mayonnaise. It was flavoursome, moreish and the perfect consistency to ensure all thoughts of waistlines went out the front door.
Tapas plates come when they're ready to create an authentic and communal dining experience. Check out those Patatas Duo Bravas.
Atmosphere and Clientele
One thing’s for sure, love was in the air the Wednesday evening we visited the Matador. There were couples everywhere! Many were getting loved up over some tapas while simultaneously taking advantage of the venues happy hour, which lasts from 5-8pm. Although a predominately romantic venue, me and my friend felt at ease being there as single pringles. We didn’t have to worry about rolling our eyes at loved up couples showing too much PDA because it’s just not that type of venue.
It’s a spot for sophisticated flirting and intimate conversation. Due to the ratio of couples, the atmosphere could be described as romantically charged (or sexually if you will). A definite contender for impressing a date in the city.
The Matador is perfect for date night, but don't be put off if you're just heading over for dinner and drinks with some friends.
Conclusion
The Matador creates a dark yet sexy vibe in central London and all dishes and drinks are reasonably priced making the dining and drinking experience fantastic value for money.
