Opera Tavern - Covent Garden, London

When London bade farewell to Opera Tavern there was much tearing of the hair and gnashing of the teeth. People bemoaned the state of London's restaurant industry; that a firm favourite had closed down. So there's been very much the opposite reaction at its reopening (replacing of the hair and smiling, we suppose?) of Ben Tish's restaurant, one of the brightest gems in the Salt Yard crown. We, of course, dropped in to investigate. 

The dining room has been modernised in the nicest way. Bare brick and cobalt blue walls are warmly illuminated by gorgeous circular art deco chandelier, steampunk-ish wall sconces and pendant lighting. There's an ineffably cosy bar overhung with a brass drinks gantry and surrounded by comfy leather schoolchair high-top stools. Thea artwork on the walls is especially noteworthy, splicing contemporary pop art prints with postmodern paintings. 

Small plates were perfect and punchy. A visit to a Salt Yard venture wouldn't be complete without their courgette flower, impregnated with monte enebro cheese, tempura-fried and drizzled with blossom honey. But it wasn't even the best! We were smitten with a flatbread laden with iberico pata negra de bellota as well as the jamon and manchego croquetas and some surprisingly piquant padron peppers. Chorizo picante with smoked almond hummus was a surprisingly nuanced pairing of flavours. A seasonal leaf salad with saffron and citrus dressing as well as patatas bravas did a handsome job of propping everything up. We ended the meal on a dulcet note with chocolate delice, a dulce de leche mousse and honeycomb. 

Opera Tavern was well-missed. Now it's well-received. For excellent Spanish in the heart of Theatreland, look no further.