José Pizarro ‘filled with huge pride’ having received honour from King Felipe VI of Spain

José Pizarro has said that being honoured with the Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic “fills me with huge pride”.

The chef was presented with the award by the Spanish Ambassador in London at an event to celebrate his 25-year career.

The Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic was bestowed to him by King Felipe VI of Spain. It is Spain’s equivalent of a knighthood and is awarded to those who have supported and promoted Spain worldwide.

Pizarro is the only Spanish chef to have ever been recognised with the cross.

He said: “Being honoured with the Cruz de Oficial de la Orden de Isabel la Católica at the Spanish embassy in London has been a humbling and overwhelming experience.

“This remarkable recognition of my dedication to promoting the rich diversity and excellence of Spanish cuisine and produce in the UK and beyond fills me with huge pride. It’s truly amazing to receive such an award, especially in the presence of all my friends and family.”

The chef is continuing to celebrate 25 years of cooking with special menus featuring his signature dishes across his six UK restaurants, including the marinated Ibérico pork with pear and almonds inspired by his mother’s recipe.

In addition to revisiting his classics, the chef will introduce a series of giveaways and culinary experiences.

Commenting on a quarter of a century as a chef, Pizarro said: “I am one of the luckiest chefs alive. I am so proud of what I have created and the incredible team I have around me.

“I have seen and learned so much since being here; it’s amazing to think how my simple little idea of owning a tapas bar that reminded me of home has somehow grown to seven restaurants around the world with around 200 employees.”