Former Brindisa chef José Pizarro to launch first solo venture

Spanish chef José Pizarro is to launch a tapas and sherry bar near London's Borough Market this spring.

 

Called José, the first solo venture from the former Brindisa executive chef will open on Bermondsey Street in mid-May. It will be inspired by the tapas bars of Barcelona and offer a daily-changing menu overseen by head chef Javier Capella who has joined the team from the now closed El Faro restaurant.

 

Pizarro's business partner and general manager of the restaurant will be Hervé Durochat who previously worked for Hakkasan and the Soho House Group.

 

The wine and sherry list will be compiled by Tim Atkin and Jo Ahearne and include both established and lesser-known small producers from around Spain.

 

Commenting on the launch, Pizarro said: "With this little place I want to explore new ingredients, use more fresh produce as well as bring diners some old favourites."

 

José is the first of two planned restaurants from Pizarro, with a nearby fine-dining venture called Pizarro set to open later this year.

 

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By Kerstin Kühn

 

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