Restaurant José: The Heart of Bermondsey’s Tapas Revival

When chef José Pizarro opened his eponymous sherry bar on Bermondsey Street in 2011, SE1 was still a quiet stretch of warehouses and design studios. The tiny corner site, with space for just a handful of guests, quickly became a pilgrimage for anyone craving authentic Andalusian flavours.

There are only a few stools along the bar and a scattering of tables, but that intimacy is part of the magic. Plates arrive as they are ready — plump boquerones, silky jamón, and the now‑iconic croquetas that ooze bechamel and manchego with each bite. Sherry flows freely, and you can sample several styles by the glass while watching the street scene through the floor‑to‑ceiling windows.

Pizarro’s decision to open José here kick‑started a wave of culinary creativity in Bermondsey. His follow‑up restaurant Pizarro (just down the road) cemented the neighbourhood’s reputation, and today the strip is lined with small bars and eateries following his lead. Yet José remains the beating heart: a place where friends still meet for a quick sherry and a tapa, and end up spending hours sharing plates and stories.

What Sets It Apart

• Authenticity: The menu reads like a love letter to southern Spain, but everything is sourced with care from British farms and Spanish artisans.
• Atmosphere: The buzzy, convivial room feels like stepping into a Madrid taberna — but with the casual friendliness of South London.
• Sherry: José’s list of fortified wines is unmatched in the city, making this the place to fall in love with dry fino and nutty oloroso.

It’s no wonder locals treat José like their living room. Whether you’re perched at the bar for a plate of tortilla or tucked into a corner booth with a group of friends, you’ll leave with a full belly, a warm glow and a new appreciation for the flavours of Andalusia.