New Cheltenham restaurant, Bar Padron, a big hit with tapas fans!

THE real taste of Spain was served up to guests last Thursday 27th June for the exclusive launch event of Bar Padron on Regent Street in Cheltenham.

After fizz and vermouth on arrival guests were treated to a delicious array of mouth-watering tapas dishes, some of which were; Boquerones – beautiful white anchovie fillet, seasoned with garlic and parsley, served alongside Croquetas de Jamon, Tortilla and Tabla de Quesos – three types of Manchego cheese, drizzled with fine organic chestnut honey.

The finale on the menu however really stole the show with Head Chef Roberto serving up a Marela Mixta de Paella which was lovingly created with homemade stock using the shells from their Gambas dishes, giving the Valencian staple a real depth of flavour.

To compliment the food, there was a great selection of Spanish wines and beers on offer together with seven Spanish gins. A rep from Morgenrot; importers of wine and beer, was also in attendance to talk to guests about the beverages.

As well as local media and food influencers, Cheltenham MP Alex Chalk was in attendance along with the Deputy Mayor of Cheltenham, Sandra Holliday and husband Brian.

Owner, Matt Wood, has travelled through Spain extensively, and has always loved the simple, small dishes brimming with flavour:

“As a nation, our eating habits have evolved where we aren’t necessarily looking for a starter, main course menu, but we all want to try everything, and so often find ourselves ordering a number of starters to share instead.

After returning from a trip to Cádiz, I realised there wasn’t an authentic Spanish restaurant and bar in the town of Cheltenham, and Bar Padron was born. Having now been open for over six weeks, the feedback has been incredible and the number of returning Spanish customers we have means we must be doing something right!”

All the food comes from sustainable fields and orchards, and ethically run farms throughout Spain and they work with a fantastic group of suppliers who import directly. Roberto, who has 15 years of experience in traditional Spanish cuisine, and his team, insist on the ingredients being treated correctly, to ensure the food will speak for itself.

Bar Padron is great for a business lunch, a drink after work on the outside terrace when the sun is shining, Sunday lunch with the family (when the famous paella is served) or even for a venue to celebrate a special occasion with a larger party, utilising the great event space upstairs.  With close proximity to the Everyman Theatre it's sure to be a hit with theatre enthusiasts too. 

For more information or to reserve a table go to www.barpadron.com. Open Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm until 11pm, Friday and Saturdays from 12pm until late and Sundays from 12pm to 6pm.

Make sure you are following Bar Padron on Facebook @barpadron, and Instagram @barpadron, for all the latest news and offers.

Bar Padron Address - 6 Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HE.

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