A little bit of Spain in the City, Copa de Cava is a charming bar tucked away in a candlelit cave. Romantic, relaxed and quirky, it’s the ideal summer hideaway.
Venue
Well and truly hidden beneath Spanish restaurant Camino San Pablo, Copa de Cava sits deep in the heart of the City, halfway between St Paul’s and Blackfriars tubes. This stunning basement bar is located in the brick vaults of the restaurant above and like Camino, the Cava bar endeavors to bring the ‘life, soul and taste of Spain’ to London through its food, drink and décor. It doesn’t miss the mark there. Decorated with beautiful artifacts sourced from all over Spain, Copa de Cava has a rustic Spanish feel, from colourful Andalusian terracotta tiles, an aged ‘muro de mapas’ and a 150 year-old wine press that all ooze historic value. Black and white photos of Spanish kitchens and farms cover the walls and meat hangs in the open kitchen, which all means – aside from the lack of daylight (that’ll happen in a windowless basement bar) – you feel as though you’re on holiday in Barcelona.
Atmosphere
As you’d expect in a Spanish bar, there’s a rather laid-back, relaxed vibe with burst of friendly chatter and excited laughter. There’s no doubt this hum of chatter grows a lot louder on a weeknight when nearby bankers, accountants and lawyers file out of the office for the evening. The bar is definitely set for a lively night, with the likes of Wham, Dire Straits and Michael Jackson playing in the background. A lively Spanish fiesta feel is enlivened by a crow’s nest DJ booth where several nights a week a DJ will spin the decks. Staff are very attentive and knowledgeable about the menu, suggesting drinks to pair with your plates.
Menu
Naturally there’s a Spanish selection on offer, and each dish comes with a Cava recommendation on the menu. Starters include anchovies and salmon caviar and a tomaquet, a Spanish style bruscetta. You get four miniature pieces, which are perfect as a small snack between two, but if you’re after something more substantial try the cured meat selection or modestly priced fillet steak.
Drink
Upsurprisingly, there’s a pretty extensive Cava selection here. The UK’s only bar dedicated solely to Cava, with 28 different types on offer. If you’re not a connoisseur, don’t worry. The menu includes lots of tasting notes and background information, and the staff are very happy to advise. It’s worth noting that there are only a handful of Cavas on the menu that are available by the glass; the cheapest is Vilarnau Brut at £4.75 and it’s absolutely lovely, so you’ll be just fine if you decide to stick to this. For the more adventurous drinkers, prices go as high as £95 a bottle, but there’s plenty in between.
Summary
For a romantic date night, that offers something a little different in London or a night of catching up with friends in an elegant bar; make sure you head to Copa de Cava for a beautiful and authentic slice of the Catalan region of Spain.
| 33 Blackfriars Lane, London, EC4V 6EP | Transport: St Paul’s or Blackfriars tubes |
| Telephone: +44 020 7125 0930 | Open: Mon- Fri 17:00-Late. Sat-Sun Available for private hire |
| Website |
