Orford Saloon Tapas Bar

After much deliberation, my brothers and i decided to take my mum to the Orford Saloon for her birthday. First impressions as we walked in were good, warm and cosy and the smell of fresh ingredients being cooked really got the mouth watering.

Tables were a little on the small side, but not cramped enough that it became an issue. Mixed feeling about the service...yes the waiters were polite and attentive, but a little bit on the serious side. I liked that the owner was milling around helping at the bar and slicing cerrano ham and so on...he seemed like good character and obviously takes pride in his restaurant.

The food, well...being Spanish, my expectations were always going to be very high...inevitably comparing dishes to those of my favourite restaurants back home in Spain. Overall the quality was good, for me the two dishes that stood out most were the Calamares and the Langostines al Ajillo, very nicely cooked and very fresh ingredients.

While i wasn't blown away by my dining experience at the Orford Saloon, we did all come away quite satisfied. Best Spanish Tapas Bar in London?...not in my opinion...but certainly worth a visit none the less. The bill for 5 of us came to £115, not at all bad considering we had 2 bottles of wine and approx 2 dishes each...finishing off with coffee.
Comment on this reader review

David - Stratford
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Thursday, May 08, 2008

I feel I just have to comment on the last review, as I find it very insulting to all the people who have put comments here, including myself.

I happen to know that they do not possess a microwave. I know some restaurants can have an off night, but I can honestly say that I go here quite often and have never had a bad meal or a bad experience.

George, the head chef is Spanish and came here, specifically to cook at the Orford Saloon.

Having been to Spain myself recently and tried many tapas restaurants, I find that the Orford Saloon is totally authentic and up there with the best.

As for a bad reputation, what rubbish, speak to anybody that has been there, and believe me, I know many, you will only hear good reports.

I do wonder if you went to the wrong place, there is no pub next door!

Many moons ago they had a waiter named Jose!!!!!!!!
Comment on this reader review

Sharon
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, April 17, 2008

We went two weeks ago for my birthday and found the quality of the food very poor and badly cooked (i.e microwaved Padron peppers and food swimming in oil). I think that they have put there own reviews on this site, because all the locals in the pub next door said it had a bad reputation.

Jose Manolo
Comment on this reader review

Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 1
Wednesday, April 16, 2008

An Absolute Treat

Fantastic food and a great atmosphere

staff were really pleasant and pleased to help

Would strongly recomend
Comment on this reader review

David Molloy
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, March 25, 2008

i have enjoyed eating at this tapas bar on a few occasions, and have never been

disappointed. The food and staff are top notch! i am looking forward to going back again for my birthday this month. We make a special effort to go when we can, as we come all the way from braintree!
Comment on this reader review

julie murphy - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, February 18, 2008

My partner and I went to the Orford Tapas bar last week for a quiet meal and enjoyed it very much. Our only criticism (if you can call it that) is that the dishes were much bigger than those served in other tapas bars (including those in Spain) so be careful!

The food was excellent and was served very quickly. Within half an hour the restaurant waas packed and the atmosphere was relaxed and informal.

We found it to be very good value at £25 a head with drinks and way too much food!

I have to agree that the waiting staff did not come across as very friendly although they were helpful and responsive.

We would definitely go again but would recommend booking ahead as they book up quickly!
Comment on this reader review

Rachael
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Saturday, December 22, 2007

Quite simply, the best place to eat in Walthamstow. Been here many times and never been let down yet. Food is FANTASTIC, with a great wine list too.

All the staff actually care about you having a nice time, and it's a joy to see the manager here get such pleasure from happy customers.

Best kept secret for good eats.
Comment on this reader review

colin Smith
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, November 26, 2007

i have just come back from a meal with four other people and whilst the food was good, i found the staff to be uninterested and rather bored looking. So go for the food ignore the staff if you can and you will be fine.
Comment on this reader review

Andrew Lipski
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, November 20, 2007

I have just moved out of Walthamstow and the only thing really miss is the Orford Saloon. This is simply the best tapas place I have been to in London - and I've visited a few! The food and drink are fabulous, the staff are courteous and helpful. Yes, it is small and can get a bit cramped but that is because it is only small premises.

Unfortunately I now live in a town that has one tapas bar and there is just no comparison so I won't go there.
Comment on this reader review

Liz Williams
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Friday, November 09, 2007

Me and three girlfriends went here last night, for the first time for three of us and we were very impressed! The food was lovely, good size portions for the price. From my point of view the vegetarian selection was very good and they even accomadated me by changing a fish sauce to a veggie one. The staff were all firendly and we were charmed by the manager who even held the door for us as we left. All in all and excellent place to eat in Walthamstow which is in desparate need of some good eateries.
Comment on this reader review

Katharine
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, October 19, 2007