Orford Saloon Tapas Bar - Walthamstow Village

5:51pm Wednesday 5th December 2007

BOOKING in advance is strongly advised when considering dining at the Orford Saloon.

Word has got round that this is a great place to enjoy authentic Spanish cooking and while I ate at least two couples were turned away and every table was reserved.

I was lucky and managed to snaffle a stool at the bar and had a bird's eye view of diners enjoying a Friday evening after a presumably stressful week at work.

The staff are very friendly and I was met with smiles as soon as I walked through the door but they seemed almost apologetic for the busy restaurant's success.

The waitress told me I would have to wait a while for my order but I did not feel I had to wait that long.

I decided to be daring and sample the pulpo a la gallega (£6.25), pan fried Octopus with potatoes and onions - which proved to be an excellent choice.

I also opted for a traditional Spanish dish of calamares (£5.25), squid fried in a batter ring.

For the less adventurous diner there are plenty of options to tickle the palate including cured Spanish ham, Manchego cheese and slices of the house Tortilla.

While I waited I merrily supped a pint of Cruzcampo (£2.90), a soothing Spanish lager which I have not found elsewhere on my travels in London, proof that when it comes to authenticity this restaurant is a cut above the rest.

As I waited the diners next to me were presented with steak and potatoes and an order of spinach, which was pronounced as excellent.

Moments later a waitress put a plate piled high with calamares and groaning with salad in front of me.

They were piping hot, very tasty, and despite the generous amount did not seem to fill me up and put me off my next course.

Half way through devouring the calamares the pulpo a la gallega arrived.

It was also piping hot and very salty. I thought the plump pieces of octopus went excellently with the fried potatoes and onions alongside it and it is very moreish.

Having been to Spain a few times I can safely say it was about as authentic as it gets in Walthamstow.

For desert I decided to have the crème catalana (£3.50), which was like crème brule- light and creamy with a burnt topping - a great way to round the meal off.

I had a relaxing evening here and would certainly be in a hurry to return but when I do I will make sure I book a table in advance.

ORFORD SALOON TAPAS BAR
32 Orford Road,
Walthamstow
E17 9NJ,
Tel: 8503 6542

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