There’s something irresistibly joyful about Bar Kroketa; with perfectly crisp croquetas, vibrant tapas and the warm, welcoming spirit of Spanish bar culture at its heart, this lively London destination effortlessly transports diners to the Basque Country. Having experienced it firsthand, it’s easy to understand why Bar Kroketa has become one of the capital’s most talked-about foodie destinations—and one you’ll want to discover for yourself this summer.
Picture ice-cold vermút, the lively hum of a bustling bar and the satisfying crunch of a perfectly golden croqueta giving way to a rich, molten centre. As London’s only venue dedicated to the beloved croqueta, Bar Kroketa has expanded to three vibrant locations across the capital, each capturing the authentic flavours, warm hospitality and infectious atmosphere of a traditional Basque pintxos bar. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite and a drink or settling in for a leisurely evening with friends, every visit feels like a little escape to Northern Spain. With its unique counter seating, handwritten blackboard menus, beautifully crafted small plates and drinks. Bar Kroketa feeds off the fun, bar-hopping txikiteo (chee-kee-TAY-oh) tradition turning brief visits into unforgettable moments you’ll want to savour time and time again.
Kounter, Kroketas, Kitchen
At Bar Kroketa, the blackboard is truly something special. Decades of Spanish food expertise behind the bars mean the menu is a moveable feast, inspired by the seasons, close relationships with trusted producers and the finest ingredients available. The result is a dynamic menu that evolves constantly, giving guests the opportunity to discover something new with every visit while celebrating the very best of authentic Spanish cooking.
At the Kounter, every bite is designed to be savoured. Expect an irresistible selection of Spanish bar favourites; from smoky Padrón peppers dressed with PX vinegar and classic gildas to freshly made tortillas, premium anchovies, delicate boquerones, indulgent Guinness chorizo lollipops, pan con tomate and beautifully presented Ibérico ham and artisan cheese boards. Each dish is crafted to awaken the palate.
The Kroketas arrive in pairs, each perfectly crisp, golden shell lies a deliciously creamy filling, from timeless Spanish favourites to inventive seasonal specials. Deep smoky jamón; king prawn topped with torched prawn-head alioli; black squid ink; and piquillo pepper with Manchego sit alongside regional detours such as smooth Monte Enebro goat’s cheese with spinach bon bons, honey, and a punchy coffee chilli dip; or wild mushrooms and girolle.
More substantial small plates come hot from the Kitchen. Pulled pork with brioche, honey mustard, apple and jalapeño. A frito mixto sharing platter brimming with fried seafood. Picanha (beef) tostas loaded with caramelised onions and truffle mayo. Lamb cigars laced with chilli and orange zest. Dishes designed for passing around the table, fighting over who gets the last morsel, and immediately ordering another round.
The sweet section offers a molten chocolate and salted caramel kroketas or comforting arroz con leche Asturiano (Spanish rice pudding) that will have you scraping the bowl long after the last spoonful.
Unlike the familiar pub tradition of pints and oversized poured drinks, Basque bar hopping culture celebrates a carefully curated selection of regional beverages served in smaller measures. Alongside the traditional vermut, sits sidra, beers, classic Spanish aperitifs and a cocktail list that includes Firebird Palomas with a pepper-chilli-agave kick, spiced orange Mercado Coblers, and Nikki from the Barrel-based Cosecha Rosadas with a cherry finish.
The wine list rewards curiosity. Crisp Albariños from Galicia meet textural orange wines with grip and glow. Elegant Riojas are comrades with serious Ribera del Duero reds. Bottles are chosen for personality and pleasure, with northern Spain naturally taking centre stage for the sea breeze, citrus and gentle spritz of Txakoli – a wine that seems purpose-built for seafood, sunshine and another plate of kroketas.
Bottomless Brunch, Krok style
If one round of Bar Kroketa’s famous croquetas simply isn’t enough, the weekend Bottomless Croquetas experience at Broadgate Circle and St Christopher’s Place is an indulgence worth booking. With 90 minutes to savour unlimited croquetas and flowing drinks.
A brandy-soaked Kalimotxo Sour or anchovy-gilda-laced Dirty Vermut welcome drink oils the wheels before you settle in for bottomless serves of your choice of blood-orange, gin and cava topped Agua de Valencia, sangria-inspired Tinto de Verano, classic Aperol Spritz, or free-flowing glasses of cava. And while toasts are made and glasses clink, the food arrives: hot, fresh and ready to be devoured by those who’ve waited all week to get their fix. Pan con tomate slicked with olive oil. Steaming plates of Patatas bravas and salty padrón peppers are the precursors to unlimited jamón, king prawn, piquillo pepper or celeriac kroketas. Golden, crisp, freshly fried and coming at you until the timer runs out or you tap out. Be sure to save room for dessert, as the chocolate croquetas are unlike anything I’ve tasted before. Crisp on the outside with a rich, indulgent chocolate centre, they’re a deliciously unexpected twist on the classic.
Beak Street
The original Kroketa den wedged into a lively Soho corner – it’s fast, loud, and always a good time. The front is the dynamic domain of the signature corrugated-iron counter, with stools lined up shoulder-to-shoulder, drinks landing fast, and cañas and Kroketas flying out to sate peckish diners. But slip past the bar and discover a surprisingly spacious dining room looking straight onto the open kitchen. A place that encourages longer lunches, late dinners and anyone who accidentally stayed for that second bottle of Rioja.
St Christopher’s Place
A two-floor escape hatch hidden just off Oxford Street, St Christopher’s Place invites you to step away from the shopping crowds and into San Sebastian’s old town. Glass doors open onto a terrace that feels more Spanish plaza than London pavement whilst downstairs the basement offers all the theatre of the open kitchen against an authentic backdrop of reclaimed materials, weathered woods, exposed brick and ample foliage. A welcome pit-stop for shoppers and a hands-down favourite for pre-theatre crowds.
Broadgate Circle
Broadgate Circle is right in the heart of the City, where sharp suits meet after-work sips. Tucked behind Liverpool Street station, the newest site is Bar Kroketa’s most ambitious yet, the one that really stretches its legs with a bigger space that still feels authentically Spanish. Signature counter dining, warm materials, and bustling service lies within. Head outside and the terrace overlooking the busy square is the perfect spot to people watch with a chilled bottle of Txakoli while absorbing all the energy of the city.
Available from 11am-4.30pm every Saturday and 12pm-4pm on Sundays at Broadgate Circle, or Saturdays only at St Christopher’s place from 11am-4pm.
Bar Kroketa Beak Street
21 Beak Street, London, W1F 9RR
Bar Kroketa St Christopher’s Place
23 Barrett Street, London, W1U 1BF
Bar Kroketa Broadgate Circle
36 Broadgate Circle, London, EC2M 2QS
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