Despite having taken a few hits from debatable city planning decisions over the past few years, Leith Walk is still a great destination for eats and drinks. Recently, a little stretch around Dalmeny Street has become a hot-spot with several new arrivals, including Serrano Manchego.
Occupying a large corner site, this newcomer is open all day and so ideal for café con leche, a drink and snack, or full-on feast. A range of Alhambra beers from the classic lager to a selection of special bottlings, a good selection of Spanish wines and creative cocktails will quench the ol` thirst. The Silver Fox and I (with snoozy cub in tow) ventured along for a lazy Sunday afternoon’s grazing. We watched the kitchen team produce an impressive selection of pinchos from their tiny corner behind the bar, including daily-changing croquettas and tortillas, as well as expertly carved specialist jamóns.
After some mulling and a sip of Rioja Blanco, we chose haggis croquettas, tortilla with ham and peas, grilled goats’ cheese and a fancy platter of hams and meats. The tortilla was freshly made, perfectly seasoned, still soft but with a good bite from the chunks of potato. Very simple but so satisfying! The goats cheese dish could have almost worked as a dessert, with sweet sticky syrup of Pedro Ximenèz drizzled over the soft cheese, and some pine nuts and walnuts for contrasting texture. The croquettas were the only disappointment (shame, as I’d tried their great version with morcilla sausage the week before), spicy haggis and potato are a great combo, however the mixture was too wet.
Star of the day was the meat platter, served with crusty breads, and showcasing the simplicity of the Bellota (acorn-fed) ham, thinly sliced, with its creamy, hazelnut-y flavour, the spicy salsichon and the punchy, more-ish chorizo. 10/10 quality stuff.
We tried both desserts on offer and would return for either. Pan de Calatrava was a simple, satisfying custardy bread pudding with citrus and spices. The golden crispy churros and cup of just- sweet-enough chocolate seemed to be very popular judging by the amount of people ‘popping in’ to indulge.
With their selection of snacks and dishes priced from £2 to £15, Serrano Manchego offers a tasty little bite of Spain right in the heart of Leith.
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