Cigala (Bloomsbury)

• Definitely a place to go back with a group of friends
• Atmosphere was slightly cold but had an amazing priorat wine
• I have never tried Spanish cuisine so I was looking forward to my visit to Cigala
• So being able to try multiple dishes is like heaven to me
• ​I ​arrived by cab and since Cigala is in Bloomsbury it was only a short trip from my Regent Street​ office
• The restaurant is located near to Holborn and Russell Square tube stations so it is an easy place to get to
• S Conduit Street is partially pedestrianised with fascinating shops and cafes
• ​Cigala is popular with the legal profession
• There is also outside space with tables and chairs where huge pans of paella are served during the summer months
• Inside the lighting is not too bright or dim but just right and I​ noted an AC unit by the kitchen
• ​ so for those who may want to visit during the summer period you get the best of both worlds I​ would say
• T see much of are the number of coat hooks dotted around which makes​ life a little easier
• I ​visited with a friend who is a Pesca​tarian
• I arrived by cab and my friend via tube but noticed there was some parking outside
• The location is quiet and there's no background music
• Croquetas de setas (Mushroom Croquettes) We both felt the croquettes were a bit mushy though the batter is light
• Pinchito de pollo (Grilled marinated chicken kebab) The chicken was moist and very well seasoned and s​erved with a fresh salad
• The ​dish was ​cooked well and very well marinated
• I would definitely have had two of these easily as you are served just one skewer
• Gambas al ajillo (Prawns in olive oil and garlic) My friend had this dish which arrived in​ a lot of oil and ​the flavour of garlic was overpowering which did not appeal to her
• Sardinas a la plancha (Grilled Sardines with Garlic and Parsley) Another dish my friend had and she mentioned it was nicely cooked and tender
• Patatas bravas (Deep fried potatoes with spicy tomato sauce) The potatoes themselves were cooked well with a crispy and crunchy outside and soft centre
• The only thing ​I ​would say is to include more sauce and less salt
• Tarta de Santiago (Almond Tarte with Ice Cream) The texture was a little confusing as it tasted like a dense and dry muffin
• It was served with a custard rather than the advertised ice cream
• Arroz con leche (Rice Pudding) My friend had this dish and her thoughts were that the rice was over cooked or perhaps due to the temperature of the dish (cold) it tasted very hard
• I understand this is how it is served in Spain
• In this case we were invited by the restaurant owners to come along and enjoy a meal on them and they covered the bill
• 30 per head with soft drinks but they also have an express lunch menu which comes in at £
• I enjoyed the dishes I ordered which were the Pinchito de pollo
• In essence a mixed review with my recommendation to visit for a nice lunch
• I do think it might be slightly high in price but the staff and owner are very welcoming and friendly
• Especially if you are based locally

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