Described by some as a glorified food court, Broadgate Circle, which is right by Liverpool Street Station, has had rather a lot of money thrown at it. The result is actually rather charming and there’s shed a load of restaurants there; Franco Manca, Shoryu, Yauatcha and this, José Pizarro’s third restaurant.

He’s managed to avoid a corporate or chainy feel; even though the place was inevitably filled with chaps in suits. I sat at the counter overlooking the bar and kitchen which was the best place to sit.

I started with the croquetas ‘caseras’ (£6.50) which were filled with crab. Rich, creamy and utterly divine. Prawn fritters (£8.50) are a must order; a nice subtle tickle of chilli went perfectly with the soft prawn flesh and greasy coating. Pan con tomate (£3.50), which is tomato topped bread, was just wonderful.

Pan fried chicken livers (£7) was an offal lovers dream dish; they melted in my mouth yet weren’t at all mushy. The generous sprinkling of garlic added plenty of flavour.

My favourite dish was the Ibérico pork meatballs (£8) which came drenched in a beautiful tomato and orange sauce. It was the slice of fried bread however (which reminded me of the sort you get with a proper hotel fry up) which really took it up a gear. Worth a visit for that fried bread alone.

For pud, chocolate with olive oil and salt on toast (£6) was such a brilliantly balanced plate of food. The salt and punchy olive oil were perfect companions for the thick, rich chocolate mousse. It was proper indulgent stuff.

I loved José’s new restaurant and considering it was their first official day of service, everything seemed to be running like clockwork. I love his places on Bermondsey Street (José and Pizarro), but if I ever fancy a touch of Spain in Liverpool Street, this is where I’ll come.

5/5