Hmmmm, “tapas”. Discuss. In Spain, a real culinary pleasure and cultural must for any visitor. In the UK, far too often an exercise in inexcusable mediocrity (La Tasca), gross overpricing (as before) and sometimes outright, unintended surrealism (most pubs). Sometimes, as with so many things to do with the UK, we get it very right indeed. Lots has already been said about El Gato Negro tapas restaurant in Ripponden – plus it has had no shortage of publicity through a certain Mr. Ramsay. Therefore it doesn’t count as an “undiscovered gem”, needs no extra bigging up from the likes of me and I’ll keep this brief(ish). Ignore any “we went before you did, it’s crap now” notion of it now trading purely on its TV fame or being “too big for its boots” – this is a very accomplished, creative yet thoughtful and authentic Mediterranean restaurant.
Decor is cool & swish, service is professional, knowledgeable and friendly. There is a great selection of dishes for all persuasions & preferences, from familiar tapas dependables to some more unusual, regional or fusion-esque, almost Moorish (and very more-ish) ideas from the kitchen. All accompanied by a good wine list or the ubiquitous ice cold San Miguel on draught. We had a table for 4 on Wednesday and were offered the new special menu, which was the chef’s selection of 6 dishes from the menu plus a bottle of house wine, for £35. Cracking value and we also added some more from starters and mains, including belly pork, scallops & morcilla, chargrilled lamb skewers with chickpea puree & harissa, roasted butternut squash with peppers & almonds, Syrian lentils, baby roast chicken with lemon, garlic & paprika. All absolutely delicious, difficult even to pick out any particular high points, aside from the weird yet telling sight of my (mostly veggie) missus attacking the meat dishes with real enthusiasm and being impressed with the results.

Sadly no room for desserts (apart from a lovely selection of cheeses), but rest assured they also looked very enticing. The bill for 4, including all drinks & service, came to under £100.  So, a bit out of the way (it’s between Halifax and Junction 22 of the M62), and you DEFINITELY need to book, even early doors midweek. But if you want to scratch your tapas itch and some overcooked chorizo and roast potatoes covered in chilli sauce masquerading as “patatas bravas” just won’t do it (take note, La Tasca) make the effort and get yourself over to Ripponden for a fine experience. ¡Olé!

Oldham Road
Ripponden
Sowerby Bridge
HX64DN
Telephone: +44(0)1422 823070