Experience the flavours of Spain just seconds from Clapham Common tube station with authentic tapas, mouth-watering olives and friendly, easy-going service.

The Venue
You’ll be warmly welcomed into this quaint little tapas bar in Clapham Common. It might not be large inside but it’s certainly buzzing with a fun atmosphere and enjoyable feel. The lights are low and cosy and the walls are painted in warm colours, creating the feel of Spain in an instant. Decorative paintings are everywhere and there are simple wooden benches for seating.

The Atmosphere
With friendly and authentic Spanish service, Carmen is a great place to come to really relax with friends for the whole evening, whether there’s just the two of you or a large party. There’s no sense of urgency so you feel like you have all the time in the world, much like when you’re holidaying in sunny places.

The Food
The menu isn’t huge but that doesn’t mean that choosing dishes is easy with so many interesting combinations. Make sure you get a dish of olives to start with, as these can not be missed – they are large, juicy and full of exquisite flavour. The fried potatoes in garlic mayonnaise (about £4.50) will be liked by all and are sure to fly off the plate as soon as they arrive.

Prawns (£7) cooked in olive oil, chillies and garlic are packed with flavour and done to perfection with a firm just-cooked texture and juicy taste. What’s more, the juices are ideal to soak up with some bread. There are deep-fried calamari (£6.50) on offer too although in contrast to other dishes on the menu, these aren’t as exciting. The blue cheese croquettes (£5.50) aren’t too overpowering in flavour, as blue cheese-based dishes sometimes can be, and when you cut through their crunchy outside they ooze hot, melted cheese – it’s pure Spanish comfort food. If you can fit in a dessert, there is a separate menu to tempt you with something for everyone from homemade chocolate cake to an interesting take on pears cooked in red wine and cinnamon.

The Drink
There’s an extensive list of wines, from Spain of course, from about £3 a glass and £9 a bottle, as well as beer and soft drinks. Plus if you really settle in to the Spanish experience, you may want to try one of their many liqueurs with dessert.

The Last Word
Carmen is one of those little places that you hear about through word of mouth or simply stumble upon one evening and want to visit again and again. It welcomes you warmly and expertly transports your tastebuds to Spanish shores with its diverse range of traditional dishes.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (4) image gallery (4)