Lolo, the latest gastronomic gem from acclaimed Spanish chef José Pizarro, has dazzled with its opening on London’s exclusive Bermondsey Street. Cleverly named after José’s middle name, Manuel, Lolo is a space that conveys the warmth, togetherness and joy that the chef experiences when preparing his favourite dishes.
With an innovative vision, Lolo presents a carefully selected menu, where the chef’s favourite dishes are intertwined with exciting new offerings.
His concept celebrates the communal essence of food, making it a versatile destination for all-day dining on Bermondsey Street, right next door to José’s first London restaurant, the iconic José Tapas. The menu, split between all-day gathering and lunch and dinner, caters for all tastes and times, from leisurely breakfasts and lingering lunches to casual bites with wine or late-night cocktails.
All-day gathering
From 8 a.m. onwards, the all-day gathering menu delights with an exquisite variety of egg dishes, such as the sublime deviled eggs with salted Catalina anchovies, cod with saffron sauce, smoked eel or sobrasada. The Tortilla Vigas, José’s reinterpretation of the “lazy omelette”, stands out for its toppings of fried potatoes, caramelised onions and 100% 5J Iberian shoulder, or its version with cured salmon, dill, crème fraîche, Lilliput capers and lemon.
Meanwhile, the sandwich menu shines with the iconic Bikini, which has already conquered the most demanding palates, with 100% 5J Iberian shoulder, melted cheese and black truffle, all sandwiched between two perfectly toasted triangles of bread. Desserts, equally sophisticated, include Red Wine Torrija with caramelised sourdough and cheese ice cream, a Chocolate Mousse with cherries marinated in vermouth, and a refreshing Fruit Salad with mint, black pepper and JP’s famed EVOO.
Lunch and dinner
From noon onwards, Lolo expands its offerings with a “lunch and dinner” menu. In the “Pica-Pica” section, highlights include canned pickled mussels served with crispy fries and fresh chives; chicken liver parfait with PX vinegar, accompanied by sweet potato buns, red onion salad and parsley; and traditional Gildas, Basque pintxos that capture the essence of regional gastronomy.
In the Raw section, the menu features Gadira Tuna Loin Tartare with peaches and Mediterranean Red Prawn Carpaccio, dressed with a refined blend of orange and chilli. For those seeking more substantial dishes, the menu includes options such as roasted red peppers with confit Gadira tuna belly, homemade fresh cheese with tomato and preserved lemon, Kokotxas, a delicate dish of hake’s tongue in pil pil sauce, and a sublime Rubia Gallega Sirloin.
Additionally, Lolo features a special section dedicated to tinned fish, served with fresh bread and accompanied by “Catalina” Cantabrian Reserve anchovies, as well as a curated selection from “Los Peperetes,” including razor clams, cockles, and squid, complemented by boards of charcuterie and artisan cheeses.
Drinks Menu
Regarding the drinks menu, Lolo has meticulously curated a selection that mirrors the same dedication and sophistication as its food offerings. Guests can indulge in brunch and aperitif cocktails, including an exclusive Bloody Mary, Negronis, and Dirty Martinis. The wine selection is equally enticing, featuring a range of sparkling, white, red, orange, and rosé wines from across the Mediterranean.
The menu at Lolo is the result of a meticulous collaboration between José Pizarro and his trusted friends and suppliers from both the UK and Spain. This joint effort reflects José’s deep connection and passion for both countries. Focused on the highest quality ingredients, Lolo highlights José’s relationships with some of the best British suppliers, including coffee from Extract Coffee in Brixton, charcuterie from Tempus Charcuterie, cheeses from Muswell Hill in London, and tinned fish and seafood from Rockfish in Devon.
Following the opening, José remarked, “I am thrilled to bring Lolo to Bermondsey Street, as I felt a venue for all-day dining was missing for locals. The menu features dishes straight from my home kitchen, and I am incredibly passionate about bringing these recipes to life within Lolo.”
The restaurant offers a refreshing new look for the José Pizarro brand, with a Mediterranean-inspired design that evolves throughout the day: from a light and airy café atmosphere during the day to an intimate, dimly lit wine bar in the evening. Warm tones of cream and dusty pink create a welcoming ambiance, enhanced by authentic tiling, rich timber, and stone accents. The walls are adorned with carefully selected art pieces, reflecting José’s connections and interest in the art world, featuring works from local artists such as Norman Ackroyd, his close friend Tracy Emin, his partner Peter Meades, as well as Peter Layton and Sam Henning.
