If you’re a fan of Spanish food, Bristol is a great place to be. Viandas on Park Row and El Colmado on Gloucester Road both offer a variety of Spanish food and drink products to take home – and now there’s an additional city centre option in the form of La Despensa del Gourmet at 57 Prince Street.
Husband and wife team Ricardo and Elizabeth have created a small slice of Spain in a tiny space between Caffe Gusto and El Puerto. La Despensa del Gourmet opened in late February, offering Spanish food and drink to take home, as well as coffees, pastries, freshly squeezed juices and sandwiches to take away or eat in at one of a couple of small tables.
In the chilled counter you’ll find a wide variety of Spanish meats and cheeses, while an adjacent table is filled with olives, marinated garlic, chillies and snacks…
You’ll also find two large shelving units at the back of the shop, packed with a variety of food and drink products that include sherry, beer, chickpeas, marinated vegetables, rice, dried chillies, olive oil, chimichurri…the list goes on.
There’s also a wine rack that features several varieties, including Ribeira del Duero, Rioja and plenty more.
Those looking for food to eat in or takeaway can enjoy a coffee and pastry with freshly squeezed Spanish orange juice from £3.50, or a Spanish sandwich with Coke or water for £3.
While the outside of the building may look fairly dark and could be easy to miss (I’ve walked past on the other side of the road several times since they opened and haven’t spotted it), La Despensa del Gourmet is a treasure trove of Spanish treats that is well worth a visit.
Note: one thing I am a little concerned about is the choice of accompaniments to their sandwich deal…here’s hoping it’s just a typo…
Have they chenged their flyers for the “special promotion” drinks offer they had?
Ha! I’m really not sure – I’ll have to go back and have a look!
Do you sell Oruja and if so how much does it cost.
Patrick Rigg
Cornwall