It will be the fourth site from Pizarro, after his José Tapas Bar and Pizarro Restaurant in Bermondsey, and José Pizarro Broadgate.
The seven-days-a-week venue will open as part of the new Crossrail Place and new Street Feast street food development, which will be an indoor rooftop space featuring a wrap-around outdoor terrace.
It will join street food traders steamed bun specialists Yum Bun, shellfish street van B.O.B.’s Lobster, and chicken, hotdog and cocktail group Thunderbird.
Little José’s menu will champion traditional tapas dishes in Pizarro’s usual style, including an Ibérico pork meatball sub with manchego; crispy fried squid ‘boca’ with aioli; spicy prawn fritters with lime mayo; patatas bravas with padrón peppers; and a daily-changing tortilla.
Drinks will include cava, wines, Spanish sherries, and gin and tonic “gintonicas”.
(Photo: José Pizarro)
“My customers love José, with its cosy feel and its simple small plates,” says Pizarro. “I wanted to recreate that vibe here at Little José, but also take the traditionally boring lunchtime ‘sandwich’ and give it a 21st century makeover. I really hope people will love it as much as I already do!”
(Photo: José Pizarro)
Pizarro, who is Spanish but has lived in the UK for 15 years, first opened José in May 2011, followed by Pizarro just down the same road in Bermondsey later the same year. Best known for tapas and prioritising of Spanish produce, is a regular on cooking television and has published several cookbooks on Spanish cuisine. He recently collaborated with noodle bar group Tonkotsu, bringing a Spanish edge to the traditionally Japanese-style ramen.
Street Feast first launched in 2012, and specialises in taking disused London spaces and turning them into street food venues. It has previously operated in Dalston, Lewisham, Canada Water, Battersea and Bermondsey, and has plans for more in the coming year.