José Pizarro receives one of Spain’s highest honours

Pizarro is the first Spanish chef to have received the award, which is given to people who have supported and promoted Spain and her people around the world. 

The chef - who runs a string of highly-rated Spanish restaurants in London and Surrey as well as an outpost in the Middle East - was given the award by King Felipe VI of Spain via the Spanish Ambassador in London at a celebration hosted at the Spanish Embassy last week. 

Pizarro has played key role in popularising high-quality, authentic Spanish cuisine in the UK.

Originally from Extremadura but now London-based, Pizarro helped establish Spanish food supplier Brindisa’s restaurant business leaving in 2009 as executive chef. 

In 2010, he struck out on his own with two Bermondsey Street restaurants: José Tapas Bar and the more formal Pizarro Bermondsey. 

Over the years he has expanded his London portfolio, opening another eponymous tapas bar in The City and a restaurant and bar at Royal Academy of Arts.​​

He also operates a gastropub in Esher, Surrey, called The Swan Inn. 

Last year, Pizarro made his debut in the Middle East with a restaurant at the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. ​​