The Belsize Park branch of lively tapas chain Jamon Jamon is a good shout for anyone looking to host a straightforward and unpretentious Christmas party. Here, large groups can tuck into made-to-order paellas and jugs of sangria, while the proximity to the West End means you can really make a night of it, treating your friends to a festive dinner and a show. Though jamon is an extremely common part of Spanish eating, the name specifically alludes to the restaurant practice of curing their own jamon in-house.
Jamon Jamon’s unassuming easy going interiors are ideal for those looking for a festive bash that throws out any unnecessary frills in favour of fun and tasty food. The dining room’s wood floors and exposed brick walls are homely and welcoming, with natural wood floors and exposed brick walls that give Jamon Jamon a rustic charm. The proximity to Belsize Park tube station is also a bonus, as it is right across the road.
The menu is packed full of Spanish sunshine and tapas plates. Kick things off with boards of Jamon Jamon’s home-cured Iberico and Serrano ham, as well as manchego, marinated olives and garlic bread, before diving into a selection of vegetarian, seafood and meat tapas dishes. On the menu at the time of writing you’ll find classics like patatas bravas, tortilla Espanola, croquetas de gambas, albondigas (meatballs cooking in red wine sauce) and pulpo a la Gallega (Galician-style octopus).
Jamon Jamon also serves up a range of paellas, available as vegetarian, seafood and meat paellas for up to three people. The sharing nature of tapas makes it an excellent alternative Christmas meal choice for anyone planning a festive feast with friends, family or colleagues too.