If you're on the hunt for good Spanish food in the picturesque Cornish town of Truro, you aren't exactly spoilt for options. Fortunately, though, you have at least one - Bodega 18 brings a taste of Iberia to the south west corner of the country with classic tapas plates alongside a selection of sherry, vermouth and Spanish beers and wines.
Bodega 18's smart interiors are a solid reason alone to visit - wooden blocks have been slung from the ceiling with chains, and have been used as industrial-chic lighting installations with pendant bulbs wrapped around them. A solid oak bar is set up for counter dining, and the walls have been tiled with smart white butcher's tiles. To the eye, this really could be a Basque country tapas bar.
Behind the bar you'll find a compact but tightly curated selection of drinks. The majority are from Spain, be that wine, sherry, vermouth or beers like Cruz Campo or Bodega 18's own IPA.
Meanwhile, food combines Spanish sensibilities with great Cornish produce. There are roast chicken croquettes, beef meatballs, Manchego fritters and anchovy gildas, the latter of which are perfect alongside a glass of El Bandarra vermouth. Try also, chorizo cooked in Cornish cider, slow-cooked pig's cheeks with horseradish mash potato, Spanish omelette, patatas bravas and whipped Cornish mackerel with beetroot and pickled cucumber.
If you still have room for something sweet, Bodega 18 obliges with tarta de Santiago - an almond cake with vanilla ice cream - dark chocolate ganache with olive oil and salt, baked cheesecake or a selection of sorbets. The restaurant also offers very reasonable set lunch menus and a pre-theatre dinner menu, for those in need of a spot of dinner before a show.