Iberica Canary Wharf (Bar, Restaurant)

has worked closely with Manzano as head of the development kitchen at Casa Marcial. Garcia’s food philosophy and creative cooking-style echoes Manzano’s and together they have created a menu of tapas that celebrate both the tradition of Spanish gastronomy as well as the modernity.

Classic Spanish favourites such as Jamon Iberico - from three different regions or Fabada, stand alongside signature dishes such as Manzano’s Iberica Burger with Secreto Pork Loin and Piparras Peppers, or Fried Chorizo Lollypops with Pear Alioli and Fried Monkfish “Pixin” in Olive Oil with Lemon. Seasonality and the quality of ingredients are of paramount importance to Manzano, “For me, for Spanish cooking, the tastes and flavours of the dish rely on sourcing the best possible ingredients. Its really exciting for Iberica, as there is such great produce here in the British Isles and together with what we use from Spain, we get great results.”

The interiors will be designed by the internationally renowned Lazaro Rosa Violan from the Barcelona based, Contemporain Studio. The design concept will incorporate Violan’s ethos where design, lighting, ambiance and food work together to make a coherent whole. The dramatic interiors will have the air of a modern converted warehouse with high ceilings, exposed brick and a kitchen visible from the main dining room. With touches of luxury in the plush leather seating, textured wood and painted Spanish floor tiles the design will create the perfect ambiance in which to enjoy Iberica’s gastronomic tapas. The design will also incorporate two separate private rooms that will accommodate 30 and 50 guests respectively.

Like the West End restaurant, the wine list will include a range of beers as well as boutique wines that are only available in the UK through Iberica Food and Culture and have not been exported previously outside Spain. Unique to Canary Wharf however, will be the Wine Custody Service, where patrons will be able to lease their own personal space in the restaurant’s extensive cellar. Members of this programme will be able to purchase exclusive vintages from some of Spain’s finest wine producers - including Vega Sicilia and Pingus - and store them in Iberica’s perfect cellar conditions.

A range of Spanish cocktails, with or without alcohol, will also be on offer, including the Valencian speciality, Agua de Valencia.

The Canary Wharf site will provide a range of dishes and Bocadillos – hand carved Jamon Serrano baguettes –for guests to take away, and for larger orders will deliver anywhere within the Canary Wharf Estate.

Iberica Canary Wharf will also benefit from an outside terrace adjacent to the restaurant in Cabot Square and will seat up to 120 guests. Planned to open in Spring 2012, this exterior space will have its own allocated kitchen, ensuring the quality of the dishes served on the terrace will emulate those served in the interior restaurant.

Iberica Canary Wharf is open Monday through Saturday 11:00am – midnight. On Sundays, Iberica is open from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.