Cocina is the latest addition to Richmond’s dining scene – serving up a slice of Spain with its tapas menu.
The pretty market town of Richmond, on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, has become home to a variety of restaurants in recent years, offering visitors and locals an eclectic mix of cuisines.
The latest addition to this Georgian town’s foodie scene is Cocina, a tapas restaurant tucked away in Rosemary Lane.
Owners, Gary and Dawn Spence, have enjoyed huge success with their first eatery in Richmond, The Little Drummer Boy Tearoom, in Finkle Street.
Now, the pair are taking customers on a taste bud tour of Spain with their new venture, Cocina – with tapas-style dishes
“Tapas is mine and Dawn’s favourite food and we particularly love how sharing food like this is so sociable,” says Gary.
“Dawn and our chef, Fiona Kitching, came up with the menu and enjoy introducing new dishes and specials on a regular basis, and we listen to our customers’ feedback to ensure we’re improving our menu all the time.
“Dawn and I sampled many tapas restaurants as part of our research whilst Fiona spent time in both Spain and Cyprus on her own personal projects before joining us.
“Our aim is to create a family feel amongst our staff which ultimately spreads into the general ambience of both Cocina and the tearooms. Our guests love spending time in our restaurants.
“Our focus now is to promote the tapas restaurant on a wider scale, making Cocina a destination dining experience that we believe is worth travelling for.”
The Food at Cocina Restaurant
Open six days a week, Cocina offers a comprehensive evening tapas menu from 5pm, Mondays to Saturdays, as well as a new lunchtime tapas menu from 12pm until 4.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Some of the Spanish delights proving hugely popular include Torreznos y Lombarda a la Madrilèna (£9.25) a delicious slow cooked belly pork with red cabbage and apples; Migas (£7.50) fried bread tossed with bacon, chorizo and black pudding, topped with a perfectly fried egg; and Berenjenas a la Española (£6.95), aubergine fritters with honey and goats cheese.
Of course there are also favourites including Gambas al Ajo (£7.50) garlic prawns, Calamares (£6.95), and Patatas Bravas (£6.25), as well as daily specials to ensure there’s always something new to try for the regulars – and there are plenty of regulars because once you’ve visited this special Spanish delight you’ll want to come back time and time again.
On Fridays and Saturdays, the restaurant is open from mid-day, offering a Tapas menu alongside the Menu Del Almnerzo which includes dishes such as Three Egg and Cheese Omelette, Toasties, Salads, and children’s’ meals such as Chicken Goujons with Fries and Peas, Macaroni Cheese and a Kid’s Charcuterie Board (children’s meals are £5.95 including a drink and ice cream).
On the lunchtime Tapas menu there’s a selection of delicious dishes including Paella, Hummus with Pitta, Garlic Mushrooms, Spanish Tortilla, Homemade Pork and Beef Meatballs, and that delicious Slow Cooked Belly Pork.
Between 2.30pm and 4.30pm there’s also a special lunchtime offer of three tapas dishes and a glass of house wine for £19.95. Cocina caters for vegetarian, vegan and gluten free diets, too.
The Drinks at Cocina Restaurant
Cocina boasts an extensive range of alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, as well as delicious teas and locally sourced coffee from Roost in Malton. The restaurant is a popular destination for those looking to enjoy exceptional wines and Cocina has quickly gained a reputation as the best place to visit for a delicious cocktail.
Cocktails include all the favourites such as a Pornstar Martini, Margarita, a variety of different flavour Mojitos and Aperol Spritz, with prices starting from £7.95.
Cocina Restaurant Interior
A short stroll from the cobbled market square along Finkle Street, you’ll discover Cocina. Adorned with ivy on the outside and multi-paned bay windows, Cocina features a couple of tables outside so guests can enjoy alfresco dining.
Inside, there’s a welcoming bar and equally welcoming staff to lead you to your table.
The restaurant’s décor is beautiful with attractive wooden tables and brightly coloured seating spread across two main levels, with a cosy mezzanine area adjacent to the bar.
The walls feature vibrant artwork of local landmarks including the town’s Norman Castle, as well as flamenco dancers and other Spanish-themed paintings. It has a relaxed, rustic vibe where you immediately feel very much at home.
For more information, visit: www.thelittledrummerboycocina.co.uk
