Barrafina Coal Drops Yard

You're walking through Coal Drops Yard—that converted Victorian warehouse space near King's Cross that's somehow become genuinely cool—and you spot the queue snaking out from Barrafina's counter. Don't be put off. This is where the Madrid-style tapas bar does its thing properly: pristine jamón, silky croquetas, and montaditos that taste like someone actually cares. The counter seating is the whole point—you're watching the kitchen work, eavesdropping on proper food chat, proper wine talk. Sherry flows. It's not fussy or self-important, just excellent at what it does.