Lola Tapas & Wine - Restaurant Oval

You're walking down Brixton Road towards Oval, and suddenly the place feels less chain-heavy. Lola's got that Spanish tavern energy without feeling like it's trying too hard—exposed brick, proper wine selection, and staff who know their vermouth from their fino. The tapas menu reads like someone's been to Spain and actually paid attention: jamón that melts on your tongue, patatas bravas with bite, croquetas that justify the queue. It's the kind of spot where you'll end up staying longer than planned, working your way through smaller plates and a third glass of something you've never heard of.