ALTA launches Basque-inspired Bar ALTA concept in Soho
London’s ALTA will transform its ground floor into a more casual pintxos-style bar next week, placing greater emphasis on wines by the glass, vermouth and sherry.
ALTA will launch a new ground-floor concept, Bar ALTA, on 23 June, introducing a more casual dining experience inspired by the pintxos culture of Northern Spain.
The first-floor restaurant will continue to operate as usual, serving ALTA’s original menu of elevated sharing dishes centred around charcoal cooking.
The new concept has been developed by head chef Robbie Jameson, formerly head chef at HUMO, who joined ALTA in May. Drawing on his experience of cooking over fire and his interest in the bar culture of the Basque Country, Jameson has created a menu designed for more spontaneous dining, with both reservations and walk-ins welcomed. The offering will also extend to the restaurant’s ground-floor terrace.
Casual dining with a stronger by-the-glass focus
Bar ALTA’s menu will feature a selection of smaller dishes and daily specials, including Grilled Flatbread with Green Romesco & Manchego, Spiced Cecina with Kampot Peppercorn Oil, and Padrón Peppers with Mint, Sour Cream & Pickled Chilli.
Larger sharing dishes will include A4 Wagyu with Marmite, Honey & Espelette Pepper and Corn-Fed Chicken with Fermented Chilli & Chicken Crumb.
The drinks programme will continue to focus on savoury, food-led cocktails inspired by Spanish drinking culture. Wine and craft cider will remain central to the offer, with the same wine list shared between Bar ALTA and the upstairs restaurant.
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However, Bar ALTA will place greater emphasis on wines by the glass, allowing guests to explore a wider range of styles in a more casual setting. A rotating selection of vermouths and sherries will also be available.
To support the new format, the ground floor is being redesigned with additional high-top and counter seating overlooking the kitchen, while the 20-seat terrace has been refreshed with more high tables and banquette seating.
Bar ALTA will operate from 12pm to 10pm, Tuesday to Saturday, and from 5pm to 10pm on Sundays, aiming to reflect Spain’s relaxed aperitif culture by encouraging guests to drop in for drinks and snacks or an informal lunch.
Upstairs restaurant continues
Alongside the launch of Bar ALTA, Jameson will continue to oversee the menu served upstairs, with new summer dishes including Highland Lobster rice, Iberico & smoked cheddar croquettes and Oak smoked Yellowtail & Ajoblanco joining existing dishes such as Txistorra, Squid, Lardo & Vizcaína Sauce, and Chocolate & Olive Oil.
Earlier this year, ALTA was recognised in the Michelin Guide and was nominated for Best New Opening at the National Restaurant Awards.
Artem Login, founder of MAD Restaurants, said: “With Bar ALTA, we wanted to introduce another way to enjoy the restaurant—something more relaxed and spontaneous, and to complement the ALTA people know and love, which will continue to be offered upstairs. Whether it’s a couple of small bites and a vermouth on the terrace, or a table full of dishes shared with friends, Bar ALTA is designed to capture the energy and conviviality of the bars you’ll find across the Basque Country. Summer is the ideal time to introduce this new offering to Soho and Kingly Court.”
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