Andanza

Andanza opened in Bermondsey in late 2020, transformed from an old bookmakers shop during the national Covid lockdown. The name Andanza, meaning fortune, fate or journey, is reflective of both the gamble of opening a restaurant during such uncertain times and the spirit of the Spanish dining culture that inspired it. The aim was the capture the flow and energy of the pintxo bars of San Sebastián and the convivial atmosphere of the tabanacos of Jerez and bring this to London. Food and drink are the central focus; seasonal tapas and pintxo dishes rooted in Basque, Galician and Andalucian influence paired with a drinks list made up of sherry, vermouths and wines – all Spanish in origin. The design of the restaurant deepens the cultural connection: a hand carved oak bar, green tiles, stool seating, and ecclesiastical doors evoke heritage while playful additions, a matador pig print and a television playing Spanish games shows from the 1980s add touches of humour and nostalgia. From careful design of food menus utilising many ingredients which are Spanish PDIs/PDOs to a drinks list which offers exclusively Spanish wines, authenticity has been at the heart of Andanza from the beginning.