Bar San Juan

Beech Road’s Bar San Juan is almost always bursting at the seams with customers. This unassuming little tapas bar is one of those hidden gems of almost cult-like status and the closest thing to a real Spanish bar anywhere in the North West.

It used to be famed for its long queues but you can now book a table. It may not be as authentically back-street Madrid but it is more practical.

Our reviewers have enjoyed tasty morsels such as chickpeas with spinach, garlic and almonds, pickled anchovies (boquerones to those in the know) and classic tortilla. The chefs work such wonders in the lilliputian kitchen that you almost forget you are in suburban Manchester and not the barrios of Madrid.

The food is fantastic but it’s the atmosphere that sets this place apart from any other Spanish eatery in the city.

Order a drink, a few tapas and then repeat for as long as you can hold on to your table.