The Story of Tapas Brindisa
Celebrating Spanish food, sharing and hospitality across London.
Tapas Brindisa was among the early restaurant groups to bring traditional Spanish tapas culture and hospitality to London.
The Brindisa story began in 1988 when Monika Linton established the company's importing operation.
During the mid 1990s, Brindisa expanded its public presence at Borough Market, initially opening its warehouse to visitors before establishing a dedicated market shop.
The first Tapas Brindisa restaurant opened beside Borough Market in 2004, adopting the informal no reservations approach associated with traditional tapas bars in Spain.
From Importer to London Restaurant Group
1988
Monika Linton established the Brindisa importing business.
Mid 1990s
Brindisa opened its warehouse to the public and established a retail presence at Borough Market.
2004
The first Tapas Brindisa restaurant opened near Borough Market.
2023 Article Record
The original article described the Brindisa Kitchens group as operating six London locations.
Brindisa began by importing Spanish products before developing its retail and restaurant businesses in London.
Its Borough Market roots became an important part of the company's identity and helped introduce more London diners to Spanish ingredients, tapas and hospitality.
The first Tapas Brindisa restaurant opened in 2004 and used a no reservations policy inspired by informal tapas bars in Spain.
Historical information drawn from the original 2023 article.
Monika Linton
Monika Linton established Brindisa's importing business in 1988 and later developed its retail presence at Borough Market.
Her work helped establish the foundation for the Tapas Brindisa restaurant group and its focus on Spanish products, culture and hospitality.
Food Made for Sharing
The Tapas Brindisa approach centred on Spanish and British ingredients prepared with an emphasis on flavour, authenticity and sharing.
The restaurant described its food as homely and generous, reflecting the traditional social experience of Spanish tapas.
Brindisa also highlighted its direct relationships with suppliers and its focus on presenting carefully selected Spanish ingredients within a London restaurant setting.
Warm, Lively and Generous
Tapas Brindisa described its hospitality style as warm, welcoming, lively, generous, informed and personal.
The concept aimed to create a dining experience shaped by the atmosphere and social nature associated with traditional Spanish tapas culture.
Brindisa Across London
Locations referenced in the original 2023 article
London Bridge
Soho
South Kensington
Battersea
Richmond
Brindisa Kitchen Bar at Borough Market
Historical locations from the original 2023 article. Current locations, opening hours and booking information may have changed.
Why Tapas Brindisa Stood Out
Spanish Heritage
A restaurant concept shaped around Spanish ingredients, tapas and hospitality.
Borough Market Roots
A history closely connected to one of London's recognised food destinations.
Food for Sharing
A dining style centred around social meals and traditional tapas culture.
Supplier Connections
An emphasis on working directly with suppliers and carefully selected ingredients.
Tapas Brindisa and the 2022 National Film Awards
The original article also reported that Tapas Brindisa supported the 2022 National Film Awards as an official Bronze Category Sponsor.
The partnership related to the Global Contribution to Motion Picture category at the eighth annual National Film Awards, which took place in London on 4 July 2022.
This sponsorship was connected to the National Film Academy and National Film Awards. It was not a British Restaurant Awards sponsorship.
"The National Film Awards is committed to providing a platform for exciting brands to be discovered by the audience. Tapas Brindisa fits the description of a brand that is exciting, enjoyable and connected to our core demographic."
Runnoo Mahima
Associate Brands Manager, National Film Awards
Quotation attributed to a National Film Awards representative. This partnership is separate from the British Restaurant Awards.
Tapas Brindisa Brings the Spirit of Spain to London
Tapas Brindisa was among the early restaurant businesses to introduce traditional Spanish tapas culture and hospitality to London.
Monika Linton established the importing side of Brindisa in 1988.
During the mid 1990s, the business developed its public presence at Borough Market, initially opening its warehouse to visitors before establishing a dedicated market shop.
The first Tapas Brindisa restaurant opened beside Borough Market in 2004.
Its no reservations approach reflected the informal atmosphere associated with traditional tapas bars in Spain.
The restaurant's food brought together Spanish and British products with an emphasis on flavour, quality and sharing.
Tapas Brindisa described its approach as homely and authentic, with carefully selected Spanish ingredients forming an important part of the dining experience.
The group also highlighted its direct relationships with suppliers and its commitment to bringing their products, values and quality to the table.
Tapas Brindisa aimed to offer guests a genuine experience of Spanish hospitality that was warm, welcoming, lively, generous and personal.
At the time of the original article, the Brindisa Kitchens group was described as operating six London sites.
These included tapas restaurants in London Bridge, Soho, South Kensington, Battersea and Richmond, together with Brindisa Kitchen Bar at Borough Market.
The original article also reported that Tapas Brindisa supported the 2022 National Film Awards as an official Bronze Category Sponsor.
The partnership related to the Global Contribution to Motion Picture category at the eighth annual National Film Awards in London.
This sponsorship was connected to the National Film Academy and was separate from the British Restaurant Awards.
The story of Tapas Brindisa reflects the development of a restaurant group shaped by Spanish products, sharing, hospitality and its longstanding connection to Borough Market.
Archive Note
This article was originally published on 23 March 2023 and reflects the Tapas Brindisa locations, restaurant information and partnership details reported at that time. Current locations, menus, opening hours and booking information may have changed.
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