Weekly Review: Andanza
Buzzy, energetic and innovative Basque-inspired tapas and pixtos.
Back in the early days of the Internet and social media, people like me wrote a lot about the wisdom of crowds. There were all sorts of fascinating projects developed and platforms built to harness the power of collective thinking and profound community insight. Wikipedia remains a miraculous example of this hopeful era, when volunteers assembled the world’s most important body of knowledge without management, oversight, or project plans. An ever-shrinking but still substantial community of volunteers maintains it today.
Around the same time, the authors of the Cluetrain Manifesto predicted that the Internet would act as a liberating force for markets and society. Digital technologies flattened organisations, and in one of my favourite stories, a crowd-sourcing exercise among Walmart’s 1.6 million employees unearthed dozens ideas to reduce energy consumption and enhance business efficiency. In one particularly hot corner of the U.S., a Walmart Associate suggested adding simple awnings over the outdoor vending machines positioned at every store. That small move saved vast sums of money, energy, and carbon.
On the other hand, here in the UK, crowd sourcing has predictably and frequently gone awry. In 2016, the National Environment Research Council asked the public to name its brand new, flagship exploration vessel. The crowd chose “Boaty McBoatface.” The NERC rightly went with RRS Sir David Attenborough instead, but in an apt demonstration of the value of humour, named one of the ship’s exploration submarines, “Boaty.”
In Scotland, road contractor Amey has perfected the balance by asking the public to name its gritter trucks, then partnering with Traffic Scotland on a real-time Gritter Tracker. Sled Zeppelin may be my favourite, though Gritney Spears is also excellent.
So, sometimes — perhaps even frequently — the crowd gets it right.
Which is how I wound up at Andanza in Bermondsey.
The little tapas and pintxos place sits on the corner of Weston Street and Snowfields, directly on the way to Trivet.
As regular readers will know, I go to Trivet all the time — for wine tastings, a meal, or just to sit at the bar.
And every time I walk down the street, I pass this tiny spot on the corner, which is forever full of people and buzzing with energy.
A couple of years ago, I popped in with two friends following a very long lunch at Trivet, for a plate of jamón and one more glass of wine. I left with a positive first impression, but a hazy memory. Later, a colleague chose it for a work dinner, and my first impressions were confirmed by trying a wider selection. But I still wasn’t quite sure.
Finally, two weeks ago, I made a proper visit with my wife, and I am happy to report that Andanza is excellent.
Head Chef Paulina Irzyk spent time at Lurra and Donostia before opening Andanza in 2020. So she knows her Basque inside and out.
At Andanza, she offers a varying blend of authentic classics and innovative delights. So, in addition to tradition Gilda and Pan con Tomate, the menu also includes Foie Gras with Sweet Cherry Reduction and Mini Burger with Manchego and House Sauce.
Among my favourite dishes was Jamón Ibérico with Pistachio Cream and Cream Cheese. It was rich and delicious on thick, homemade toast. Similarly, Crab with Lemon Alioli was positively bursting with subtle crabby flavour.
Fresh, seasonal asparagus with melon and more jamón was another pleasant experience, seasoned with basaltic vinegar, it was a wonderful expression of early spring. Galician octopus was perfectly cooked and grilled, delivering delightful smokiness.
We chose a couple of wines from the exclusively Spanish list, and my Rioja Blanco was a great pairing with the range of food we tried.
Reflecting a couple of weeks later, the energy of the place still stands out. Seating is on stools at counters or high tables. There are dark woods, and floor to ceiling windows. The staff are wonderful — friendly, welcoming, attentive, and helpful. But there is also a sense of cool about them that benefits the whole vibe.
As a result, Andanza feels like a place you could wonder into during a visit to Madrid or San Sebastien and walk away very happy. There’s a balance of the new and the familiar. The food is fantastic.
It’s also about 5 minutes walk from London Bridge station, so it’s a great place for a professional drink or dinner, readily accessible from any part of town.
I also prefer it to the plethora of José Pizzaro places in Bermondsey. There’s something more energetic and interesting about Andanza, including the food.
And if you emerge from London Bridge and can’t quite seem to find your way, don’t be troubled. Just follow the crowd.
Quick hit: Crowded, energetic place for tapas and pixtos near London Bridge.
Details: Booking advised. London Bridge. ££.
Visit their website. More on Instagram.
Find it on Google Maps. 66 Weston St., SE1 3ST.
Thanks for reading this week’s review. What’s your favourite place for Spanish Tapas? Tell me what you think in the Comments. And please subscribe if you haven’t already.
I’m so curious about this place but in typical London fashion I only remember it when I see or hear about it. Thank you for your service 🤝