Head to the Southbank this 15-16 June, to sample some of the best Spanish food in London, as well as some delicious Rioja wines. 

After the roaring success of last year’s event, Southbank’s Spanish food and wine festival, Rioja Tapas Fantasticas returns this June, transforming the London landmark into a little hub of Basque Country gastronomy.

Popping up over the weekend of 15 -16 June 2013, the free festival will celebrate the best of Rioja’s food and wine. Taking inspiration from Rioja’s famous tapas crawl, Calle Laurel, the Southbank will be transformed into the famous Spanish tapas street. Expect a display of the sights, smells and sounds of the Basque Country – a Spanish feast for the senses.

Some of the Capital’s best Spanish restaurants will be popping up at the festival, including Bermondsey based sherry and tapas bar, Jose, trendy London hotspot Ibérica and City of London’s chic Hispania restaurant. Whether a self-confessed tapas connoisseur or a patatas bravas beginner, there’ll be plenty on offer to excite your taste buds and inspire your cooking.

Of course it wouldn’t be a true Spanish feast without a glass of red or two to wash it down. Sample the best reds, as well as whites and rosés from over 30 Rioja wineries, or hone your sommelier skills with workshops lead by wine experts, Olly Smith and Susy Atkins.

Be sure to stop off at the Food and Painting stalls where Spanish artists will merge together the art of food and the art of painting, to create a unique ‘a la carte’ edible piece of work.

Where: Potters Fields Park, Tooley Street / The Queens Walk, Southwark, London SE1 2AA

When: Saturday 15 June and Sunday 16 June 2013, 12pm-8pm Saturday and 12pm-6pm Sunday

Tickets: FREE entry

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