Page 30 - #200 June/July 2025

INTERVIEW

Rooted in Authenticity

Part of Harts Group, Barrafina serves modern Spanish tapas and was not only
created as a tribute to the owners’ mothers, but to suit the lifestyle and tastes of
cosmopolitan diners in London. In this interview, we converse with Sam Hart,
CEO of Harts Group and Anna Watkins, Managing Director of Barrafina to
learn more about the concept that is taking London by storm.

ounded by restaurateurs Sam and Eddie Hart in which is modelled on the Hart family house in
Fthe early 2000s, Harts Group has built an envi- Mallorca and serves Spanish wines, cocktails and
able portfolio that blends tradition with innovation, tapas. After living in Mexico City for five years,
delivering experiences that are as memorable as they this experience influenced the launch of El Pastor
are mouth-watering. Ever since the opening of their in 2016. The four sites of El Pastor in central
first restaurant, Fino, off Charlotte Street in central London provide an authentic Mexican dining and
London in 2003, the company has reimagined what it cocktail experience.
means to dine in the capital and beyond. “In 2008, we opened Quo Vadis, having fallen
The Harts Group operates two main depart- in love with this iconic London restaurant. The
ments - Spanish and Mexican. On the Spanish side restaurants at Quo Vadis serve seasonal, regional
they operate five Barrafinas, all in central London. British fare, with a menu conjured up by chef
Barrafina provides unrivalled Spanish countertop proprietor, Jeremy Lee and his team,” explains
Main picture. Barrafina Dean Street, restaurants, serving modern tapas of exceptional Sam Hart, CEO of Harts Group. “This is comple-
London, UK quality with dynamic open kitchens in a lively and mented by an exuberant private members’ club,
2. Barrafina Coal Drops Yard, London, UK
3. Bar Daskal, London, UK energetic atmosphere. They also operate two with two bars and its own restaurant, meeting
4/5 Barrafina Borough Yards, London, UK Parrillans in central London. Parrillan offers guests every requirement from dusk until dawn. Complet-
a vibrant and sociable Spanish live fire cooking ing the portfolio are two neighbourhood bars, The
experience with table-top grills, seasonal Spanish Drop and Two Drops.”
‘hero’ ingredients and stunning outdoor terraces. Having always been inspired by using the finest
Finally, they have Bar Daskal in Borough Yards, ingredients, an early motto for the group was

30 RETAIL & LEISURE INTERNATIONAL JUNE/JULY 2025