Escala

Escala brings a spirited slice of Spain to Clevedon, channelling the easy rhythm of small plates and the pleasures of grazing. Its menu reads like a tour of Iberian flavours, built for sharing and lingering, where simple, well-sourced ingredients are given the spotlight.

To start, the mood is set with almendras fritas and marinated olives before moving into a handsome spread of cheese, including manchego paired with chestnut honey and candied walnut. Freshness leads in the salads: heritage tomatoes glisten under Arbequina extra virgin olive oil, while chicory finds richness and lift with blue cheese, poached pears and an orange dressing.

From there, plates gather momentum. Bravas arrive crisp and golden with confit garlic aioli and bravas sauce; charred espárragos meet Snowdonia truffle cheddar. Chorizo is poached in cider, red wine and honey for a sweet-savoury glow, while flat iron steak finds brightness in salsa verde alongside sweet potato. The sea is well represented, too, with calamares and gambas pil pil bringing citrus, chilli and garlic to the fore.

To finish, Basque cheesecake with peaches keeps things silky and light, while chocolate cremeux, scattered with sea salt and chocolate soil, leans dark and indulgent. Gather a table, order a spread, and let the conversation do the rest - Escala is best enjoyed one delicious plate at a time.