HAM & SHERRY

It is hard not to be charmed by the blue and white mosaic-tiled eatery tucked away on the buzzy Ship Street in Wan Chai. Capturing the vivacious flair of a Spanish bodega, the Jason Atherton-helmed restaurant boasts a 50-strong sherry list—the largest in town—as well as sangrias, wines, and Spanish staples including a ‘special on the board’ tapas menu that frequently switches up. The charcuterie platter serves up a feast of jamón and chorizo, but the paleta ibérico de bellota (aged 36 months) was particularly outstanding with its smokiness and buttery, earthy flavours. The prawns and clamsstudded seafood paella oozed a complex, vibrant aroma, while standout smaller dishes included the beautifully-presented seabass and gambas al ajillo that packed a sharp garlicky kick. The cinnamon sugar-dusted churros dipped in a decadently nutty chocolate sauce put the sweet finish on the Spanish feast. Service is casual, although sometimes hurried—our only gripe about the otherwise delightful eatery. Post-dinner, sneak off through an assuming alleyway into the intimate next-door