Decimo in a nutshell
Decimo is the new playground of London’s cool creatives, serving a refined selection of Spanish and Mexican small plates and hard liquor.
Who’s cooking?
One of Bristol’s finest exports, chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias, has moved to the capital to steer the Decimo ship. Along with trusted head chef Josh Green, Peter’s left behind his internationally lauded (and family run) Casamia and Paco Tapas.
What’s the vibe?
Groovy. Whizz up the Willy-Wonka-esque, red capsule lift that hugs the outside of King Cross’s new, achingly hip hotel, The Standard, straight up to the top and 10th floor. Here you’ll find a 70s-inspired dream, with trippy rattan-patterned ceiling panels, red tiled tabletops, colourful Mexican fabric-backed chairs, burnt orange glassware and velvet stools, warm woods, rust-coloured leather, a curvy bar, cacti, succulents, a DJ booth and a peekaboo kitchen. You can come just for cocktails but stay for dinner to drink it, and the showstopping views across London, in.
What’s the food like at Decimo?
Fans of Peter’s signature refined but playful cooking won’t be disappointed at Decimo. Inspired by his Spanish heritage and love of Mexico, the menu encourages you to load up on small plates or order the full chef’s tasting experience. Dinner goes on till late – up to midnight on Tuesday and Wednesday, and 3am Thursday to Saturday – and you can spend as little (tacos start at £5, croquetas at £3.50) or as much (£80 for a creamy tortilla the size of your fist, yielding under the weight of 50g of onyx Exmoor caviar) as you like. Order the following, though, and you’ll be pleased with your spend either way.
Marinated red peppers arrive blistered, minced and moulded atop a marble doorstop – sweet and smoky, they tell a story of a kitchen that respects its ingredients. Croquetas de jamón are well practiced. Spankingly fresh, clean white crabmeat is made addictive thanks to its decoration of fresh and jellied jalapeño, sprightly lime mayo and shredded coriander. And gambas blancas de huelva, the prized, delicate Andalucian prawns, arrive served on ice, just cooked, salty, sweet and as supple as Decimo’s attractive soft leather furnishings.
And the drinks?
Decimo sticks to its theme with the drinks list too, offering a sterling selection of Spanish and Latin American wine, mezcals, and dangerously drinkable sherry cocktails.
olive tip
If you have a party planned, book the private dining room with its head-to-toe views across London.
Book a room at The Standard to sleep over in the grooviest hotel in London
Decimo at The Standard, 10 Argyle Street, London W1CH 8EG
Words by Laura Rowe
Food photographs by Charlie McKay, interior photographs by Tim Charles
