Camino

ricoeurian

good watering hole 22nd August 2008

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Although no one thing about Camino is excellent, the whole package is very good indeed. The setting, in the quiet but elegant inner courts of Kings X, is unusual for London. The tapas is pretty good, with some really nice dishes, like the ham and cheese croquettes (no idea if these are really very Spanish, but they are certainly yummy). Makes for a great lunch meeting venue - seats at a high bar table, a mix of tapas, sherry to start... and you're away. But it really comes alive after the local workers knock off for the day, and descend with a thirst for cava, red wine, lager (elegantly served in jugs and iced mugs) and more. There is plenty of seating, with four semi-separate areas each with a slightly different atmosphere, and the decor is light and mod, with lots of pine and steel, big barrels, a football table, and a wall-sized map of Spain.

yvonnep

Pretty decent but not exceptional 21st August 2008

1 found this helpful

I like Camino, lovely bar, tucked in away from the craziness of King's Cross, decent wines, good tapas, always buzzy and the staff are really friendly. The music is generally good and they've got that great big courtyard outside for smokers or sunny days.

It's a great place to meet people, very accessible by public transport and perfect for after work drinks.

Why 3 stars? I've been really disappointed by the restaurant. The food was over priced and under seasoned and I regretted going.

As for the bar, I'll go there over and over again.

oogywawa

A genuine Spanish experience 10th May 2008

2 found this helpful

Truly representative of the tectonic changes that are driving the metamorphosis of London’s Kings Cross is Camino Bar – that is if you can find it! Nicely off the beaten track is probably more generous and that ensures that only those who know it’s there actually visit – and that’s more than enough.

Walking through the alleyway into the Courtyard is the equivalent of a metaphorical shower as you leave the grime behind and enter an aesthetically pleasing, deliciously clean and funky authentic Spanish culinary & cultural experience. The secluded courtyard neatly divides the bar and restaurant and in both authenticity is the name of the game. Knowledgeable bar staff help you out with your choices from excellent Spanish wine to draught Cruzcampo served in iced glasses and artisan chefs deliver true classic Spanish cooking from the parilla (charcoal grill) whether it be red mullet, jamon iberico or steak.
It’s hard to fault this place, with its gregarious atmosphere and exciting vibrant fare and all a stone’s throw from the gateway to the continent that has done much to drive the huge regeneration that is happening to the area.

mazphd at 12/05/08

my only complaint is that in the area, this is the ONLY venue that has spark, atmosphere and great wine... more places like this please! esp for those occasions i'm waiting for the train!

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mazphd

Go spanish 13th April 2008

3 found this helpful

i keep meaning to write a review for Camino, but am so taken with its charms that it is easy to forget to give mention. So here it is; Camino is a Spanish bar just by kings cross. Handy indeed if you are coordinating people's across london, or just want somewhere more enticing than the local starbucks and pret to locate yourself in whilst between travels.

I have been here a few times now and the staff are really great. Friendly, not over the top with trying to sell you the most expensive on the menu, and really charming. several times i've found myself indecisive and overwhelmed by the choice, and each time they've directed the decision making with grace and astuteness. This means that I can now act the 'expert' and recommend the apertifs, none too dry sherry. Also excellent is the house red, a house wine that is tastable and suprisingly sublime on the palate.

I should mention a rokkie error on my part from my latest trip into Camino; as it was for a birthday occasion i asked for some champagne. opps, a SPANISH bar, not supplied by that particular region of France. Thankfully they do provide a very drinkable Cava. Instead of flutes this is served in more martini style glasses that demands this is for easy drinking rather than slow sips. As soon as the bubbles leave the Cava is less palatable, but pour another glass and away you can go again!

The tapas in the bar area is of quite reasonable standard when you consider that this IS a bar and is usually absolutely packed! Better for food and atmosphere is the restaurant, a quieter setting and a more developed and adventuous menu. The Octopus rice is splendid, as is the monk fish. Also sublime is the roast vegetable and asparagus salad on the sides. Yum yum yum.

My one criticism: not a great mojito can Camino make *sigh*, but then there is always room for improvement.

So get some rhythum into your body and enjoy the pace, vibrancy, foods and drinks of Camino . A fun venue and even good for breakfast!

bombaybeauty

Passable tapas for a quiet night out in the area 9th August 2007

2 found this helpful

It's a hard place to find, hidden in the courtyard at the corner of Caledonian and Pentonville, and the idea of a hidden (not so little) tapas place right across the street from Scala is appealing. The space is divided into two sections. The bar/tapas section includes a large courtyard and interior bar space. The space is a little too large for the crowds this place currently attracts. Filled with 100 people it might be a lot of fun. Currently it's a good spot for a heart-to-heart.

The tapas selection is limited, but decent. The classic tortilla was slightly below par, the spinach croquettes not too flavorful, and the Manchego cheese, well, good (apparently they can wield knife pretty well).

If this placed served really cheap drinks it would be spot on perfect. But as it stands the pieces of the puzzle don't fit together.

Formaggio_Amore

A Spaniard in Kings Cross : not the full, conquering Armada -yet. 23rd June 2007

4 found this helpful

I was out on a Friday evening in Kings Cross with a number of TrustedPlaces members to sample some tapas and refreshments at Camino, a new venue with a hint of Iberic flavour to it.

Camino has got a bar and a separate restaurant, tucked away in a short alleyway that leads to a double courtyard, which represent the outside of the venue. In my view, the location aspect of Camino is a positive one as it is hidden from the noisy and polluted area that Kings Cross is; you have to be a local or someone who's been there before to know it exists.

The general layout is spacious, with plenty of wood and brick work, giving it a nice and trendy feel, which, in addition to the courtyard that it has, makes it a welcome venue for al fresco drinking in this hidden and quite yard off Kings Cross.

We ordered a selection of tapas, which turned out to be tasty and not too oily -unlike many tapas venues in London. I particularly enjoyed the cheese pastry, the seafood and the stuffed pepper tapas, although the dishes were not exceptional in terms of flavour. Drink wise, I had a couple of Caipirinhas, which were alright -then again, I cannot pretend to be an expert in the field; I'd leave that to my fellow “Brazilian” reviewer, Buraco.

I agree with some reviewers, though, that Camino could definitely do with a bit of spicing up in terms of music and atmosphere, which I presume, it being owned by the Cargo people, will happen in future.

We actually met the owner in the evening, which was interesting as he explained that he is keen to use fresh ingredients for the food, notably the seafood, which, apparently, they source exclusively from Cornwall or there about, freshly delivered on a daily basis. That was certainly noticeable in the seafood tapas that I tasted.

All in all, this venue is only a few weeks old and has the potential to improve in terms of the atmosphere/music (in the bar) and strengthening the flavours of the tapas it serves. Having said that, I haven't tried the restaurant but I would recommend Camino as a place for al fresco drinking in the summer, in Kings Cross.

helenlauralewis

A bit of Spain in Kings Cross?? 13th June 2007

2 found this helpful

After missing out on the opening night as I was on my hols I promised myself a trip to Camino as soon as possible. Last night I popped in for a glass of wine and some tapas, and have to say that unfortunately I came out a little disappointed. Positives: the wine was very tasty and the layout of the bar is great as it allows you to discover a quiet corner, or mingle at the bar. Down-sides: I was over-charged by a tenner which was refunded when I returned to the bar to complain. I had to chase the tortilla de patatas. It was lacking in atmosphere, which is probably not unusual for a Tuesday night but I do think its location means people are unlikely to simply stumble upon it and pop in for a quick drink.
All in all, the staff are very pleasant, there is a lovely fresh and new feeling to the place and the tapas is OK (bit too pricey in my opinion).

sue

Hidden Tapas Bar 12th June 2007

1 found this helpful

A night out with the TrustedPlaces members was on the cards and Camino was the venue. Hidden just off the main drag in Kings Cross, Camino is a new, spacious bar and restaurant specialising in Spanish tapas and grills.

It is a large space, with separate restaurant and bar areas, along with a great outdoor courtyard which is perfect for those balmy summer evening drinks.

We indulged in a few Caipirinha's which were very refreshing. As a group, we ordered a selection of tapas and all got to try a bit of each. It was good quality, though I can't say that I enjoyed the flavours as much as tapas that I have eaten in Spain.

I liked the feel of Camino, though that may have had more to do with being out with a group of friendly TrustedPlaces members than the surroundings. That said, the friendly staff and convenient location make me keen to go back and give it another chance, perhaps next time I will have a meal in the restaurant and try some of that grilled meat.

Buraco

11th June 2007

4 found this helpful

Went here last Friday for the latest TP gathering. Still not sure what to make of it so will fence-sit with 3 stars.

Good things - innovative layout and design with a great outdoor courtyard that I forsee getting lots of action post-July 1st smoking ban. Decor is very nice and a standout feature of the place. Tapas we had was generally tasty and service seemed above average I'd say.

Bad things - I had a terrible G&T (couldn't even finish it, which is a travesty) and I'm not really sure how you mess up a G&T, but they did. The mojitos were also a major let-down: glasses too big, plus not enough rum and too much ice = minty water for most of your drink. Aside from very poor drinks experience, my main reservation is that it didn't have much atmosphere. Can't even remember what music (if any) they were playing, but considering this place is run by the Cargo people, I would expect much more in the tunes department to build a little vibe.

Overall, worth a visit on sunny evenings. Definitely a step in the right direction for Kings X area, but a little more work needed to make Camino a superstar venue.

CecileBertout

A corner of Spain in Kings Cross 10th June 2007

5 found this helpful

Camino is a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of Kings Cross.

It is tucked away, has a great secluded and large courtyard - v handy for these long summer nights (yes they do occur even in London!) and it offers great drinks and great spanish food. The tapas are actually really tasty and not greasy - as tends to be the case in a number of spanish joints in London. The owner seems to take great pride in sourcing sustainable and tasty ingredients.

There is a bar area and also a restaurant. Did not try the restaurant but heard great things about it.

A place which is bound to go from strentgh to strentgh and appeal to the young professional crowd. Definitely the place to go if you are out and about in Kings Cross and are wondering what to do with colleagues/ friends.