Chef José Pizarro’s artful new ode to Spanish dining in London is called Lolo

Lolo, located in London’s fashionable Bermondsey Street, offers a taste of Extremadura in an art-filled setting

Interior of Lolo by chef José Pizarro. Photographs on wall by Peter Meades
Interior of Lolo by chef José Pizarro. Photographs on wall by Peter Meades
(Image credit: Courtesy of Lolo)

Stepping into Lolo, Spanish chef José Pizarro’s newest restaurant in London, feels like entering a slice of his hometown in Extremadura: think rustic finishes, terracotta tiles, and a shareable all-day Iberian menu. But while the western Spanish charm is undeniable, Lolo dodges the trap of feeling overly thematic. Instead, its intimate walls surprise with a (tasteful) collection of contemporary art – where else could you enjoy tortilla beneath a Tracey Emin self-portrait? Bear in mind the strictly no-food White Cube Bermondsey gallery lies metres away.

Exterior of Lolo, located in London’s trendy Bermondsey

Exterior of Lolo, in London’s Bermondsey Street

(Image credit: Photography by Stevie Campbell)

Lolo nails this balance: bold yet approachable, understated yet irresistibly romantic. As the ‘youngest sibling’ to Pizarro’s Bermondsey Street staples – the lively José tapas bar and relaxed Pizarro restaurant – it finds its own niche. By day, it’s a breezy, sunlit café; by night, an intimate, wine-fuelled retreat.

The Mood: playful heritage

Interior of Lolo

Interior of Lolo

(Image credit: Photography by Stevie Campbell)

British interior design studio Pattern Haus led the restaurant’s design. ‘We wanted to reflect José’s passion for bringing people together through food, celebrating his heritage and the neighbourhood’s industrial history,’ says designer Karen Taylor. At its heart is a bar with counter seating, blending rustic oak and rattan textures inspired by Pizarro’s upbringing, with a marble counter with bold red veining that echoes Bermondsey Street’s industrial roots.

Tracey Emin self portrait in restaurant

No! This Is Sad (self-portrait), 2022, by Tracey Emin

(Image credit: Photography by Stevie Campbell)

Plates on wall

Zephyr Platters by Peter Layton

(Image credit: Photography by Stevie Campbell)

Each designated seating area is encircled by honey-toned end-grain timber flooring that mimics a rustic chopping board, while natural terracotta tiles line circulation spaces, harmonising with soft lime-washed walls and ceilings. Custom linen shades and elegant wall lights further add warmth, accentuating art such as a watercolour by late local artist Norman Ackroyd, photographs by Pizarro’s partner, Peter Meades, and a free-blown glass triptych by Peter Layton.

The Food: tasty Spanish favourites, the José Pizarro way

Mediterranean fare at Lolo

Mediterranean fare at Lolo

(Image credit: Photography by Joe Howard)

‘The menu features dishes I love to cook and eat at home,’ says Pizarro, singling out the Lolo de ternera as his favourite – a beef sandwich with green peppers and Ermesenda cheese. Lolo’s menu offers a range of small plates (best shared) that balance creative presentation with bold flavours. Think of inventive vegetarian dishes alongside juicy meat and seafood options.

Lolo de ternera, a beef sandwich with green peppers and Ermesenda cheese

Lolo de ternera, a beef sandwich with green peppers and Ermesenda cheese

(Image credit: Photography by Joe Howard)

Classic devilled eggs with salt cured anchovy

Classic devilled eggs with salt cured anchovy

(Image credit: Photography by Joe Howard)

Eggs take centre stage, starring in fluffy lazy omelettes, baked dishes, and even devilled creations. Starters see an artisanal touch, such as fresh curd cheese with tomatoes and preserved lemon; and courgette carpaccio with pine nuts and slow-roasted tomatoes. Mains embrace Spanish family traditions, from tender ‘Rockfish’ cuttlefish with black squid ink rice to Presa Ibérica in escabeche with confit peppers. For a taste of the sea, an artisanal selection of briny tins includes Chipirones in ink and Catalina Cantabrian anchovies. Pair these with your choice of Spanish beers, dulcet cocktails, or sparkling, red, and white wines.

Lolo is located at 102 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3UB, josepizarro.com

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Travel Editor

Sofia de la Cruz is the Travel Editor at Wallpaper*. She was born in Madrid, Spain but moved to London when she was 14 years old. Being exposed to the city’s creative pulse at such a young age shaped her into the inquisitive professional she is today. Before joining the Wallpaper* team in 2023, she worked for Hypebae and Hypebeast UK, where she focused on the intersection of art, fashion, and culture. Additionally, she contributed to Futurevvorld by covering a variety of sustainability topics.